07/17/2025
To my clients, friends, and extended DK9S family,
I’ve been quiet for a while, and I want to take a moment to share why—and to sincerely apologize for my absence.
In a short period of time, I experienced a wave of losses that hit deeply and personally. While the dogs I lost weren’t mine in name, they were mine in heart, and their passing left a silence I wasn’t ready for.
First was Snoop, who belonged to Alex and Amanda. Snoop lived half of his life with me, and he was more than just a dog—he was family. His passing from congestive heart failure was heartbreaking, but I’m so grateful I got to be there to say goodbye and send him off with love. His people are like family to me now, and always will be.
Not long after, we lost Thea, who belonged to Josh and Merrie. Thea was one of my greatest reactivity success stories. When she first came to me, she couldn’t tolerate being around other dogs at all. But in time, and with trust and patience, she was playing joyfully with seven dogs in the yard—German Shepherds, a border collie, and more. She was amazing. I hadn’t seen her for about a year, and I didn’t know she was sick. But the day she passed, I saw her out of the corner of my eye—as if she were right here again, just for a moment. Not even an hour later, Josh messaged me to say she had been euthanized due to illness. I believe, in my heart, that she came to say goodbye.
Then came Berlin, who was owned by Rees, and deeply loved by her grandmother Lida. Berlin was something special—a spirit dog. She once fostered two orphaned puppies for me after their mother died. Even though she had been spayed, Berlin mimicked the care of a mama, teaching us how to help the pups survive. She was nurturing, wise, and powerful in her quiet way. I didn’t get to say goodbye in person, but I was grateful to be told ahead of time so I could send my prayers.
In the middle of all this, my stepbrother passed away.
So I grieved. I paused. I stepped back from work—not because I stopped caring, but because I care deeply. These dogs—and their people—are family. And the grief of losing them all so close together was overwhelming.
But I’m here now.
We’re back open, and I’m ready to return to what I love most: helping dogs and their people live better lives together.
At DK9S, we never stop learning, growing, and giving everything we have to each dog that comes through our gates. The work we do is personal, and it always will be. These losses have only deepened my commitment to that.
To everyone who waited, who wondered, who held space for me without needing to know why—I thank you.
And to the dogs we’ve lost: Snoop, Thea, Berlin—thank you. You taught me more than I can ever repay. You’ll always be a part of this place and a part of me.
With love and gratitude,
Angela Lynn Taylor
DK9S – Real Training. Real Results. No Gimmicks.
