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
We’ve been blessed here in Ohio with unbelievably beautiful weather. Hot, cold, warm, cold, on repeat, but nothing a few layers won’t fix. And, Mabel and I’ve been going to one of our favorite walk spots long enough that I know sidepaths and alternate routes to give her the space she needs even when everyone else… 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
On Mabel’s 22nd day hiatus from playing with other dogs, my primary veterinarian called me with her PCR test, and it was all clear, as were her X-rays. After two rounds of antibiotics wrecked my sweet girl’s gut, I opted for testing when Mabel’s cough lingered, and I’m glad I did. I now have a cough-free dog… 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 launched Bark Pouch almost ten years ago with two lovely business partners who signed over ownership to me five years ago to focus on their families. I laugh now, thinking that making 100 pouches was such a big deal, and I once tracked inventory in a note on my phone. On so many levels,… View more
