I'm Rachel, & I've loved & lost many pets over a lifetime of caring for them, so I created this blog as a way to share insights, tips, and stories about dogs. We currently have two rescues...Willow (Labsky) and Cali (Heeler/Bully mix). They're about 2 years old, high energy, & total opposites. :)

  • Lifestyle,  Popular

    7 Life-changing Lessons my Dogs Teach Me Daily

    What my dogs teach me everyday is amazing! Really, both dogs. Not only from Cali and Willow, but from my past dogs, as well. I learn from the dogs I see at the park, on the street, and even from my mom’s dog. Dogs teach me new things, without knowing it, and it helps me to live a better life. They do this just be being their honest, lively, joyful, and resilient selves. * This site may contain affiliate links. As an Affiliate and Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small commission on qualified purchases. 1. Dogs Teach Me to Embrace the Moment Dogs remind us of the simplest pleasures in life. Whether it’s their exuberance about a walk around the block, finding a stick, or just plain contentment after a nap in a sunny spot in the yard, dogs need very little to be happy. My dogs teach me about living in the moment every single day. They aren’t attached to the past or future. Like me, many of us struggle with this level of presence – we’re easily distracted by deadlines, screens and worries. When watching my dog play fetch or sniff around the  yard, it reminds me to be more present and that happiness doesn’t need to be complicated. Things that seem boring to us are made new by dogs, like they’re experiencing it for the first time. I want to see the world from my dog’s perspective – being in the moment, however small that moment may be. What do your dogs teach you about life’s little moments? 2. Dogs Teach Us How to Love Unconditionally What everyone needs to learn from dogs is what unconditional love looks like in its purest form. Our flaws, moods, and mistakes are irrelevant to dogs. Their loyalty is not earned through rank and performance, nor is their affection withheld for judgment. In a world that sometimes seems transactional and demanding, dogs remind us that sharing space or being together is enough. So many people could use a dog companion. The rarest thing in life is unconditional love – a dog knows who you are and loves you for it. And, their affection never wavers when you’re tired, distracted or just plain miserable. Dogs remind us what it means to be accepted and loved. 3. Make New Friends with a Dog at Your Side Dogs break down social barriers and create connection points. At the park, walking around your neighborhood, or stopping by a dog-friendly cafe, having a dog invites conversation. Strangers may stop to say hi, inquire about your pup’s breed or tell a story about their pet. Such tiny, casual encounters may lead to friendships you…

  • Health,  Popular

    How to Know if You’re Buying a Healthy Dog Treat

    There are a million different types, brands, size, flavors, and shapes of healthy dog treats on the market. Every dog treat brand wants to convince you that they’re a healthy dog treat. Are they truly healthy, though? What defines a healthy dog treat? What makes a dog treat more like junk food? Do we want to risk making our dog fat, sick, or unhealthy? * This page may contain affiliate links. As an Affiliate & Amazon Affiliate, I earn small commissions from qualified purchases. Additives Run Rampant in the Healthy Dog Treat Industry Dog treats have made significant progress over the years. Yet, many manufacturers still can’t manage to produce…

  • Lifestyle,  ESA,  Popular

    How to Legitimately Get an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)

    ESA stands for Emotional Support Animal, and is recognized as an Assistance Animal by Federal law. An Assistance Animal is any domesticated animal that works, performs or provides assistance. The animal carries out tasks for the benefit of a person with an emotional disability. He or she also provides emotional support to help alleviate one or more symptoms of a person’s emotional disability. Getting an ESA is not a way to avoid pet deposits and pet rent. ESAs are usually prescribed for people with panic disorders, different types of anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD. They have also been shown to help those with Bipolar Disorder and other mental or emotional…