12/09/2025
As my dogs enter their senior years, Iāve been reflecting on our journey together. Thereās so much Iām grateful forāand a few things I wish Iād done differently:
⢠More walks on a long line, giving us space to explore and adventure together
⢠More parallel walks, instead of on-leash greetingsāallowing for gentler transitions
⢠More rewards through food, praise, and celebration
⢠More back-tying to encourage calm
⢠More redirection, and fewer correctionsāmore influencing, less control
⢠More advocating and protecting when they need it
⢠A fresh food diet from the start, to better nourish their bodies
⢠Regular healing sessions, to care for both their body and spirit
⢠Learning to groom, bathe, and handle them myself, to build deeper trust between us
⢠And more time in natureāa gift for them, and a grounding place for me
But maybe most of all, Iāve come to see how closely my well-being and theirs are connected. The care I offer them begins with the care I offer myself.