I grew up in a home where our dogs were the center of our family culture. This experience showed me how much a dog can enrich one’s life. It also taught me the importance of consistent, loving care and good exercise and engaging interactions to make a dog feel secure and connected to the humans in her or his life. A good dog walker must understand this and be committed to providing all of that. I have cared for my own dogs during both their easy and challenging times. I watched after my dog Tashi from when he was a puppy until he was an old man suffering from arthritis, partial blindness and kidney disease. I helped leash train him when he was a puppy, and then learned how to walk him gently and patiently when he became very infirmed with age. During all stages of his life, I found ways to play with him that kept him engaged. My current dog, Scout, is still young and healthy. She’s sometimes afraid of other dogs, but I’ve found ways to ease that anxiety, by giving her positive reinforcement (using calm verbal cues and yummy treats) whenever we pass other dogs. She now has several friends in the neighborhood. In short: I have an understanding for dogs and a commitment to their wellbeing that will make me a superior dog walker.