For more than 15 years I was a newspaper reporter, lastly at the Orlando Sentinel, where I met my husband in 2001. He is now editor of his hometown newspaper in Shelbyville, Ky., and I am completely in love with horse country, pet sitting and studying vet tech and equine courses.

We have two children, ages 2 and 8, and our daughter is definitely taking after me in the love-for-animals department. She's obsessed with cats, dogs, horses, birds, and ladybugs, and even loves flies, saying, "Hi, fly!" whenever one lands near her.

Attention to detail. That's the kind of journalist I was. I was rewarded with writing awards in several states. And now, that's the kind of pet care I strive to provide. But ... I much prefer my rewards in kitty kisses and doggy hugs these days.

Steph in her free time enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding, and volunteering (Maker's Mark Secretariat Center, the Equine Humane Center and Shelby County Community Theatre). She attends Southeast Christian Church, where she is a volunteer photographer for the Southeast Outlook newspaper.

Steph is insured by Pet Sitters Associates, LLC

Some of my favorite animal experiences include: 

• My cat Gato wrapping his whole body around my head every time I got the flu - and sleeping like that with me for hours at a time.
• Sprinkling my dog Bud's ashes in all of his favorite places, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains - and now thinking of him when I return to those place.
• Watching our two Schnoodles do their "Schnoodle 500s" in our backyard.
• Riding my uncle's horses across the prairies of North Dakota.
• Trying to balance an egg in a spoon - in my mouth - during horse camp games when I was a kid.
• The first time my daugther rode a pony, and then a great big "ho-sie." She was 2 years old both times.
• My son riding a camel for the first time - at the Kentucky HORSE Park! - saying he
  loved feeling 20-feet tall. 
• Feeding the Fresians at the Kentucky Horse Park, among many other equine stories from the education barn there, a wonderful place.