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
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
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
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
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
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
A week after Gavin’s rug-eating episode, he woke me up in the middle of the night to go outside. And this happened throughout the night. Fortunately, we had an appointment the next day with our holistic veterinarian, who confirmed my thoughts that if he’s not improving quickly, it’s time for an x-ray. Again, that night,… View more
Our first kitchen day back after I moved was going amazingly well. Our flow was smooth sailing, and we ran a bit ahead of schedule until I accidentally stripped a bolt when taking Felix (the piston filler) apart for cleaning. We tried everything to undo it, and not one of the four additional people who attempted… View more
As a newbie trainer, I noticed a couple in my puppy class struggling to pick up the baggie of treats they dropped. Every time one reached down, their puppy would growl and snap at them. I walked over, thinking I intended to help. I spent years learning about dog body language. I read every book… View more
