Sit. Stay. Read.
obsessed with dogs
This post is inspired by Modern Mrs. Darcy’s linkup. If you love books, you need to read her blog! It’s like having a conversation over coffee with a friend who happens to be a librarian. Winter. It’s getting old, you guys. But, today’s the halfway point, so the end–and sunshine–is in sight! Each winter requires …
I’m not someone who believes that everything happens for a reason. We can debate that over a glass of wine sometime, but I truly think the world is full of chance and randomness. I do, however, believe that there is a purpose to every single thing that happens. In most cases, that purpose is to …
You guys, we’re going nuts. Seriously stir crazy. The temps haven’t climbed above 0 (that’s F!) more than a few times in a few weeks. I’m an introverted homebody, but even I’m ready to get out. It’s hard to go anywhere with the baby when it’s this cold, and Cooper… well, Cooper hates being cold… but …
Before I dive into this annual adventure, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for the kind words and thoughts, and thank you for sharing your pets with me in this space. After my last post, your generosity and kindness reminded me why I love this community so much. And, as promised, I’m back …
Way back when I wrote my very first post, I had big ideas: weekly series, recurring features, guest bloggers, and so on. But my main goal was to chronicle life with Emmett and Lucas. We had recently moved from DC to Indiana. We were dealing with Lucas’ reactivity and finding outlets for Emmett’s energy. We …
Let’s talk about crazy dogs, shall we? You guys know me, so you know I say “crazy” with tremendous love in my heart. I’m talking about dogs like Cooper: high-energy dogs, smart dogs, creative dogs who come up with their owns methods of entertainment when they’re under-exercised or under-stimulated… Cooper runs. A lot. He does …
Last night, Violet thumped her legs in her crib on and off all night long. She wasn’t awake–at least, not until 4 am–but she spent the entire night lifting her chubby little legs and slamming them down. In her sleep. All night. See, she’s still sleeping in the little crib in our room. SIDS-prevention recommendations …
Yesterday, Coop, you turned seven. How that’s possible… I still can’t wrap my mind around it… But, it’s true, and here we are. Today, you are a seven-year-old pup. “Middle aged.” I say “middle aged” in quotes because you, my dear Cooper, did not get the #adulting memo. Or, maybe it’s that you’re taking the …
Last week, John’s brother, sis-in-law, and two kiddos–ages 4 and 7–visited from Maryland to meet Violet. Cooper loved having guests, primarily because the 7-year-old was willing to play Cooper’s favorite game, “Chase me but don’t catch me!” He picks up a toy and runs. He loves to be pursued. He doesn’t really want to be …
A couple weeks ago, John stood in the laundry room folding yet another pile of teeny-tiny onesies while I cleaned the kitchen. Seemingly out of the blue, he turned to me and asked, “Are you ever going to write about Emmett? All the stuff at the end?” I answered as honestly as I could. “It’s …
I’m granting myself some leniency here because it’s been a helluva couple months. However. {{This post brought to you by Cooper getting up and peeing in the living room at 4 AM! If that hadn’t happened, I’d still be languishing lazily in my bed, you know, sleeping instead of writing this post! Thanks, Coop! Way …
I’m fully prepared for you to tsktsktsk while shaking your head after I say this (famous last words, anyone?), but here goes: I think I’ve finally got a handle on… well, stuff. I mean, not entirely. But mostly. Or, partly anyway. {{Note: I wrote the draft of this post on my flight TO BlogPaws. Three weeks …
Several people told us the same thing: Emmett was waiting for Violet. “He wanted to make sure you were OK.” Maybe. I don’t know. It’s a lovely sentiment, regardless. I don’t yet have the words to write about Emmett’s life–or his death, for that matter. He himself was larger than life. Over the last year or …
Several people told us the same thing: Emmett was waiting for Violet. “He wanted to make sure you were OK.” Maybe. I don’t know. It’s a lovely sentiment, regardless. I don’t yet have the words to write about Emmett’s life–or his death, for that matter. He himself was larger than life. Over the last year or …
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share with you: Emmett passed away over the weekend. He left peacefully and at home. (My favorite picture of Emmett ever, 2008.) His loss has left a hole in our hearts and in our home. We’re going to take some time to grieve, then …
And, yes, those animals include husbands, children, and dust bunnies… When was the last time you said to yourself, “Wow, I have SO much time on my hands!! What should I do with myself?” I’d wager a fortune in kibble that the answer is: never. Never has any one of us ever said that. I don’t …
Hello, everyone! Welcome to my first ever Happy Planner flip through! So, last weekend I found myself with a small pocket of time and decided to film a flip-through of my Happy Planner project. I’ve never done anything like this before, though I’ve watched TONS of other people’s flip-throughs. Despite all the craziness of the …
OK. Maybe not everything, but I’m going to try my best. First, my usual disclaimers: I’m not a vet. I’m not a vet tech. I’m not in any capacity involved in any sort of medical field. I’m a writer and avid researcher who’s crazy obsessed with providing my dogs the best life possible. I’m simply sharing …
Emmett and Cooper are thick as thieves. They just prefer to be together. In fact, we make an effort to separate them on occasion because, well, Emmett’s not going to be around forever, and Cooper needs to learn to be alone. When we walk one, the other sits at the door and waits. When one wants …
I found my happy place. Well, one of them. Over the past couple weekends, working on this #BestLifePets planner with an audiobook playing in the background (currently: Everyone Brave is Forgiven)… It’s totally relaxing and seriously fun! Here’s what I’m learning and what I wanted to share with you guys today: The things I’m capturing …
I’m awfully glad we’re good friends at this point because I’m about to unveil some new crazy I haven’t shared with you guys before. I am a planner. I need a schedule with a list every single day because, honestly, I suffer from something-shiny syndrome. Unless I have focus, I find myself… staring out the …
Alright, y’all. Happy 2017! A new year can only mean one thing… It’s time for the annual Pet Blogger Challenge hosted by our friends at GoPetFriendly.com. For all you non-pet-bloggers, this is a chance for us to step back and evaluate our site and goals. Plus, the best part of the challenge is the linkup so …
Fact: There is nothing better than an old dog. Another fact: Aging can be tough, no matter the species. My heart is bursting with the joy and gratitude and love I have for seeing Emmett into these Golden Years. Considering all we’ve been through with him–and the fact that we lost his brother at the unfair age …
It baffles me to say this–my mind literally cannot grasp how this happened–but today, dear Cooper, you turn six. It was, like, last year that you were this size, right? But, nope. Somehow you’ve gone from this: To this: LOOK AT YOUR GRAY WHISKERS, COOPER! Stop that right this instant! You’ve been through a lot …
