And how we eventually fell in love (mostly). — This Valentine’s Day marks my three-year “adopt-a-versary” with Millie. It was the worst Valentine’s Day of my life. I adopted Millie too soon after my soul dog, Tovi, died, naively thinking that getting another dog would make my insurmountable pain disappear — as if relationships could just transfer. I was…

How a stranger’s camaraderie set the tone for the day — Yesterday I had an early morning follow-up appointment for my broken leg. It was a bitter winter morning, and I was dragging as I wriggled into the passenger seat with my non-bending leg extended and butt shifting around in search of a comfortable position. …

I regret not adopting you — My brother got a puppy yesterday, to whom I am a proud auntie. If I am being honest, I’m more elated with the new puppy than when my nephew was born. …

It took an accident to sharpen my focus on what matters in life — As my stepdad wheeled me out of the hospital and into the UberX, I turned to my mom and, in a defeated tone, whispered, “I’m going to get so fat.” I was in Las Vegas with my family over Thanksgiving. We don’t do the traditional Thanksgiving thing but instead take…

Pet Therapy Notes November prompt — In the spirit of November traditionally being a time when we slow down and reflect on the things we are grateful for, this month’s prompt challenges you to focus on how a pet — past or present and any species — has changed your life. Isn’t it incredible to think…

I’m here to admit I was wrong — As a new editor, I’m here to confess that I had it backward, and for that, I am sorry. I’m far from an expert on writing or grammar etiquette, but I enjoyed workshopping others’ work. …

I can’t even today, so I’ll make this short. — I just came across an article demonizing Intuitive Eating (IE), and it broke my heart. I shouldn’t have read it, but I couldn’t resist. I’m sitting here crying — literally shaking — after reading so much misinformation about an entire philosophy that I practice not only myself but as an…

Luckily for them, they aren’t — All that matters in their world is love. — “Did you hear Angel go her tail cropped?” “Of course, it’s been the talk of the dog park.” “She’s so fancy with her flashy collars, perfectly groomed paws, and designer clothes. And if I hear one more time about her raw diet and her daily workout routine with her hooman…

You were in the wrong. Get over yourself. — A woman in my community posted a rant on my neighborhood’s social media page describing an incident between her and the owner of another dog in hopes the “perpetrator” (owner of the leashed dog) would see it. “To the man who…” She went on to describe that her dog was…