I've been caring for other people's dogs and cats for most of my life. At home I coparent a dog named Rooster, a wild chihuahua/terrier mix, and cat named Boki, a treat-obsessed Russian Blue. It's never boring. Earlier in my life I volunteered at Charlotte Animal Care and Control, where I walked, socialized, and cared for shelter dogs. It shaped how I think about animals: every pet has its own personality, its own needs, and its own way of communicating. It's on the human to pay attention and meet them there. That's still how I operate. Some pets want active play; some want a quiet, calm presence. I let them lead and give each animal the specific attention they actually want, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I believe all pets are good pets.