5.0

Hi! I’ve been around animals my entire life, and caring for them has always been part of my everyday world. From a young age, my life has revolved around animals and helping them become the best versions of themselves. Some of my earliest experiences were with cats, including a feral rescue named Misty I bonded with closely as a child. I tend to connect well with animals that are more troubled, reactive, or unsure, and I’m often able to bring out their calmer, more trusting side. Later on in my life, my experience expanded significantly through raising and caring for Golden Retrievers. Growing up around breeding and long-term dog care taught me responsibility, consistency, and how much attention animals need at different stages of life. I’ve been involved in raising dogs from newborns to adulthood, and many of the dogs I’ve helped raise have gone on to become unforgettable adventure companions for their families. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve gained extensive experience working with animals through long-term, hands-on care. My background as a Golden Retriever breeder has given me perspective on how different animals can be, even within the same breed. Every animal has unique preferences, behaviors, and ways of communicating, and learning to recognize those differences has been a major part of my experience. I’m comfortable managing multiple animals at once and handling a range of needs without becoming overwhelmed. I’m most accustomed to larger dogs, but my experience raising puppies has given me the delicacy and awareness needed to care for smaller animals as well. I’m especially familiar with puppies under six months old, including their unpredictable behavior and the extra attention they require. I’ve also worked with dogs that can be semi-reactive in certain situations. While I’m not willing to take on dogs that are broadly aggressive, I retain the right to assess the dog before accepting. I’m most comfortable with working with dogs that are borderline reactive but not reactive-aggressive. I can recognize signs of stress or reactivity, and can manage dogs that are generally well-functioning but may need thoughtful handling in specific situations.