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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A Bit Drab Today

/ Cait and Me / By / 2 Comments

As I stand by the door, waiting for the dogs to do their business, I look up at the heavy gray sky; there’s a winter storm brewing. It reminds me of a conversation that took place on our way to Lake Placid a while back.

Andrew and I were in the front seat, and McLean and Caitlin were in the back. We were happy to have Mac with us, as he was home on break for a short while and … Read More

Does Job and is Quiet

/ Cait and Me, Finnegan the Coon Cat, My Dogs and Me / By / 4 Comments

“Dad, Finn really likes you,” Cait says.

“I like Finn,” Andrew says.

“Finally, an animal you have no complaints about,” I say.

“That’s because there’s nothing to complain about. He does his job (Finnegan-now 9, Mice-0) and he’s quiet.”

“Sounds like a dating ad: Does job and is quiet,” I say. “Kiera and Graidy do their jobs too, you know.”

“Yep. We’ve got one dog who herds anything moving on the ground, one dog who herds anything moving up in … Read More

Latest Dog Vaccine Recommendations

/ Dogs in General / By / 7 Comments

My vet has sent a reminder card to let me know that Kiera is due for a couple of vaccines. I’ll bring her in for titers to be taken. I stopped automatically vaccinating some years ago, after I’d extensively read up on the subject.

Here’s the gist of what I’ve learned:

The minimum duration of immunity for the four core vaccines (parvo, distemper, canine Adenovirus and rabies) was 3-7 years. (A USDA study I reviewed similarly showed an average 7-year … Read More

I’ve Created a Monster

/ Cait and Me / By / 12 Comments

It’s near dinnertime. Cait comes running in through the door from an after-school activity and, as all kids do, drops her book-bag on the floor and makes a bee-line for the refrigerator. She swings the door open, stands there, and peers in for several minutes.

I tell her, “You’ve seen everything in there long enough to have it memorized. Close the door and stop letting all the cold air out.” I add, “When you figure out what you want, then … Read More

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