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
When I’m alone in the shop, I often listen to inspirational podcasts or YouTube videos while I work. One of my favorite philosophies is Abraham Hicks, so much so that I subscribed to their email list. And one of this week’s daily messages mentioned doing what makes us happy, whatever floats our cork. I got the… View more
My first dog-as-an-adult, Finn, was an absolute hooligan. When I met Finn, I was instantly in love, but he happily wreaked havoc everywhere we went. Our first trip to Columbus from Chicago was akin to a National Lampoon movie. The second I opened the front door, Finn saw the cat and chased her up the… View more
Gavin’s always been sound sensitive, but after we were attacked by two dogs who broke out of their backyard, his senses heightened when on walks, as did mine. When we left Chicago, I was still deciding where we’d land, so we stayed with my brother in a quiet suburb outside Columbus, Ohio. Not only did… View more
Even as a little girl, I was a list maker. I planned my outfits. I wrote reminders for myself to eat breakfast and clean my room when I had zero responsibilities. I loved the feeling I had when I marked an item complete. So, waiting to hear back from landlords of ho-hum places to see if I’m… View more
I often joke that I must have been the testiest twit in a previous life because Gavin is the pokiest creature I’ve ever met. Even though he thrives on routine and loves snuggling and sleeping at my mom’s house on kitchen days, getting him out the door every week provides me monumental moments to practice patience. … View more
Despite months and at least thrice daily research to find a new home for Gavin and me, I’m exactly where I didn’t want to be five weeks from my lease ending—nowhere. And I found a new lump in his mouth last night that he’s getting checked out tomorrow. My brain is simultaneously in overdrive and… View more
Gavin was a total twerp to leash train. He refused every greasy, gross hot dog, meatball, and cheese morsel I offered him. And, every time I thought I shortened his walk enough to keep him from becoming frustrated, his butt-biting stress relief occurred sooner. I can’t tell you how many times I desperately yelled to… View more
My brother Matt always greets Gavin by saying softly, “I see you,” as he pets him. And, every time I watch Gavin’s subsequent nuzzling and oozing, my heart feels lighter and my soul warmer. That’s what we all want. To be seen and loved for exactly who we are, right? It’s even one of Oprah Winfrey’s… View more
