My childhood dog was obsessed with my dad, so I didn't *truly* embrace my love of dogs until I moved in with an anxious, expressive Weimaraner 15 years ago. Beyond walking and sitting my sweet "furnephew," I have cared for a sassy Chihuahua, a paranoid bowling ball (aka Pitbull), a ball-obsessed Jack Russell mix, and a shy English Springer. Most significantly, I co-owned a stubborn, aloof Shiba Inu for more than four years, starting at 9 weeks. He taught me a special appreciation for reactive, highly-vigilant, and misunderstood dogs. I was accustomed to writing detailed instructions to make sure my sensitive boy felt comfortable and safe with any walker or sitter.