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When Imposter Syndrome Crashes Your Big Launch
When I officially launched this space on social media last week, I’ll be honest, panic set in almost immediately. That sneaky voice of imposter syndrome showed up right on cue. You know that feeling of “uh oh, I put it out into the universe… now I actually have to deliver”? Yeah, that one.
Starting Fresh at 64: Saying Yes to a Puppy
Getting a Puppy at 64. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
He is not even here yet and I am already having feelings.
I am also a retired dog trainer who specialized in complex behavior issues.
You would think that combination would make me calm and confident. Instead, Instead, I am mildly nauseous and Googling things like “normal puppy biting?” as if I have not been teaching this stuff for decades.
Living Without a Dog for the First Time in 35 Years
Living Without a Dog for the First Time in 35 Years
Seven months ago, we lost our dog.
Even typing that still feels strange. He was woven into every corner of our days. The click of nails on the floor. The rhythm of morning walks. The quiet weight beside me in the evening. When he died, the house did not just feel empty. It felt wrong. Too tidy. Too quiet. Like it was waiting for something.
Slow Travel in New Zealand: Our First Big Adventure After Retirement
This is our first extended vacation since retirement, and it has been pure joy. Instead of our usual winter escape to Florida, we chose something completely different this year: seven weeks of slow travel in New Zealand. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Seeing the Mountains Differently- Perception and Perspective
Life really is about perception and perspective, isn’t it?
We are on vacation in New Zealand for six weeks, and I’ve been surprised by how differently I’m experiencing the mountains, streams, and rivers this time around. I’ve been here before, but this visit feels entirely new.
What the Palm Trees Know
I have been fascinated with palm trees for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Northeastern Ohio, they were purely imaginary, something I only saw in magazines or movies. I didn’t see my first real palm tree until I was sixteen, when I was an exchange student in Colombia and visited Cartagena.
Travel Day Angst: A Celiac’s Survival Guide to Eating on the Road
If you travel with Celiac Disease, you already know: airports are not exactly a gluten-free paradise. Food options are typically limited, and even when something appears gluten-free, cross-contact risks make it unsafe for anyone who has to be strictly GF.
adventures in cupcaking
I love to bake and that love gets completely supercharged during the holidays. One of my favorite things to make is cupcakes. Everyone loves a good cupcake, right? There’s just something about them that instantly lifts people’s spirits. Maybe it’s because they tap into that kid-level joy you felt when someone handed you a special treat for no reason at all.
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving: The Quest for the Perfect Dinner Roll (Finally!)
We’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, and our entire feast will be 100% gluten free. Sixteen of us will gather around the table, each person bringing a dish to share. Every year, I feel a little guilty when I send the reminder that everything needs to be gluten free—not because anyone complains, but because I know it’s a big ask.
From Hospital Halls to Healing: A Story of Resilience and Movement
7 weeks ago today we went to the hospital for my husband to have an urgent surgery for a joint infection he was experiencing post shoulder replacement done in March. He was pretty sick and we were both worried. You know things aren’t good when you get the “this is how you open the safe” talk before you head out.
Saying Goodbye and Then Living with It
TRIGGER WARNING - this post is about behavioral euthanasia. I posted about Elke, our GSD, when she passed away in December. What I could not write then was that her death was a behavioral euthanasia. Even though I know that the decision we made for Elke was the kind and humane thing to do, I still felt like I failed her.
Let Them Sniff
Today I had to practice what I preach when it comes to sniffing walks. We went to a location that we had not been to in a couple of weeks and a spin about this park usually takes us 15 minutes. Today, the sniffing walk lasted 55 minutes! Clearly, Gibbs had some catching up to do in this park.
Self-Forgiveness
This photo is not put up to let you see how beautiful this sunrise is; it is shown to be a reflection of what life has been like with our sound-sensitive GSD Elke this week and to talk about forgiving yourself when you make a training mistake.
The Many Hackles of Elke
When you live with a reactive or fearful dog, you live a life of hypervigilance. If you’re lucky enough, your dog might have a tell or outward sign that shows you when he or she is reaching their threshold or state of over-arousal.
My Favorite Defensive Handling Techniques – Words I Never Thought I Would Say
Leash Lock, Control Position, Back-Tie, Leash Quick Control – these are four defensive leash handling techniques that I had to use on an early morning walk with one of my fearful dogs. When you have to employ these techniques, it is typically because you have run into a potentially dangerous situation for you and your dog.
It Is Time
Let’s start this with me sharing that I avoid confrontation at all costs. I am a people pleaser, a retired nurse, and I look for peace and harmony all the time. I tackle tough issues privately with people but never in a public forum. As such, I am more than a little scared of where this blog post may take me. Here we go……
Vet Visits, They Don’t Have To Be Scary
Elke had her annual checkup at the vets yesterday and by doing some very simple things we were able to make her visit less stressful and even a bit enjoyable.
Confessions from a Type A Dog Mom on Learning How to Do Sniffing Walks with Her Dogs
Let’s set the stage, I am the quintessential Type A person. I like to work. I thrive on having a project and setting goals, Excel spreadsheets and check lists make me feel warm and fuzzy.