Hi, I'm Stella. My first word was "dog," and I still have a lot to say about that.

My initial enthusiasm for animals has grown into a passion for care, study, and artistic exploration. I approach animals with respect for their dignity, but I also value their playfulness and individuality. Compassionate care often means getting down to their level -- sometimes literally -- and earning their trust through patience and consistency.

I'm lucky to have two cats and two dogs of my own. My family has also shared our home with a wide range of "exotic" animals over the years, including bearded dragons, a miniature lobster, multiple species of fish, and a tarantula (safely housed in my brother's bedroom). This breadth of experience has shaped my understanding of animal behavior, responsibility, and ethical care.
 

Through both pet-sitting and portrait work, I aim to combine empathy, discipline, and close observation -- skills that inform not only how I work with animals, but how I approach art, learning, and the world more broadly.