Listening to Your Body Can Make You a Better Writer

I’m sure you will think this has nothing to do with being a better writer, but I will argue that point. In fact, I will argue that it not only will improve your writing, it will improve your quality of life. It’s nothing new. You already know it. You’ve heard it before. It’s common sense. The problem is it’s not common practice. Here it is (my version): get enough sleep for your body. For…

View On WordPress

Adoption magic

I was really counting on that adoption magic to prevail this week, but I’m an overly optimistic person. I was able to see four of my puppies into the arms of their new families. Continue reading Adoption magic

View On WordPress

Small Dog Puppies and Big Dog Puppies

Oh my gosh, small dog puppies are SO much easier than big dog puppies. At least in large quantities. Clean up takes a fraction of the time and the correlating stink is also much lighter! Maybe the best part is that I can hold three of four of them on my lap at a time (which still leaves two yelling for my attentions). And talk about cuteness – why are small things so much cuter than large…

View On WordPress

Bring on the Little Dog People!

Who is looking for a little dog? Nearly all the puppies I foster are large breed puppies, but for a change I’ve got some littles! Continue reading Bring on the Little Dog People!

View On WordPress

Stoic Philosophy and Writing

Not long ago I read The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. The premise is based on stoic philosophy, and the author asserts that the obstacle in your way is the way. I’ve found myself muttering this phrase while out hiking when I encounter a fallen tree on the trail or while driving when I come upon a tractor plugging up the center of the road. Continue reading Stoic Philosophy and Writing

View On WordPress

How About a Pupdate?

How about a pupdate?I recently checked in with The Snack Cake puppies who are four months old! I was looking for pictures that the Humane Society could use for their brand new website. The pups are living happy lives and clearly being loved enormously. Suzie Q goes to work with her mom, who is a vet tech, and is the star of the show at the vet office in Winchester. All the pups weigh around 30…

View On WordPress

Simple Way to Increase Energy and Improve Your Mood

Who wants more energy, more sleep, and to feel happier and calmer? What if I told you I know a secret power that will give you that? Read on, friend, and don’t doubt me. I’m a big believer in intentionality. I don’t think progress or success or even happiness come without being intentional. Continue reading Simple Way to Increase Energy and Improve Your Mood

View On WordPress

Why Would You Want a Puppy, When You Could Have This Great Dog?

On our recent shelter tour, a director asked me, “Who would want to adopt a puppy?” (it was a rhetorical question so it wasn’t necessary, but I said, “Not me!”) She went on to explain why she hustles puppies out the door to rescues, and only adopts out adult dogs. Our little foster cottage is mostly quiet these days. That is unless Marley spots a squirrel daring to cross our property. Krimpet…

View On WordPress

One Month into My 2024 Challenge

A month into my Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life challenge and I am feeling lighter. In lots of ways. The group on Facebook (you can join too – click here) provides not just encouragement and inspiration, but accountability too. To recap, in case you missed it: I challenged people to consider getting rid of a set number of things in your life every day for a year. I committed to getting rid…

View On WordPress

My Husband is Pretty Great

My husband is pretty great. If you’ve read my book, Another Good Dog, you probably already know that (and wonder why he’s still married to me). He likes dogs. But not like I like dogs. Or at least not like I like fostering dogs. Right now we have two foster dogs (the puppies all went home-finally!!) living with us (plus Gracie Lou who is currently fostering in Maryland). Continue reading My…

View On WordPress

My Latest Editing Discovery

I just discovered something amazing! It’s changed my life – okay—just my editing habits. Did you know that Microsoft Word has a ‘read aloud’ feature? You can click on it and a voice reads your work to you. It’s an amazing way to spot silly typos, but also really helps when it comes to writing dialogue. There’s no going back. One added bonus is that my foster dog Marley, who is prone to…

View On WordPress

Looking for that Adoption Magic

From Marley’s point of view, people just don’t understand. What she’d like is a person (preferably a man) to be devoted to her in the same way that she is devoted to him. She’d like someone she could stick close to when he’s home and a safe, comfy crate to hang out in when he’s gone. Maybe a few long walks to sniff stuff, a few treats after she sits when asked, and a couch to snuggle on during…

View On WordPress

Starting the Year Off Lighter

This past week I started the Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life Challenge. It’s a personal challenge to remove 5 things from my life every day of 2024. I’ve invited others to join me (and pick their own number). Together in a private Facebook group we are sharing ideas, support, and a few laughs, plus offering accountability with optional daily reports of how we’ve lightened our loads. When I…

View On WordPress

The House of Bark

I’m currently working in the house of bark. It’s rarely like this, but for the next nine hours, until our temporary foster takes off for his new life, there doesn’t seem to be a way around it. I’m trying to breathe calmly and exude still energy, but nothing really helps with this particular combination of dog. I’m fairly sure he’s a Husky mix because of his need to ‘talk’ all the time, his…

View On WordPress

Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life

I have a challenge for you. Mostly it’s a challenge for me. I’ve decided to take on this challenge because I’m tired of the burden. What burden? I have too much stuff. Continue reading Untitled

View On WordPress

Down to the Wire with These Puppies

We are getting down to the wire with these puppies, matching them with adopters, microchipping (tomorrow!), and I just slogged through the multi-day Safeguard deworming protocol (none of us enjoyed it). They’ll get their second set of vaccines and be ready to go home as early as December 30th. Every day I grow more convinced that they are hound dogs. As a foster, I try very hard to dodge…

View On WordPress

Love is Not Enough When It Comes to Puppies

Love is not enough. At least when it comes to puppies (maybe when it comes to anything…). Raising a good dog means putting in the work when they are puppies. The genes and individuality of your puppy are out of your control, but there’s lots more that is within your control. Continue reading Untitled

View On WordPress