Leah

Third-year journalism student at Massey University, and now call Wellington

home. I grew up in the Bay of Plenty and for the majority of my life was an only child, leaving my dog Jess to be my foster sibling. From this close bond, I grew to understand behaviours of dogs and naturally became attached to any dog I saw.

I went to boarding school in my teens, and whenever I had to go back to school Jess would jump into the car inconspicuously in hope that I wouldn't leave her again. Sadly one day she was attacked by our neighbours' pit bull

which saw her confidence deplete, and going for walks to our local river became difficult. I would have to plan my route to avoid other dogs and show tenderness and reassurance. Sadly she has passed away now and being away from home means I lack the opportunity to spend time with animals.

As well as Jess I grew up with a range of different cats, and would consider myself to be a 'cat person'. I even had my nana take in my cat from home so I could be closer to her while I was at school. We currently have three cats in the family one for my younger sister, my mother and myself and yet I somehow feel like the cartoon character Eliza Thornberry as all of the cats have a close bond with me and fight to sleep in my room when I am home.

I am easily able to do all tasks asked of me but I do not have a section so could not offer a home-based care. I have no problems bathing pets or house sitting. However, I do work all day Friday so would be unavailable on that day. I do have a car and would be able to reach most areas of Wellington!