Hi Other Dog Lover, I decided to write you a letter that explains how I got here - my journey to Rover.com, per se. Here goes: I've loved dogs for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I wanted one so bad that when I learned how to write a five-paragraph-essay, I used my new skills to compose an essay to my father, trying to persuade him to allow me to get a dog. That didn't work so I then made it into a PowerPoint and that's when my mother gave in and took me to get a dog. Since then, my father converted to a dog lover after realizing how fantastic of an animal dogs are (how could he not?). That was my first dog, Muchacho, a little chihuahua that my mom had rescued. He lived to be 17 and I loved him so much I call him my first born. After Muchaho passed, I needed some time to heal, that was, until I realized there are so many dogs that need a loving home, and I can provide that - and so can my family and friends. I honestly wish I could save them all... It makes me disappointed how inhumane the human race can be, but that's a conversation for another day... I digress... My family, friends, and myself have been saving (and fostering when we can) rescue dogs since 2012. My mother and father now have Peanut, a rescue stray with one of the worst cases of human fear and abandonment I've ever witnessed in person (he would have been euthanized had my parents not taken him due to the patience needed in order to help him gain trust again, something we're still working on even years later). My brother and his wife took in two rescue chihuahuas, sisters, that were in need of some serious medical help - One, Piper, had to have her back leg removed, however, she remains the social, uppity of the two. And then it was my turn to find dogs for myself... I first rescued Walter from a shelter where he was surrendered by his previous owner. He is a very particular dog and likes things specifically done. I think he's hilarious, like an old grumpy man. When he turned four, I decided I had enough money to make our family bigger and I rescued Betsy, a two-year-old poodle mix with a ton of energy. I thought she might make Walter a little more social and lighten up a bit - and she did, and continues to do so two years later. I remain admirable of Betsy since she was abused, and bred, and in horrible condition when I first got her. Her ears were so cut up that the scabs looked like black clay, her stomach had scarring, and she was skin and bones - yet she was excited to be loved and she was always happy. Sometimes she will have moments of fear, I assume from bad memories, but I will always remain patient with her and do whatever it takes to make her remember she is now with me, and so very loved. I believe all dogs should be treated this way. Every single one of them. Even the ones people say are "mean" and "don't listen". There's a reason they behave that way, and we just have to either figure out why or work with what they're willing to communicate. I respect dogs so much and feel that as I try to become more involved in the dog-sitting/dog-walking field, that I will learn and advance in understanding their behaviors. I feel that showing love to dogs, mine or others, adds fulfillment to my life and I would be so honored to share my love with your little furbabies whenever I can. Treats and Wet Kisses, -Maria