Welcome to the Paws & Play Side of Life

While much of my work centers around spiritual teaching and inner exploration, my dogs are the ones who keep my feet firmly on the earth. Off the meditation cushion and out of the classroom, I’m just a regular person who is entirely devoted to her dogs. Here, you’ll find stories, lessons, and everyday moments from the journey of loving, learning from, and sharing life with four-legged companions. Just real life, dust bunnies, and unconditional love.

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The Dog Cooling Mat I Use to Help Kenzie’s Hip Dysplasia

/ Dogs in General / By / Leave a Comment

cavalier dog laying on cooling mat

There’s nothing worse than watching your dog struggle to get comfortable. If you’ve been following our journey, you know Kenzie is dealing with hip dysplasia, so finding a spot where she can lie comfortably without overheating or resting directly on the hard floor is always a priority.

I was recently sent the Thick PCM Dog Cooling Mat for free to test out. I’m usually skeptical of pet products making big claims, but after giving it a try at home, I … Read More

All for One and One for All

/ My Dogs and Me / By / Leave a Comment

Kenzie had a tough day at the Vet today. We found out that she has the hips of a 13 yo dog (she is 3 1/2) and will need hip replacement surgery. As soon as she got home, Riley rushed over to comfort her.

Arrow joined in to give his condolences. The bond these three have is remarkable.

All for one, and one for all.

PS: This is the first time I’ve ever gotten pet insurance (AKC Pet Insurance… Read More

You Don’t Want a Dog, You Want a Furry Weighted Blanket

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The Lazy Person’s Guide to Dog Ownership: Finding Your Low-Maintenance Soulmate

older dog snuggling against a womanI recently got an email with this request: “I want a dog, but it has to be easy, loving, not need much exercise, and mostly maintenance-free.”

If I’m honest, my first thought was, you don’t want a dog; you want an affectionate cat. But it’s not for me to judge. So…

You want the warm, snuggles in bed and the loyal shadow that follows you from the kitchen to … Read More

Why Does My Dog Pee When He Greets Me?

/ The Mail Bag / By / Leave a Comment

[From the Mailbag: Thanks to Jill and her new puppy, Drew, for this question.]

puppy peeing while greeting ownerYou walk through the front door after being gone for a few hours. Your dog races over, tail wagging so hard their whole body wiggles. They jump, lick your hands, and then… there’s a puddle on the floor.

The good news is this behavior is pretty common, especially in puppies. Even some adult dogs do it. In most cases, your dog isn’t having an accident on … Read More

An Aussie with His Flock

/ My Dogs and Me / By / Leave a Comment

I’ve often said that if you don’t give an Aussie a job, they will give themselves one. Case in point. Arrow has appointed himself guardian of his dog flock.2 caveliers and an aussie sitting in the grass looking out at a pond
And I couldn’t be more thankful. Don’t have to worry about Eagles swooping down or weasels sneaking in. I know with Arrow on duty, I have no worries.… Read More

If You Build It, They Will Come

/ Nature / By / 12 Comments

If you’ve been a regular reader, you’re probably almost as familiar with our pond as we are; it’s in nearly every outdoor shot. If you’re not, here are a few pics through the seasons.

pondspring.jpgpondsummer.jpg

 pondfall.jpgpondwinter.jpg

What you may not have guessed is that we built it. The year before Cait was born, we reclaimed it from a mosquito-infested swamp. For the first year, there was no life in or around the pond; all was still. In the second year, the … Read More

Morning Yoga

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We’ve had Great Blue Herons visiting our pond for decades. Seeing this pose is a first.

sunbathing heron near a pond

This pose is known as “horning” or sun-baking (often referred to by birders as the delta wing pose).

While it looks like it might be trying to do a yoga stretch or impersonate a dragon, I discovered there are a few practical reasons behind this striking behavior:

1. Thermoregulation (Sunbathing)
On cooler mornings or after spending time in cold water hunting for fish, herons … Read More

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