I sat down last night, depleted. Nothing catastrophic happened, but it was a non-stop 13-hour day and roadblock, pothole-filled race-of-a-week. Most recently, potential dog sitter number three canceled our meet and greet last minute. I opened my laptop and contemplated doing yoga. But instead, I grabbed my blanket and decided to give myself the glorious gift… View more
Words can’t describe my gratitude for all the kind thoughts, vibes, juju, and messages that have come my way after sharing news about Gavin’s latest biopsy. Even as I write this, my eyes are watering because most of you don’t know my dog or me, but you love dogs and the people who love them… View more
My new mantra every morning is, “please let today be boring.” We had to veer from a 500-pouch-making day on Tuesday because I misjudged how many pouches needed labeling. As the day progressed, one of our kettles broke, and we had to fuss with one of our sous vide motors, so it worked out. We likely… View more
At the tail end of one of the not-the-greatest last weeks, I found out Gavin has cancer again and needs to have surgery again. He just recovered from his stomach surgery months after having it, so I was looking forward to giving him ease and joy for the remainder of the year. But that’s not… View more
My friend Annie used to say when she saw someone who seemingly had it all together, perfect hair, impeccable clothes, a loving partner, overflowing bank account, that they had life by the balls, and it always cracked me up. I certainly don’t have it all, but the older I get, the more joy and peace… View more
When I’m alone in the shop, I listen to inspirational podcasts. Tony Robbins and Oprah Winfrey are among my favorites. Listening to people who do and give back to the world in significant ways inspires me to want to do the same. Then I go back to my day, making three grocery store trips to… View more
When Gavin and I lived with my brother Chris, my nephew Isaac often joined us on walks, which I loved. One day, we were traipsing through their neighborhood when an off-leash dog approached us. I panicked and yelled, “Go, go, go,” while my heart raced, and I emphatically flailed my arms around. Gavin and Isaac looked… View more
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
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
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
