I have been observing, caring for and playing with animals since elementary school. Animals have needs just like humans and they even have their own language we can choose to engage in as their human companions. I have had the unique experience of living with many dogs (upwards of 15!) of differing needs at two points in my life. The first time was in California at the compound of the then burgeoning W.A.G. rescue sanctuary. The proprietor Julie rescues dogs from all over the world and rehabilitates and re-homes them. Her approach to treating animals as 'people' instead of pets was eye-opening to me. I found that animals, like people, have needs which they try to communicate in their own language. I got to bond, play with and learn from the many animals who made the WAG house their home. The second opportunity I had to bond with a pack was in the winter of 2017. I stayed through the winter months at a ranch in Black Mountain, near Bat Cave NC. This time i found myself at a farm with chickens, ducks, sheep, goat, quail, cats and 13 dogs! I took care of the house by dealing with busted pipes, feeding 13 large Bell-Griffen puppies twice a day and doing the usual farm maintenance in freezing conditions. Through this experience I came to rely on myself for handling anything that came my way. I also learned how to integrate into a pack of many kinds of animals in order to have a more harmonious and less-stress experience. Along with such life changing endeavors, i also lend help to my housemates and neighbor by spending time with, walking and house sitting when needed. I really appreciate the opportunities I get to bond with animals in nature or in their home habitat.