Five-Letter Words
I started Mabel’s home-alone training again a few weeks ago. I felt she was ready. We spent December making her room at home special while also allowing my sweet dog to adjust to Sasha’s lovely home...
View ArticleA Lot
Mabel’s a lot of dog with a lot of energy. But I’m a lot, too, and can quickly fill a room or take over a conversation if I’m not practicing self-awareness. So, even though Mabel sounds like a herd of...
View ArticleChoose Love
Mabel was stretched out beside me, snoring, while I slowly stroked her side and enjoyed my coffee. I was feeling overwhelmingly grateful for Mabel’s morning sleepiness. I can knock out at least a...
View ArticleSo Far
Mabel and I started a Rally Class a few weeks ago, not to compete. I’m dreadfully disgraceful with precision work. However, Mabel thrived in manners class, so I wanted to continue building her...
View ArticleLotus
“Just like the lotus, we too can rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness, and radiate into the world.” –UnknownMabel and I left the car at our favorite park for our Wednesday morning walk. I’d...
View ArticleFritter Away
When we finally sit down at night, leaving a list of to-dos untouched because we’re just too exhausted, how often do we pick up our phones? Or think about cleaning one more crevice? Or, get up to make...
View ArticleGotcha, Dirtball
It’s fitting that Mabel started her trial week with me on Earth Day. My sweet girl loves all things natural, eating poop, rolling in vomit, eating bees (thankfully, she’s not allergic), belly-flopping...
View ArticleSmudges
One of Mabel’s favorite activities is sitting at my kitchen door, nose smashed against the glass, and lazily watching people walk by. I love that she’s derpy and unphased, even if she sees a dog. And...
View ArticleConnection
Years ago, my first soulmate dog, Finn, and I took a hiking trip to Asheville, NC. Finn loved walks and exploring and was far enough out of a second ACL surgery that his veterinarian had no concerns...
View ArticleSecure
I’d planned to write this week about dogs’ gifts to us: their boundless love and unwavering loyalty, the comfort and companionship they give without asking for anything in return, the immeasurable joy...
View ArticleRemember
As we embark on a weekend of remembrance, I’ll keep this short as I’m sure you’re ready for extra time with your favorite people and pets.Today and the warm days ahead, let’s remember:Our challenges...
View ArticleWrong
In the first dog training class I took with Finn, he shined. Whenever the trainer demonstrated a cue with my big ol’ simple silly boy, he rocked every exercise. But when she handed the leash back to...
View ArticleConfidence
In our second (I think) week of Rally Class, Mabel kept walking towards the A-frame with eager eyes and a giant grin. And I felt deep appreciation, causing me to smile with no one nearby to notice. I...
View ArticleWisdom
It’s Mabel here. I’m taking over the blog this week because my human always tells me I’m smarter than her on her best days, even fully caffeinated. So, I’m sharing my wisdom today to pass along to...
View ArticleEnrichment Toy Stuffing
It took time to adjust to life with a food-motivated Mabel. My angel Gavin and I used to sit on the bathroom floor with what I called his Thanksgiving feast. I’d meditate, rub essential oils on my...
View ArticleAs Is
This time last year, Mabel woke me up in the middle of the night, unable to breathe. I panicked and stumbled out of bed to get my purse when she started shooting snot rockets all over my bedroom....
View ArticleHigh-Value Dog Treats
Mabel’s gut is almost healed after four rounds of antibiotics. I’ve worked closely with my primary and holistic veterinarians to help mend her tummy microbiome, but it’s taken time. So I’ve recently...
View ArticleWaiting
As a child, I composed a non-sensical novella, “My Ice Cream Dream.” I wrote, illustrated, and self-published (cut-up cardboard and contact paper) my debut book. I was so proud of my silly adventure...
View ArticleFrozen Enrichment for Dogs
With the upcoming sky booms, I’m grateful that Mabel doesn’t give two hoots about fireworks. So, I’m adding more enrichment to her daytime routine so she’s as relaxed as possible at night while we...
View ArticlePearls
Since most of you humans are recovering from comforting your dog(s) from the sky booms, my human asked me (Mabel) to step in again this week and share more pearls of wisdom for your dog(s). Here...
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