I have had cats and dogs since I was a small child, and learned much about their care from my mother, who has veterinary experience. My first dog (a border collie I named Zipper) was my responsibility to raise and train. We took part in dog shows through a 4-H club, and I am still caring for him as an old man. While I was going to school in southern Africa, I was part of a volunteer group who went to a local animal shelter and socialized stray and abused cats and dogs. I focused my time on the larger dogs, almost all of whom had never been in a loving home. My job was to get them comfortable around people so that they could be adopted and build a bond with their new family. I love spending time with both cats and dogs, and look forward to getting to know your furball!