I have always been a "animal person", and have lived with and cared for animals since I can remember - even my first job (as a very young child) was dog sitting for my neighbor's Shih Tzu's. My house has long been a home away from home for many of my friend's canine companions when their people have needed to go out of town or just needed a place to stay and play for the day. I have worked in animal welfare for nearly the past two decades (including companion animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation), have been a foster care home, and live a vegan lifestyle. I work from home as an artist and photographer (specializing in companion animal and wildlife/nature portraits), jewelry designer/metal smith, and a graphic and web designer. I have found that animals enjoy being around creative energy and tend to congregate around me and relax while I am working on art projects. I live with my adopted animal family – Maggie the American Eskimo who is the shy but doting mother figure of the pack; Rumo the cheeky toothless Chihuahua with a silly grin; and Bailey the Amazon Parrot and art critic in training. I have a large fenced back yard and a very animal friendly house. All animals who stay with me are treated as part of the family and I do my best to make them happy, comfortable, and as stress free as possible.