Neighborhoods: Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Gowanus, Sunset Park

About me: Hey there! I'm Lauren, 23 years old and a general animal enthusiast. My first dog was Nugget, a fluffy Golden Retriever with the sweetest face and most calm and loving disposition. He stayed in my family for 12 years, and every waking minute I had I would spend with him. We were the best of friends and grew up together like twins. Having a childhood pet does something to a person; it makes them appreciate the wonder of animals, how loving and kind they can be, and how to treat them they way they treat you - like a best friend they never get sick of. I have kept this experience and apply it to every animal I meet, whether it is the first time or the thousandth, I always have a heart with room for more to fit! For the last 5 years I have had tons of experience with both dogs and cats, owning 3 English Mastiffs at my family home back on Martha's Vineyard (along with the most adorable Oriental shorthaired cat), and having a PitBull here in Park Slope has conditioned me to deal with both dogs and cats with very different dispositions. Nonetheless I am a patient person and I have nothing but respect and love for animals.

"My name is Elizabeth Palkoski, I have lived in Brooklyn for over 10 years and have known Lauren approximately 4. I had an extremely temperamental Chow mix, Guinness, and after I got a new job in the city, I didn't have time to take him out in the afternoons. I had put an ad on Craigslist for a patient dog lover who could take him on the weekdays to the park for me, and that is exactly what I got when I met Lauren. She was so sweet with Guinness, even though it took almost a full year for him to warm up to her as much. Lauren was always on time, and never missed a day for almost four years until my Guinness passed this spring. I can honestly say that she has a passion for animals and cares very deeply for them, and I highly recommend her to all of my animal-owning friends," -Elizabeth Palkoski