OMD!

One year ago today, you came home and changed our lives with your gentle presence. You brought with you scars–literally and metaphorically–and a soft, steady demeanor much appreciated in our household. It’s funny how I’ve forgotten certain details, like the scabs that dotted your face and ears. I’d forgotten that it looked like you’d only …

One of the nicest people I’ve met through this community is Rebecca Pepin, news anchor by day and founder of Fetching Apparel on the side. We had the chance to feature Rebecca and Fetching Apparel in the holiday gift guide several years ago, and now I’m honored to have this opportunity to share an incredible …

I thought about Lucas last night. I’m not sure what triggered it, but–seemingly suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere–my fingers ached to dig into the thick, fluffy fur around his neck. And, oh, it hit hard when I realized I couldn’t quite remember how it felt anymore. “Grief changes shape, but it never ends. […] People …

Whether you are considering adopting a disabled dog, or you already love a dog with a disability, this post is for you! In this post, I’m going to share different types of disabilities you might find in an adoptable dog, plus a list of 10 ways to prepare for and care for a disabled dog. …

Have you ever wondered if your dog is judging you? Maybe you look over and your pup has one little eyebrow quirked up. (Lucas did that ALL the time!) Or maybe you feel like you and your dog are really attuned to one another’s behavior, so certainly your dog notices when you mess up? On …

My heart breaks each time Penny flinches. A raised arm to throw a ball, a leg lifted to tie a shoe, a reach over her head to give her a little pat. She flinches or cowers. Drops low to the ground and skitters away. It’s gotten better. “Better,” anyway, in the sense that she cowers …

Meet Penny, this pretty girl: If we’re connected on Instagram, you’ve already briefly met this lovely lady. But, I’d like to formally introduce her and share her story with you! But, first, a truth: I did not expect to be introducing a dog to you today. In fact, I planned–and still do plan–to write two …

I forget how to do this part. I forget how to move forward without a dog under my feet. I forget how to plan a day without accounting for letting him in, letting him out, filling his bowl, refilling his water, walking, cuddling, brushing, all the things. Our beloved Cooper passed away peacefully at home …

A note before I begin, dear friends: If you’re at all squeamish about loss of backyard wildlife or circle-of-life stories, this one’s not for you. Come back another time or peruse this old, old post about gratitude for my quirky old dog. Cooper turned 13 this summer. The girls threw him a party, complete with …

This post meanders, y’all. Feel free to come back another day if you don’t want a string of thoughts about Google, AI, dog training, and blogging. 🙂 Unless you’re someone who works online, you might have missed this big piece of news from Google: Google is going to begin using AI to change how it …

Yesterday, we decided to take the girls to a nearby park that recently reopened after significant renovations. It’s a wonderful space alongside the river. Trails cross through the wooded sections with boardwalks spanning the swampier bits. A covered area includes picnic tables and benches, a couple grills, and a little free library. There are bathrooms, …

The daffodils are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the sun is shining (or, it would be if it weren’t for all these April showers)! All those signs point to one thing: It’s spring cleaning season! Spring cleaning for pet parents requires a special kind of thoroughness that those without pets probably can’t even imagine. …

Did you know: An elephant’s skin measures an inch or inch and a half thick. Despite its thickness, an elephant’s skin is so sensitive, it can feel a fly land on its back. What does that have to do with dogs? Well, nothing, really. But it has an awful lot to do with writing about …

Ten years ago this week, I stuck my final chemo needle into my belly, depressed the plunger, and burst into tears. I shoved the needle in my sharps box, and danced around Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper screaming, “I’m finished!” They thought I’d lost my mind…  Eleven years ago this week, a doc told me that …

Hello, friends! Have you seen the images from the Webb Space Telescope? I’ve been following along on astronomy Twitter (who knew that was a thing!?!), first, as the initial set of images were released, and now through the discussion about what’s been discovered. In case you’re not as nerdy interested as I am and haven’t …

*Many years ago, we lived for a while in a small town in south Louisiana. While there, I wrote a whole series of essays about our experiences that I never posted anywhere. I’m cleaning out some digital storage and am going to start posting some of them, along with other stories that have yet to …

Oh, winter. Why do you feel so long when the days are so short? This post is inspired by Modern Mrs. Darcy, my favorite book podcaster. Every year, she shares this post to call to mind all the things that bring joy and life to these dark days of winter–and the posts go up at …

I hold my pen wrong. My grip evolved uncorrected, and now, in my 40s, there’s nothing I can do about it. The muscle memory is too strong, the habit too ingrained. If fact, the bone on the fourth finger of my right hand malformed because of my grip. And that’s fine… except that I decided …

Hi, friends. It’s been a while. I hope you’re well. It’s a mixed bag over here. My long absence from this space has two main culprits (though, really, just one… just me…). I mentioned in my 2021 journey post that my only goal for this year was to write my book and secure an agent. …

I harbor no delusions: This post and topic is lifestyle-specific and won’t apply, at least not in full, to lots of folks. However, if you’re in a situation like mine, I’m hoping it might be a smidge helpful.  So, what’s our situation?  John works a full-time job that is currently/temporarily at home. He has set …

Welcome to February, friends! (HOW, I ask you, HOW are we already done with one whole month of 2021?) And welcome to “what’s saving my life right now!” This post is inspired by my favorite book blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy. I’ve done this post twice now, once in 2018 and once in 2020. (Wonder what …

Think back to your childhood for a moment: What was your favorite game to play? Did you chase your friends in tumbling games of tag or red rover? Did you wrestle with your siblings, only pausing when someone started to cry? or bleed? How about sharks-and-minnows in a sparkling swimming pool? Whatever your favorite childhood …

I know it’s on everyone’s mind but I can’t help but repeat: What just happened? What a year, huh? On one hand, it felt like every week was at least a month long, but now that we’re in the home stretch I’m wondering where it all went. TBH, it wasn’t all bad. I mean, it …