My name is Christian Huff and I was born in Florida, grew up in Georgia, and then moved to DC in 2007 to work for a non-profit that provides housing to women living with HIV. I love working with animals because they accept us as we are without making judgments.

Before becoming a Home Buddy, I was a civilian contractor for the American Registry of Pathology located at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology that was stationed on the Walter Reed Army Medical Base. When not caring for pets, I like to watch movies and listen to live music.

I'm a proud pet parent of 2 cats named Delilah and Sebastian.

My name is Kaili Lockbeam I'm from Washington state, the eastern side where it doesn't rain, where I have four dogs, one turtle, and four hermit crabs. I grew up surrounded by animals and moving 3,000 miles away and not being able to have even a fish in my current apartment has driven me slightly insane. I figured it might be a good idea to get a job where I can take care of animals and at least pretend I have my animals with me.

I worked at Petsmart before moving to DC so between the various doggy personalities, I have become rather good at staying calm and calming the dogs in my care down. I love animals of all types but dogs have been my constant companions since I was brought home from hospital.

My name is Megan Macoskey and I'm from the Pittsburgh, PA area. I went to school at Allegheny College and got my B.S. in Biology. I am currently working full time at the Children's National Medical Center as a clinical research assistant. I love working with pets because they let me relax and unwind, and I feel more comfortable around animals than people the majority of the time!

Before becoming a Home Buddy, I worked at a dog daycare, did volunteer work at animal shelters, and spent a lot of time with my own dog! I’m a proud pet parent of a dog, rabbit, and two birds named Hudson, Bunnicula, Az and Pearl.

My name is Teresa Gruber and I have been taking care of Home Buddies dogs, cats, fish, and birds since December 2009.  Before becoming a Home Buddy, I survived 28 years of college and universities, 10 years of working for the federal government, and four years of running a not-for-profit. Taking care of animals is so much more fun!

I have had many hilarious experiences as a Home Buddy, but promised all of my pet pals that I'll never reveal them to anyone else. My two 9-year-old adopted cats, "Blackie" and "Pepper," rule the roost in my home shared with my husband, 14 year-old-son, and a 20 gallon aquarium.

Hi, my name is Eddy Cordoba and I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I have lived in Adams Morgan, Mt. Pleasant, and now in Columbia Heights. As a true animal lover, I have had pets all my life. My first pet was an adopted Terrier mix named because she had a big brown circular spot on her back.

I have been in the pet care business for several years now and, with every new year, these loving animals have brought great joy to me. I like working with pets because they are incredibly affectionate, loyal, and always seem to brighten my day. When I’m not caring for pets, I like to run, ride my bike, and watch movies. Currently, I am a proud pet parent of a 2 year old long haired German Shepherd, named Goliath or "Golie" for short.

Hello, my name is Ramona. N. Hawkins and I’ve been around animals my entire life. My first pet was a German Shepherd/Chow mix named Princess. I love working with pets because I have a natural love for animals. I'm a proud pet parent of 4 pets- a Cockatiel named Sunnyray, two cats named Icy and Tanney, and a Cocker Spaniel named Jade.

My name is Tonya L. Branch and I am from Dover, DE. I moved to Baltimore, MD a little over a year ago. I am a recent newlywed (married my best friend of 20 years May 7, 2011) and I am the proud parent of a 19 year old son, Alex, who is a sophomore at Gwynedd Mercy College in PA and a 17 year old daughter, Taylor, who is a senior at Baltimore City College High School as well as mommy to my other son, Scrappy a 1 1/2 year old Shorkie (Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix).

I am currently a student at Pinnacle Career Institute, majoring in Medical Coding & Billing and I graduate in January 2012 (YAAAY). I'm a pet lover, voracious reader and I love to throw dinner parties for friends and family as well as sing my heart out at karaoke!

Hello, my name is Ashley Taylor here and I'm an original Washingtonian from Northwest, Washington DC!

While growing up, I had affection for animals of all kinds! I took on many volunteer programs and gained skills that I eventually put towards real world situations. I attended an excellent school, Ellington School of the Arts, and later moved on to Med-Tech Medical College for my MBC certification.

I was fortunate to team up with Home Buddies DC to continue to share my love and appreciation for pets and animals in general! When not caring for pets I'm normally doing what a girl does best shopping, reading, or spending time with friends sort of like a rejuvenation period. I'm also a proud pet parent of a Lhasa Apso named, Cortez!

I am originally from East Tennessee. I moved to Washington, D.C. for an internship in 2006. I fell in love with the District and decided to stick around. I was most recently an owner of two beautiful rescue greyhounds -- a couple named Al and Sadie. Sadly, they both passed away in 2010.

After spending time in both the private and public sector, I have been working full-time as a pet care provider since July 2011.I love working with animals because pets provide the simple pleasures in life that only they can: affectionate licks and “pet me!” nudges with wet noses. When not caring for pets, I enjoy live music, visiting art galleries, and hosting dinner parties for friends.

I am proud godparent of my neighbor’s brindle rescue greyhound named Bandit. My first pet was a “pound puppy” my uncle gave my brother and I for Christmas when we were kids. We called her Bear because she looked like a little black bear cub playing in the snow.

I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not keeping company with an animal. I have cared for ducks, geese, dogs, cats, horses, birds, and fish. I also love spending time in the out of doors and have lived in Vermont, Indonesia, Massachusetts, Utah, and Washington, DC. My outdoor adventures brought me in regular contact with moose, elk, deer, eagles, fox, prairie dogs, snakes, and various other critters too numerous to mention!

Senior and special needs pets have a special place in my heart and I have administered many a shot to a diabetic cat, cooked meals for an ailing dog, and stayed awake nights massaging an animal’s aching joints. Animals bring me closer to my own humanity and inspire a joy I cannot find anywhere else!

When I am not caring for a creature, I practice yoga and hike. I am learning the violin, enjoy archery, and am a big “foodie.” I obtained my MBA from Johns Hopkins, have certifications in mediation and project management from SAIS and Villanova, respectively, and additionally work as a self-employed coach, consultant, and writer.

This is the first time in my life that I have not had a pet as my 17 and half-year-old calico cat, Edie recently passed away. Thank you for letting me “get my fix” with your special creatures!

I was born and raised in California. My house was always filled with cats, dogs, turtles, and lizards. It was like a zoo, but I loved it!

I recently graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor Arts in Theatre Arts and Business Management. I moved to the east coast to experience a new place. I love the DC Metro area; it is such a cultural hub and always has so many things going on.

I love working with pets because they are so loving and nurturing. They comfort you when you are sad and play with you when you are happy. Also, they are just so cute! When not caring for pets, I like to work with and attend theatre productions. I’m a proud pet parent of a Boarder Terrier, named Cali and my first pet was a Serengeti Cat named Stranger.

I am from the other Washington. Seattle –the rainy city, Starbucks and the awesome Mt. Rainier. I have lived in the DC area for a little over three years. I graduated from college in 2007 with a history degree so DC is definitely my kind of town. I have been a Home Buddy for a little while now and I have really enjoyed my time here. I have always liked animals and I am glad that I can now work for a wonderful company that has a great passion for animals.

When not caring for pets, I like to be outdoors; walking, biking, running and playing golf when I can. I am also an avid reader and huge movie buff. My favorite novel is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and my favorite movie is My Fair Lady.

I’m a proud pet parent of a Shiba Inu, named Luca. However, he is hanging out with his grandparents on the West Coast at the moment. I currently live with a friend and her cat, a domestic shorthair named Dinah.

Hi, my name is Kimberly and I am from Alabama and Indiana. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2010 with my bachelor's in Health Education and a minor in French. I have an interest in public health education involving HIV and have been trained as an HIV tester and Prevention Counselor with Whitman Walker Health. I am also trained in CPR/First Aid & AED.

I like working with pets because they can sense if you’re down and in need of some comfort. My first pet was a bird named Polly.

My name is Chemayn Gray and I hale from Southeast Washington, DC.

I come from a family where animals were important and caring for them a number one priority. When I was a child I always wanted to be a veternarian. Once I grew up, I realized that I couldn't make hard decisions like putting an animal down or treating an abused animal without becoming emotionally attached. Thus, I started working in offices and currently assist an international student with cultural adjustments. I believe I can only keep what I have by giving it way so I love to volunteer

My love for animals started in my home and continues today in other peoples home. I’m grateful to Home Buddies for giving me the opportunity to be of service to you.

Hi! My name is Abi and I am a true nature lover. Every time i get the chance I love to be outdoors. I also have always loved animals and have always been around them. This includes: dogs, cats, servals, ostriches, goats, birds, lizards, frogs, fish & more!

Growing up we had a mutt that loved to go on walks and loved attention. I currently have a domestic long haired black cat that likes to act cool, but I can always break her out of it with a simple piece of string.

I look forward to my time with Home Buddies and meeting like-minded people and their furry companions.

My name is Alexandra and I’m a grateful Home Buddies pet sitter! Born and raised in NYC, and after living in California for 15 years, I find myself back on the East Coast in the Washington, DC area. As I move through completing my studies and designing my life in the world of Design, I get to spend time with my heart...animals.

I am convinced that since birth I have been an animal lover. Pets have always been in my life and being with them always brings me great joy and plenty of laughs. Some years ago I became very involved with animal rescue. On the streets of Los Angeles, I found myself saving lost and injured pets to place into loving homes. That work inspired a non-profit which has opened itself on a ranch in New Mexico to injured and unwanted animals of all sorts to be placed and maintained. Currently, I only have one rescue, my bird, “Harold.” He’s a handful!

In between my animal world, my life has consisted of the richness of the world of professional photography, interior design, and working in the non-profit world. Working for Home Buddies has afforded me the wonderful opportunity to acquaint myself with various neighborhoods of Washington, DC the best way I know how…walking…while having wonderful company!