I was lucky enough to always have a dog, cat or hamster in my home,
yet another wonderful memory of a very happy childhood, which I
try to keep alive in a protracted battle with adulthood.

From New York, NY, to Venice, CA, happily underwriting commercial
casualty insurance, when a ride-along with, Theo, a friend who is a
dogwalker, showed me an even better way to spend my days.

"You mean I get to bring my dog to work with me and together with
his friends we get to play all day?  WHERE DO I SIGN??"

Of course it's not all fun and games.  Taking care of beloved family
members is serious business, and every pet entrusted to my care
simply becomes one of mine.  Very few moments make me as happy as
seeing a dog's smiling face, a cat's headbutt to the leg or a bird's eager
scamper over to be picked up.

Every day with dogs, cats and their furry, feathered or finned breathren
is a good day.  I continually learn from them even as I try to teach them
a few things to make myself feel useful.  I consider myself blessed.