My first memory of being a dog lover was when I was four years old. I unfortunately don't remember many other details of my grandfather when he was alive, but I do remember meeting his Yorkshire Terrier named Bootsie. Bootsie had quite the impact on my young dog-loving self, and after that, my family didn't stand a chance against coming between me and having a dog! My family got our first dog, a black lab named Kyle, when I was six years old. I learned through watching my dad, how to potty train, teach tricks, and safely walk my new canine best friend, but more importantly, I learned what true friendship was. Kyle was such a patient dog, allowing me to play "doctor" and "school" with him, and of course, dress-up. When the difficult time came to let Kyle go after he became sick with cancer, my family introduced another black lab into our family, named Spencer. I was 16 at the time, and Spencer and I would spend our summers off swimming in our family lake, chasing minnows, going for walks, and enjoying each other's company. Although he was the family dog, Spencer and I had a special bond, which made it incredibly difficult to let him go when he too was diagnosed with cancer just three short years ago. While Spencer was alive, and I was away at college, I missed having a dog around so badly that I decided to volunteer at a local shelter, both in East Lansing and again in Chicago, which resulted in my parents acquiring 3 additional dogs over a five year span that I fostered and just had to adopt because I fell in love with them. Currently, the 3 dogs, Henry (a Miniature Pinscher/chihuauhua), Oliver (a Jack Russell Chihuahua), and Gilbert (a black pug) all live with my parents, along with their rescued Yellow Lab named Charley. I now have my own dog, a nearly three year old Shih Tzu named Reggie. Reggie loves walks, snuggles, playing with his toys and other furry friends, and watching TV. Anyone who knows me knows that I think of Reggie as my own child, and I always live by the motto that "dogs are people too." I truly love all animals, but dogs hold a special place in my heart, which is why I would love to welcome yours into my home. I am incredibly loving and responsible and would care for your furry friend as I would want someone to care for Reggie. I live in a very clean and dog-friendly home, with no children, and I work weekdays just 0.8 miles from my downtown condo, allowing me to go home and let Reggie out every day at lunch-time. Reggie loves other dogs, and is up-to-date on all of his shots. I am looking forward to providing the ease and comfort that every dog owner should have when needing to leave their best friend!