It’s no secret. We have a soft spot for senior dogs. And, puppies. Well, and any dog in between. Anyone who’s blessed to share their life with a senior dog knows there’s a language, a secret code, that you develop with each other over the years—a vernacular that no one else in the world understands…. View more
Two days before Christmas, I felt every jagged rock under my boot as I tried catching my breath. My nephew, Isaac, was racing ahead. His long legs moved effortlessly up the steep incline. Gavin was captivated by fluttering leaves, squirrels springing from limb to limb and trees, glorious trees. My brother, Chris, and I chatted… View more
Closure. I was not sure there was going to be an official end and even less convinced it would give me the warm fuzzy, sky seems brighter, birds chirping louder and more joyous feeling that I was hoping would wash over me. But, I drove 400 miles, my GPS guiding me through small towns and gorgeous landscapes… View more
It was 63 degrees and the sun’s rays were peeking through the emerald green leaves like sparkly bands. The breeze was just a whisper and my sweet little Gavin was attached to my hip; trotting along on a perfect Tuesday morning. The first weeks of summer are oddly quiet; usually Lil’ Big Head wiggles, jiggles and squirms… View more
I jumped on Facebook for my usual three minute cruise. I liked one of my best friend’s newborn photos and was feeling grateful that I was privately informed of her child entering the world before it was announced on social media. Then, I stumbled upon an article about people taking selfies with a baby shark who… View more
You use the word “guardian” because your neighbors have corrected you multiple times. Dogs are family, not property. You no longer dare to utter “owner”. More than a few times, you have dragged your sniffling, coughing, achy body out of bed to walk your dog because you live on the third floor, and have no… View more
Almost fifteen years ago; I fell head over heels, instantly, for an unwanted dog. One look at Finn and I felt my face light up and my heart soar. And, when my Lug tackled me and smothered my cheeks, eyelids and forehead with kisses; I saw a glitter gaze wash over his joyful eyes. Finn… View more
I started this article in Spring 2012 as the third in our Lessons Learned Series. Finn’s health declined and his well-being quickly became my only priority when I was not with clients and their dogs. At the time, I admired my amazing dog for his strength and his lighthearted ways, despite having endured ample hard… View more
I am a teacher. My days are spent showing dogs acceptable new behaviors and coaching their humans on how to do the same. I have learned a lot over the years by listening and observing, and I have found that enlightenment does not stop when I leave work. Dogs are amazing creatures. Without their knowledge,… View more
