Growing up I always loved animals, particularly dogs.  When my dad worked at a Retail store in the local mall, I often went with him, but spent most of my time a few stores down at the Pet Store. 

After a few months of hanging around the store, they started letting me take the dogs out and play with them within the store to let them exercise.   Sometimes, I would get attached to the dogs and didn't want to see them be sold, but I knew that they would be going to good homes.

Once I was old enough to get a job, I finally worked at the Pet Store and ended up becoming a Department Manager.  I never pursued a career in the Veterinary field, nor did I pursue a career in Management of my own store.  I just wanted to love dogs because they love you back.

I am pretty good with all animals.  I'm always amazed at how people treat their animals, like they are always wrong, or people don't give the animal the benefit of the doubt.  I'll see people walking their dogs and yank them as hard as they can if the dog just wants to sniff a tree, hydrant, box.  The Dog is just happy to be outside, but the people just want to get the 'walk' over with so they can get back inside.  I'll try to pet any animal that I see while walking along the streets here in Chicago.  People try to warn me that the dog is mean, but are always surprised when the dog just wants attention and some loving, and the dog starts wagging it's tail or licking my face.  They are always surprised saying "he never does that" or something else to their amazement.

I just wanted to put this page together to help animals get better recognition for who they are.  Caregivers, Best Friend, Lifesavers, Companion, Protector.  The list goes on.  Feel free to click on any of the links below, and let me know if there is something else I should add.