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You Gotta Believe, Man
What do a dog-napped puppy in Chico, California and the book You are a Badass by Jen Sincero have to do with each other? The power of belief. Let me back up a minute. About that puppy… At the beginning of August I headed to Chico, California for an outdoor, socially-distanced memorial for trainer Mike…
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Two Years
I watch the flowers and the grass every spring, comparing the timing to previous years. I watch the fields of grass dreaming about a barn full of fresh cut hay. I watch the flowers thinking of a sunny spring day 2 years ago in which I picked lilac and bridal wreath spirea. Connor died on…
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Why You Need To Get In The Picture
A couple years ago I came across a picture on Pinterest. A 1950s cowgirl sat on the ground, her dog next to her and her horse behind her, head resting on her shoulder. I wanted a photo like that image, my beloved dog and horse all in one shot. I had the best intentions but…
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Eight State Road Trip & A Puppy Muse
We are back from our three week road trip from Oregon to Wisconsin and back. Because a 33 hour road trip wasn’t crazy enough, 8 hours in we picked up our puppy, Hinter. Multiple people, including our vet, suggested perhaps we should pick the puppy up on the way back. They were worried about a…
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Promising To Treasure The Heartbeat Moments
When Connor (rest in peace, buddy) was a puppy, still toddling around on too big paws and unbalanced legs, we took him to a friend’s house to visit. Our friend’s had a three year old daughter and the mom guided her daughter’s small hand under Connor’s front legs to feel his puppy-sized heartbeat. I remember…
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What My Dog’s Death Taught Me About Life
It’s been over three months since our German Shepherd Dog died in our home due to a brain tumor while we helplessly watched and waited for the vet. Three weeks from now will mark the one year anniversary since he had his very first seizure. He made it only 7 short months after that first…
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Love, Loss, and a Dog With A Brain Tumor
I don’t know where to start, so I think I’ll start at the end. Or the beginning of the end, rather. Last weekend Connor had three seizures. Two within two hours, the third a little different than all the rest, with a prolonged stage of stumbling before he went into the grand mal. On Monday…
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Don’t Own a German Shepherd…Definitely Not Two
We are graced with the presence of two long-hair German Shepherds. They are a rambunctious set, ages 5 and 7 from the same parents. Shelby is highly intelligent but neurotic as hell and not very affectionate. Connor is sweet and loving, but not as well trained and especially aggressive with other dogs. We knew from…