My mom had rescue dogs and cats my entire childhood, and I always helped care for them as her oldest daughter. My mom adopted dogs big and small - as big as a golden retriever, and as little as a chihuahua, and often cared for multiple cats at a time. I grew up in California, where my family pets live with my parents - three dogs and two cats. My cat Momo moved to Eau Claire with me. My parents are planning to retire here, which will be a big move, especially with so many animals, so when the time comes, I’ll be helping move their pets. After living in Eau Claire for a month or so, I house and pet sat for my cousin while she was working on a project out of town for a few months. I bonded with her German Shepherd, Lobo, through long walks and runs, and fell in love with her tiny cat Duchess. Later that winter, while I was still doing the long-term pet sit for my cousin, one of her friend’s rescued a cat who had been abandoned. Due to her living situation, she couldn’t take it in immediately, so Lobo and Duchess had Zia as a guest living with us for a month or so. Beyond helping out my family, I have friends whose animals I help care for on occasion too. One friend reaches out when she needs to go out of town, and I will do check ups or come stay with her needy and sweet cat-named-Kitty. Another friend and I meet up to walk downtown with her cutie little dog Lotta. I record all my walks and runs on Strava, and enjoy posting photos and videos of my furry companions, so if I walk with your pup, I would be happy to share photos if you ask! Last summer, I looked after my co-worker’s chickens and garden for a 3-day weekend, so I’m open to learning how to care for other pets beyond cats and dogs too!