I am a runner. Today I run for those from around the world who want to run but cannot. For the friends and family members of those runners. For the volunteers and spectators who cheer them on. I run because my heart is with them. I run because I can.
Memoirs
Ace is my heart dog, my once in a lifetime dog, I think. But I’m lucky. I’ve had two heart dogs. Brittni was my first. She and Ace would’ve really hit it off. Two of the world’s most gentle souls: Dogs that stick real close when given the freedom to choose. Dogs that remain gentle in …
Almost every morning, Ace and I head out for a short walk. We later eat breakfast together. Then he follows me to my office where I write for a bit and he settles in on a dog bed or blanket – first nap of the day! When I head out to walk the other dogs …
Just about every work of art receives criticism, otherwise it probably wouldn’t be art. Seth Godin (yes, I’m a fan) had a post on his blog Friday that said, basically, there will always be that one critic, that one troller, who just doesn’t get it. But if the work you do matters – if your …
My mutt Ace is not a rescue dog. That is not his story. Ace has a great life. I am his world. He is mine. I love him. I train him. He teaches me about patience, acceptance, peacefulness. I do not need to see him as a “rescued” animal in order to love him. I don’t …
It is important, I think, for each of us to be open to the ideas of others. Shifting my own opinion is a good thing. I am certainly wrong sometimes. And my ideas are always changing. Like everything else, the “animal world” has become a place where it’s difficult to listen. A few people are …
We need dogs in our lives. I need them. Dogs are always connecting me to people – leading me one way, pulling me along. Ace lead me into the crazy world of animal rescue. He took me to dog parks and dog agility classes. Introduced me to friends I wouldn’t have met. He helped me …
Live a meaningful life A friend pointed out that my husband Josh and I are not normal. He meant that as a compliment – that we do the work we love, we work when we want to and we are not in the job market (thankfully). It was nice to hear this friend’s perspective. And so, …
Seasons. Change. Fall is brief around here, in North Dakota. My favorite time for dog walks. I have such a wonderful dog, and I am grateful for him every day. Ace – the ultimate adapter, like all dogs – doesn’t seem to worry much about the seasons. He carries on. He leads me into a …
I am not exactly sure what a perfect day would be like for my foster dog Dora. I have only known her for six weeks. Still, I wanted to try my best to give her a special day – a day as perfect as possible. Just for her.