I am a retired Police Sergeant from MA. I grew up in a large Irish Catholic Family. Our family always had a dog and a cat growing up. As an adult, I have had at least one dog at all times since I got out of the active military and transferred to The Army Reserves, in my early 20's. My love for animals almost surpasses my love for people:) I treat the dogs in my care like my kids. At the present time, I watch my neighbors 3 dogs and their house when they go away (B. Mountian Dog, Yorkie, and Yorkiepoo). I also watch another neighbor's pot belly pig and her house when she goes away. I am fortunate enough to have my very good friend Julie on board as my Pet Sitting Partner. Between the two of us, the pets are not left alone for any extended amount of time over 2-3 hours at a time. I do allow animals on my furniture and as long as they get along well with my dog they are welcome to sleep with me if that is what they are used to. I am an early riser and the dog will be walked for the first time at approximately 5:00am. The dogs can run around in my backyard, which is fenced in and rather large. I do also take them for walks on a leash as long as they are trained on leash. I will not limit their roaming of the entire house unless the particular dog has an issue with freedom. I do play ball with any dogs that want to:) I am fostering a cat for a neighbor. This cat thinks he is a dog and loves dogs. My dog grew up with cats and has no issue with them at all. Your dog or cat will get excited when they know they are coming to "Aunt Tara's" for camp:). Julie is now in charge of the cat division and she goes to peoples houses and takes care of the cats….sifts the litter and feeds them and hangs out with them and such.