Just a side note, before you read further:

I am a member of many volunteer groups: CERT, CART, CFA and VIPS. All of these groups require extensive background checks.

I personally own three elderly cats and one three year dog, all of my furry kiddos have been with me since they were babies.

I have been sitting for friends and family for many years, just recently, I decided to advertise. My experience with animals started when I was a child: walking dogs for neighbors, checking/feeding/playing with pets while neighbors were out of town.

Personally, I have had a dog in my life since I was a child, I have owned cats for nearly 30 years. When I was a child, I had and cared for hamsters, my son had guinea pigs when he was little. Every pet that I have owned had a long and healthy life. Large dogs are not a problem, my experience with large dogs have included: Rottweilers, German Shepherd and Great Danes. My own personal dog is an Akita/Husky cross, she is a medium sized dog at just over 50 lbs. I owned a Miniature American Eskimo (she was 15 lbs) for nearly 16 years, until old age took her from me. I have experience with many other breeds: American Bull Dogs, Boston Terrier Bulldogs, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkies, and many others.