Dear furry friends & fam, It's time for a much-postponed ankle surgery. Recovery is delicate and must be taken slowly. You'll see that my calendar is blocked off through January. Also, I'll be working out of the home beginning in September. A move for work is planned for December. If circumstances change, I'll update here. Meanwhile, be well, and stay safe! __________________________________________________________________________ Please note: I live in a quiet condo with a terrace facing trees and squirrels (and other fun things for dogs to spy) in Annandale, VA. My unique experience: I have owned dogs and other pets (fish, birds, hamsters) for over 30 years. My family owns cats, but I am mildly allergic, so I'm happy to care for them in your home, but can't host them in mine. I also have 3 years of previous experience as a veterinary technician during and after high school and college. During that time, I practiced basic veterinary medicine including vaccinations, medication administration, and maintenance of boarding facilities. I taught middle and high school science for 13 years before taking a term off to complete my Master of Teaching in Biology. Most recently, I worked as a program analyst at STEM Education Advocacy non-profit in Tysons. I also have experience caring for senior dogs, as my own two rescues suddenly grew old much too quickly in mid-2017 and left this world a mere 6 months apart. Although they are gone, they left a lasting impression on my heart. For the past two years I have fostered dogs for Animal Welfare League of Arlington (when not pet sitting), and they were often fascinated with my dearly departed hamster, Gladys, whom I adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. In October 2019, I began training my service dog, Anna, with a facility in Chantilly. She moved in full-time in January 2020. Anna loves to play with pup visitors large and small! In case you're wondering about my service companion, her task work is related to waking me to alarms (my mother says I'd sleep through a hurricane!) and personal anxiety in shopping centers such as grocery stores or my favorite - TJ Maxx! So, no worries - our partnership will in no way affect my ability to care for your pets! I consider other peoples' beloved pets to be family and I will do my best to treat yours like one of my own. Let me know what your pet's favorite activities are, and I will work to incorporate them into their stay!