I have a knack for warming up to pets who are usually shy and reserved. I am patient and perceptive, and I notice the ways different animals react to body language, motion, and vocal tone. I know how to correct misbehavior without making your pet fearful or shut down. I really try to learn the "language" that every individual pet uses. Since I was a kid, my family has had dogs of totally different sizes and personalities. My first dog, Winston, was 100 pounds of goofy labradoodle energy. We loved play wrestling, tug of war, and sniffing at the park for squirrels. For an 8-year old kid, he was my education in how to keep control and authority with a large, strong pet. After my best buddy Winston passed, we eventually got a sweet, 40-pound black lab mystery-mix from the shelter. Ellie was completely different than Winston. When we first picked her up, she was terrified of the car, and she was hesitant to any encounter with people (even our family, for a little while). Now, car rides just might be her favorite thing. She sticks her head out the window, tongue flapping, the whole nine yards. She is still hesitant with strangers and dogs at the park, but she is much more sociable than she was at first. She is as fast as lightening to fetch balls and she can sniff for squirrels with the best of 'em. I even taught her how to run beside me while i roller-blade at the park! (I still have my skates if your furry friend has what it takes!) Both of my dogs went through / have gone through various medical issues, so I am well versed in administering medicine. I know every pet has their own sneaky way to not take their medicine and I have experience making sure pets big and small keep their medicine down. Now that I've moved out from my parents' and have an apartment, I live with my roommate's gorgeous rescue cat. Connie is a long haired, 1 year old grey and white girl who brings me joy even though she'd rather watch us from afar or pull down decorations than cuddle. In the past, I have cat-sit for several friends and family, including Connie before we lived together. I have house-sit and watched 3 cats at once, one of whom is deaf and blind. I especially love learning the ways different cats interact with us. I understand most cats don't like getting picked up and forced into cuddling, while for others it's their favorite thing. Some cats are so shy that they won't come out unless you lie on the floor or look away from them. It's all about getting to know them. I'm particularly patient when it comes to correcting misbehaviors. I know how to clean up accidents and stop chaos that's occurring without losing my cool or being aggressive with the pet. If you use particular training styles, let me know and I'll follow what they know. Whether you need someone to walk your buddy or check in on them when you're busy, I will make sure they are comfortable and have all their needs met. I love pets, and I love making them happy.