Animals have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My family adopted our first dog, Blackjack, when I was just five—and from that moment on, I was hooked. At sixteen, I rescued my first pup, Ursa, a terrier-poodle mix who lived to be seventeen. Since then, I’ve shared my life with many beloved pets, including Sydney, my gentle black Lab who protected my children and brought our family endless joy. After a few quiet years without a dog, I met Duke—an Azawakh from Chad, Africa—and adopted him through Puppy Rescue Mission (PRM). He’s been my loyal companion for nearly nine years. In 2018, I fostered a cat for a U.S. Airman stationed abroad—it was my first true cat experience, and I loved it! After he was reunited with his Airman, I realized how much I missed having a feline friend. Soon after, I adopted Duchess, an orange tabby from my local shelter. Not long afterward, Rocky Balboa, a Chantilly-Tiffany from Dubai, joined the family, and a few months later, I “foster-failed” Adrian, a rescue from Kuwait. As a Travel Buddy for PRM, I’ve escorted rescued dogs and cats worldwide to reunite them with service members, traveling to places like Iraq, Russia, and Kuwait. I’ve also volunteered with SPCA International and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to help retired racehorses find new careers. Friends call me the Animal Whisperer because I connect easily with all creatures—even the shy or anxious ones. I’ll treat your furbaby with the same love, patience, and care I give my own.