Happy Dawgs Obedience Training

09/14/2026

Glimmer update: Glimmer is much, much better this morning: she got up on the bed 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒑. This is a massive improvement, and I'm so happy for her, the joy is leaking from my eyes. ♥ Thank you so much to everyone who's been sending her healing energies and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. ♥

09/12/2026

Update on Glimmer, and a little bit more...

Glimmer had a bit of a rough night, having to go out twice to potty. But, she seems to be moving a little easier this morning, thanks to the pain/anti-inflammatory medication. She'll be taking it easy for the next several days; the weather is forecast to be cool and damp, so she won't be going on any walks other than walking to the back yard to do her business.

As I watch her resting, I can't help wondering where to go from here. I feel lost and without any purpose. My work was my life's mission; what do I do now? Where do I go from here? Maybe it's just the S.A.D. talking, but right now, in this moment, I feel like I have no value, like I have nothing to offer that would make even a microscopic difference to the world.

The reason I've spent so much time camping, recently, was to not only try to find myself, but to also find a new purpose. Something that would be valuable, something people needed. I did learn a lot about myself - and that's great - but I still have no purpose. I don't know where to go from here.

Annnnyway... I hope you have a great day and a great weekend. Be with your family, spend time working with your dogs, and if you need me, don't hesitate to call. Most of all, remember to stay calm, and lead on.

09/11/2026

Update on Glimmer
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09/11/2026

Please send out positive energies for our Glimmer-girl. She is in tremendous pain and can hardly walk. We are taking her in to the clinic now. I'll update when we have more information. Thank you.
Note: This notice has also been posted on my personal page.

09/10/2026

Glimmer is 14 years old today. Violet - a.k.a. "Hell Cat" - is 12 years old today. They were just 5 weeks old in this photo. How quickly the time goes by...

09/08/2026

I never thought I would be writing this post.

After 11 incredible years, circumstances out of my control have left me with no choice but to take down my shingle.

When I first stepped into the dog training industry 11 years ago, I never could have imagined the journey it would take me on. I thought I was starting a dog training business, but I ended up gaining so much more: friendships, memories, lessons, and the privilege of being welcomed into the lives of so many wonderful families.

I’ve had the joy of watching dogs overcome fears, gain confidence, learn new things, and become happier members of their families. I’ve celebrated the little victories and the big ones, laughed at plenty of goofy dog moments, shared tears of both frustration and joy, and received more dog kisses than I could ever count. 🐾

To every single client who trusted me with your dog: thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for recommending me to your friends and family, for cheering me on, and for inviting me to be a small part of your lives.

And to every dog I’ve had the pleasure of working with: you have each left a paw print on my heart. ❤️ I will remember you by name, by personality, and by the special journey we shared.

Having to take down my shingle is painfully bittersweet. There is tremendous sadness in saying goodbye to something that has been such a huge part of my life for the past 11 years. But there is also an overwhelming amount of gratitude. I am so deeply thankful that I've had the privilege of doing something I truly love.

I will carry these memories - and all those paw prints on my heart - with me always. And the promise I made you when we started - the promise to be there for you for life... That promise will hold until I draw my last breath. If ever you need me, you have only to call.

Thank you all for 11 amazing years. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for supporting me. And most of all, thank you for making Happy Dawgs Obedience Training so much more than just a business.

With love and gratitude,
Holly ❤️🐾

08/26/2026

Every day should be National Dog Day. ♥

It's National Dog Day! 🐾✨

Help us celebrate by sharing a photo 📸 or story 💬 about your dog in the comments.

08/22/2026

The past couple of weeks have been quite busy at the Happy Dawgs household. We've had police come out more than once, and tensions have been running high as a result.... and Miss Glimmer has been an absolute rock star through all of it. Many sincere thanks to our awesome Calgary Police Service - thank you all so much for your service! ♥

Photo: 2017, Glimmer with local police after a training session

08/16/2026

I'm back from the second get-away, and I've been busy making videos. I'm hoping to get away again for at least a few days in a couple of weeks - and bring Miss Glimmer with me. Exploring a new place will do her a world of good, and it will help us rebuild and strengthen our bond with each other. I've been neglecting that, and that's not okay. Training doesn't end when the classes are finished; it's a life-long process that not only gives your dog peace of mind through reinforced rules and structure, it also strengthens and helps maintain the bond you build with each other. If you stop when the classes are finished, you're asking for trouble down the line. Because, no matter how well-trained and well-behaved your dog is, if you fail to maintain that, your dog will stop trusting you.

Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.

08/04/2026

Back from a second week-long break from the hectic insanity of city life. I'll be taking a few more of these breaks - though only for two or three days at a time - over the rest of the summer; they are vital to my overall health and well-being. I can't give you and your dog my best if I'm not *at* my best. So, please don't mistake my silence here as a disappearance; I'm just taking care of me so that I can better take care of you and your dog. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Have a great day, and remember to stay calm and lead on.

Photo: Sunset alpen-glow on Mt. Temple
Banff National Park, July 11, 2026