Hi! My name is Valerie, and dogs have been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. There has never been a time when I didn’t share my home with a pet. Currently, I have two rescued American Pit Bull Terriers, Teddy and Talia. Caring for dogs isn’t just something I do for work—it’s something that has always been part of who I am. I’ve spent over 20 years working professionally with animals in shelters, veterinary medicine, and pet care. My professional journey with dogs began when I was just 13 years old working at a high-intake county animal shelter. There, I learned how to care for shelter dogs, showcase them for adoption, counsel potential adopters, and help them find the right match for their family. Over the years, my experience expanded through several roles in the animal care field. I worked at a dog daycare managing playgroups of 20+ dogs at a time, at a private boarding facility providing individualized care for pets while their families traveled, and with a mobile veterinary clinic where I helped educate pet parents about preventative care while assisting with vaccines, blood draws, and microchipping. Later, I was asked to join a no-kill animal shelter as their Medical Coordinator. In that role, I performed veterinary technician duties, treated sick animals, managed quarantine cases, and ensured the animals remained healthy and up to date on their vaccines and preventatives. Today, I work as a part-time Senior Veterinary Pharmacy Technician at one of the region’s largest independently owned veterinary hospitals, where I research medication refill requests, review/calculate doses and drug interactions, prevent medication errors, and counsel clients. Throughout my career, I have also volunteered with multiple rescue organizations and even ran my own dog rescue for several years. These experiences taught me how to work with dogs of all personalities—from energetic puppies to shy or nervous rescues who need patience and understanding. Because of my background in animal shelters and veterinary medicine, I strongly believe in science-based, positive reinforcement training and low-stress handling. I have completed a dog training course through Penn Foster and earned my Fear Free certification, which focuses on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. These techniques help me understand canine body language and create a calm, safe experience for every dog I care for. When I visit your home, my goal is to do much more than simply feed and let your dog outside. I take the time to get to know each dog’s personality, routine, and communication style. That means paying attention to changes in appetite or behavior that could indicate a health issue, providing exercise and mental enrichment, and giving your dog the companionship and attention they deserve while you’re away. Whether your dog loves long walks, playtime, training practice, or simply relaxing with company, I tailor each visit to what makes them happiest and most comfortable. For transparency and to ease your mind even more, I also send regular updates with photos. Thank you for considering me as your beloved dog’s caretaker. I am confident in my 20+ years of animal care and veterinary experience that you can rest easy knowing your dog is in knowledgeable and compassionate hands.