I like to think I’m a thankful person. When walking Mabel, I often silently list things I’m grateful for in that moment. Or, as I enjoy my coffee every morning and watch my sweet girl snore easily, trustingly against my leg, I’m beholden to her and all the joy, laughter, and absolute shenanigans she’s brought to… View more
We all know the saying, “When one door closes, another opens.” But, how often when we lose someone we love, don’t get that amazing opportunity we were sure was ours, or we peacefully part ways with someone because we’re finally brave enough to accept they’ll never love us back, do we put the car in… View more
We spend a lot of time and energy on better. We educate ourselves and train our dogs to behave better on walks or when guests arrive. We research games and places to take them so they’re living their best lives. Or, we add veggies to our diet and workout more so our clothes fit better. But… View more
After reading about violence, hate, and suffering in the news every morning, I can usually re-group with Mabel’s help making the bed. My sweet girl stands with her squeaky toy against the edge of the bed, longing, waiting for me to toss or tug in between me, arranging pillows and straightening the duvet. Mabel brings joy… View more
I didn’t set out to rescue a pitbull-looking dog when I met Gavin or Mabel. I just happened to connect with their souls in a way that I didn’t with other dogs I met. And I was fortunate. Only twice did random people negatively judge Gavin based on his looks. Most of the time, Gavin and… View more
A Course In Miracles says we’re most afraid of getting what we want. We fear the pain of losing our deepest desires will far outweigh not having what our heart yearns for. Or, we still need to accept that we’re (all) worthy of a beautiful, loving, and abundant life. I’ve yearned not to be on… View more
Since Mabel’s been on daycare hiatus for 18 days, I’ve been trying to give her the play and exercise she needs, but I’m not a room full of rowdy dogs. Well, last weekend, we were in the backyard patio, and Mabel decided she was bored after I tossed her squeaky toys twice for her. She… View more
I’ve recently had the luxury of sharing my bonding journey with my blossoming Mabel because the shop ran smoothly until yesterday. Usually, when I need to fill a kitchen assistant position, finding someone available for the hours we need who’s willing to work hard and follow our super stringent processes is a multi-week laborious project…. View more
I woke up this morning on the tiniest sliver of the edge of my bed. I could hear Mabel mumble and sleepily stretch as she lay belly up, horizontally next to me, waiting for her pre-breakfast belly rubs. In the short time Mabel’s been with me, she’s shown me what a sensitive sweetheart she is,… View more
As Mabel and I continue bonding and learning to communicate, I’ve thought a lot about the beginning stages of the dog-human relationship, whether forever or fostering. It’s a lot for everyone, us, our dogs, the people we love. Give our dogs bones to relieve stress. Oh, but some pups swallow and choke on those bones…. View more
