I have always been one of those people to point out and exclaim "PUPPY" when someone is out with their dog. I've grown up with dogs and a gamut of other animals from cats to guinea pigs and rabbits. My life changed when my current dog found me. Arya (current fur-baby) was a rescue. I found her on the highway after she had been hit by a car. I took her to the closest local vet I trusted where she spent months rehabilitating. When she was finally ready for release it was apparent she was terrified of men. It took the better part of a year eating my meals on the floor with her, taking her on walks, giving gentle pets, and providing calm reassuring words before she opened up to me. It took another two years of similar efforts for her to be comfortable approaching my immediate family. Now 5 years later we are at the dog park every Saturday morning and she makes friends and gets pets from strangers (women and men) and has learned to play fetch. It has been a very long journey for her and I, but worth it. I can't imagine her life before us meeting and I can't imagine my life without her now. She similarly rescued me during all this. I am acutely aware of the energy, patience, love, kindness and empathy needed to care for a rescue, let alone a normally happy pet. It has made me a better pet parent and a better parent for my son. I have a fairly flexible schedule and can provide walks and or play time between 9 am and 3 pm Monday through Friday and am available all day on Saturdays, after 10 am. My dog has relative autonomy at my house, has access everywhere, including the back yard. While she is not crate trained; I have pet sat for other dogs who are only permitted in certain areas and rest/sleep in crates and am comfortable working within those and similar expectations.