At 39 years of age, I have always been an animal lover. My first dog was a Springer Spaniel when I was only 4 years old. I WAS HOOKED! By the time I was 11 years old, I had read every piece of fiction from Jack London to Fred Gipson. At age 13 I was studying dog breeds in depth; from weight and height to temperament and personality. The truth about this amazing animal that we call a dog, pet or family member was obviously a very different creature than any other in the Animal Kingdom. I have personal worked with many breeds, including but not limited to, Springer Spaniels, Norwegian Elkhounds, Shihtzu, Stafordshire Terriers, Old English Bulldogs, Border Collies, and our favorite Mutt! I remember once when I was about 14 years old, my friend and I was walking down an old country dirt road when several dogs came out of a wooded area and rushed us. What caused my friend to fear, caused me to approach the situation with no fear. My love for dogs over came their ferocity and every dog walked away as I approached them with a smile on my face and a loving stirnness in my voice. Even now I have a beautiful mix rescue who watches over my two sons with a careful eye. Dogs are simply amazing animals!