It’s Almost Like I Got Him on Purpose: Watching Quill Become the Dog He Was Meant to Be
After losing Tink, I found unexpected healing in watching Quill grow into the dog he was meant to be. A story of grief, presence, and becoming.
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Do Dogs Have Friends? (Chewie & Quill Say Yes.)
When Chewie came to stay with us this winter, I expected playtime, chaos, and maybe a few muddy pawprints. What I didn’t expect was a front-row seat to the science of canine friendship unfolding in my living room. Dogs form selective, stable social bonds that look an awful lot like the friendships we humans cherish, and watching Chewie and Quill negotiate life together — from humping and stressed out whale eyes to synchronized antler chewing — reminded me just how deeply dogs connect.
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Keeping Your Active Dog Engaged When Winter Won’t Quit
Winter with one young Labrador has pushed me to get creative, slow down, and rethink what it really means to keep a dog engaged when the weather won’t cooperate. From canine fitness exercises to snowball fetch to hide‑and‑seek in the hallway, these small daily rituals have carried us through the longest winter—and reminded me that it’s never about tiring out your dog, but about doing something interesting with them.
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More Than Just DNA: Why Cloning Can’t Replace Your Heart Dog
Tom Brady’s cloned dog sparked a national conversation, but cloning can’t recreate the dog you lost. This essay explores responsible breeding, nurture vs. nature, and why DNA is only one small part of who a dog becomes.
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Walking the Fine Line Between Gratitude and Worry: Life With a Myasthenia Gravis Dog
Life with a Myasthenia Gravis dog means walking a fine line between gratitude and worry. Here’s how we balance normal life with constant, careful monitoring.
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Is Your Dog on the Naughty List?
Quill isn’t “naughty” when he steals my husband’s winter hat or raids the wrapping paper. He’s a young, intelligent Labrador trying to tell me something: I need something to do. I still interrupt and redirect him — of course I do — but I’ve learned to look deeper. Because good behavior isn’t magic. It’s needs being met, boundaries being clear, and partnership being practiced every single day.
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Fenced Yards Offer Safety But Can’t Replace Walking Your Dog
For 143 days now, Quill and I have walked mid-mornings. While our new walking routine was born out of tragedy, those walks have become Quill and my favorite part of the day. In this article, I am going to share an update on our walking training, the importance of walking your dog, and how it can
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Dog Collar Safety Awareness: Important Tips for Every Dog Owner
Dog collars can be lifesavers—or hidden hazards. This guide shares essential dog collar safety tips, real-life stories, and smarter ID options to help protect your pup. Learn when to go collar-free, explore breakaway designs, and take simple steps to prevent accidents at home, in crates, and during play.
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Real-Life Dog Training Tips From Someone Who Isn’t a Dog Trainer
Discover real-life dog training tips from a lifelong, devoted dog owner. Learn how trust, mindset, and relationship-based training can transform your bond with your dog — no harsh commands required.
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Before You Get a Dog | Dog Ownership Realities | Life Lessons from Dogs | Stories from Life with Dogs
Are You Ready for 15 Years of Dog Love and Responsibility?
Dog ownership isn’t just cuddles and cute moments—it’s a vow. A 15-year promise to show up, train, sacrifice, and love through every stage. Before you bring a dog home, ask yourself: are you ready to be their person, every single day, for the rest of their life?
