I’ve always had dogs and cats growing up, but my two babies, Darwin and Aria, are my deepest experience. I’ve had them both since they were 14 and 10 weeks old, and they are now 13 and 10 years old. Aria is an English Shepherd at 13.5yo with Cushings Disease and Osteoarthritis, who used to be very reactive. Darwin is a 10yo mini Aussie and has been lovingly called a “full-time dog”. Here’s my take on what my experience and personality means to you. I personally don’t use pet sitting or boarding services because 1) I’m not in a position where I must leave them alone 2)I don’t trust people to care for my dogs well enough 3)Aria is high needs (medications, diapers, baths) 4)Darwin is annoying. Translation: I have a high tolerance for care/attention needs, I operate with a zero risk safety approach, and I see our pets as nonverbal children who require enrichment.