*** Dear clients I will be away for a winter vacation starting January 15th, anticipated return in the Spring of 2023, I am looking forward to see your pets when I return :)**** Hello, I am Melissa! I have joined Rover because I LOVE animals and decided that I need to find a way to be around animals more often. Currently, I work part-time as a social worker in the mental health field, as a result, my pursuits with Rover are intended not only to be a small source of additional income but an even more valuable source of self-care. My experience with animals includes: providing daily care for my 4 year old Pom-chi Suki. I also grew up with a cat, an orange tabby cat named Goldie who lived to be 19 years old. A few years ago, I fostered two rabbits for a period of two years and cared for their daily needs. In addition, I have volunteered casually at the Medicine Hat SPCA for about 20 years walking and exercising dogs. Interestingly, it was through the SPCA that I also incorporated my love for animals into my role as a social worker by involving high risk youth in the volunteer activities. Last, I have pet sit and walked dogs for friends and family over the past 15 years.