I especially love dogs.  I grew up with German Shepherds in my house. I also recall a gerbil named Knuckles, rabbit named Charles & too many hamster names to list. My husband & I used to take our dogs (to the left) to Flyball Practice at least two times a week for a year and a half while Nikki & Tanner had fun competing in the sport.  Although a flyball Master & Champion, they currently enjoy going to the park to play frisbee.  Napping comes in a close second.  Tremendous joy stems from seeing them content.
I also work in the kennel area of a local pet hospital on the weekends. The best part of my day in the kennel is when I can comfort a dog that is away from home and scared. Petting them and offering kind words to make their stay a bit less stressful is my goal.
We have been very fortunate in that we have never had to board our dogs. Whenever we have traveled, our family has been there to watch our puppies in our own house.