I have always loved dogs, from when I was a kid begging my parents for a puppy to an adult who has spent countless hours dedicated to their care. I began professionally working with dogs as a volunteer dog walker both for the Animal Humane Society and Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming, MN in 2018. I loved being able to know and understand dogs of all shapes and sizes, with diverse personalities. In addition to walking and encouraging good behavior, I played with the dogs in enclosed pens, provided them food and water as needed, and cleaned their kennels as needed. I stayed with Northwoods for over three years, developing strong connections with all workers and playing a role in the adoption process for certain dogs. Outside of this experience, I have also been trusted to dog walk and dog sit for long periods for one family with two adult Goldendoodles for over three years. I have both done stints of taking the dogs on hour-long walks on weekdays as well as staying overnight with them when their owners were on vacation for up to one week at a time. It has been incredibly rewarding to adjust to the routine of the dogs and their owners while playing with and enjoying the company of the dogs.