In my youth, my parents told me stories of my great, great, great grandfather Richard Martin, who started The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a precursor to The Humane Society. Because of their stories of his compassion and love for animals, I grew fond of loving them and felt a responsibility for their well-being. Over the years there have been many pets we have had in all of my households. Although these pets were for other people we lived with, the dogs, cats, even the fish would gravitate to me because of my care and love for them. I ensured they had proper care, and rarely did they have an empty food dish or water bowl. I get thirsty when I go for walks and so do our pets. I carry water and a bowl to pause during our walks to pour water into the bowl and let them drink. The I water up myself! The bonds I hold dearly for them, make the animals feel loved and relaxed when I am around. I have always provided attentive and loving care to all the animals that are entrusted to me. I feel I have carried on my ancestor’s wish from many generations before me!