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Author: Brandi Barker

Acceptance

Acceptance

Gavin’s never been food motivated. Getting him to eat his morning pills has always allowed me to practice patience and calm, even in a hurry. Now that he needs more medication and supplements, I’ve learned that if I take time to relax, softly pet him, and put myself in a peaceful state, the process is… View more

Broken Wings

Broken Wings

In the 23 years that I’ve had dogs as an adult, my current apartment is the first place I’ve had my own backyard. I’m sure my awe and excitement will wain, but I hope I always appreciate the private space Gavin and I can enjoy together. The other night, I was reading in my lounge chair,… View more

100 Years

100 Years

Whenever I’m spinning and catch myself wasting energy, I think, “IF I’m lucky, I have another 50 years on this earth. Is this how I want to spend my time?” In my younger years, that meant adventure and adrenaline. From hang gliding in Southern Illinois to zip lining in Costa Rica, I wanted to live… View more

Rainbows

Rainbows

My tank was empty last night, but I needed to move and felt compelled to do a 30-minute online yoga class. The asana was what my tired body and weary spirit needed. The instructor continuously weaved in the message that we don’t get rainbows until after rain, downpours, or storms. And for those experiencing droughts, not only… View more

Brave?

Brave?

When Gavin had surgery number three to remove two mast cell tumors and a lymph node, his dog sitter (who he adored) sent me the sweetest message wishing him well, ending with, “he’s so strong. You’ll both get through this.” And, I remember thinking of all Gavin’s endearing qualities. My perfect boy is sweet, wants… View more

Let It Be

Let It Be

The last year Finn was on this earth, I tormented myself, worrying that if he didn’t pass on his own, I wouldn’t be strong enough to say goodbye to him when he was ready. Whenever I was overthinking the blessing and curse that we, as pet parents, have that choice, I’d listen to the Beatles’… View more

The Village

The Village

My clever and cheerful kitchen cohort Cammie was out this week getting married and enjoying her honeymoon (so happy for her), so the equally impressive EmiLee stepped in during her busy wedding photography season to help us in the kitchen. It’s an understatement to say I’m grateful to them and Miranda, Lou, and Sasha for… View more

Trust

Trust

When I met Finn, he catapulted himself at me with such velocity that I fell flat on my back. Yet, I didn’t think, “Man, I don’t know this dog. I should worry he could bite me.” When I slept on the basement floor with him because the crate I got for him was too small, I… View more

Punks & Pricing

Punks & Pricing

Up until Sunday, Gavin still felt like garbage. Of course, I knew he had major surgery, and recovery would take time. I just hadn’t fully understood (until we were going through it) how miserable nausea would make him. So, Monday night, when we were in the yard, and he started rolling around on his back grumbling,… View more

All the Wrong Things

All the Wrong Things

As Gavin’s healing from stomach surgery, it’s been tricky calibrating his anxiety, pain, and nausea medications and supplements. I don’t want him uncomfortable, but I also don’t want him comatose. Gavin started derping Monday night, and as I tried to give each medication time to kick in, he was intent on eating anything he could… View more