Notemaker -- aka Richard -- is a responsible pet owner and has shown compassion for many animals. His rescue lab-mix was out of control when he was adopted two years ago at age 13 months. Richard, following the advice of an experience dog trainer, taught the dog to go to the bathroom outside, walk on a leash, stop chewing household items (other than toys), and become friends with the cats. This is Richard's first dog; previously, he was a frequent caretaker to an American bulldog Richard -- from 2014 to 2018 -- would take in the dog for weeks, sometimes months, at a time while the owner traveled. Richard demonstrated compassionate and quality caretaking and the dog was always excited to come to Richard's home. He even helped to escort the dog to the vet when, at age 13, he was put to sleep. Richard also has experience with cats and lives with one right now; recently, Richard was the favored person of another cat who recently died of old age. Richard was the one who stayed with the cat until the very end. He also has cared for cats on a temporary basis including one who had leukemia and needed a comfortable home until he died and two cats whose owner had a temporary housing crisis. Whether caring for dogs or cats, Richard has consistently demonstrated compassion. Richard also has extensive experience working with animals as part of the Animal Science pathway at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, from where he graduated in 2017.