I lived abroad for a few years before moving to Michigan. I live in backcountry Michigan. I encounter many sick, injured wildlife daily. I volunteer at the humane society and wildlife refuge. I care for those less fortunate. I have been to mackinaw to the 24 7 fitness center. I just adopted a poodle. The poodle is my only dog. My other dog died a year and a half ago.
 I'm retired. I have lived in suburban southern California all my life.  I care for those less fortunate. I love animals, especially poodles. I had a cat as a child. I'd like to get a cat but my husband wants to travel when he retires in 2 months. My husband wants to backpack across Europe. We both attended college. I've never been to Michigan. I prefer to live somewhere peaceful.
I am house-training my poodle. How is it going?  Does this poodle pick it up faster than your last dog? Actually, yes! People think of them as just toy dogs, but they were a working breed too. So, good smarts! That is awesome.  I bet the dog enjoys where you live.  I would love to live somewhere in the country side like you.  I would have me a yard full of animals if I did. Well, we still have neighbors - they'd probably complain about the barking if we had that many dogs! But yeah, our poodle REALLY loves the open countryside. So how does Michigan compare to the other places you've been to when you lived abroad? The winters are colder (and snowier!). Most of our time abroad was in North Africa and Southern Europe - so a nice mild climate like Californias. I have always wanted to go to Africa.  Were you able to help less fortunate their?  I have always wanted to do some kind of mission trip there to help out. Yeah, we were in Egypt whilst the civil was was going on next door in Libya. A lot of refugees from that needing help, unfortunately. Those are the events that require people with a heart like yours though.  I am glad you were able to help.  It seems like you have seen so much.  Due to the fact that we have always lived here, I have not been able to get out much.  That is why I am a little nervous to backpack across Europe. Thanks. I'm sure you'll be fine in Europe - it's probably safer than here, for the most part. Less guns around, anyway. I hope so.  My husband has the trip all planned out.  I asked him to avoid high crime areas.  But he keeps telling me we will be fine.