09/22/2026
Thoughts from Olivia:
Today’s lesson: the busy city has lots of scary things… but it also has rocks with excellent lake views. 🪨🌊
I’m often told by strangers how well-behaved my dogs are, and my answer is always the same: We do our best. Dog training never really ends. It’s an ongoing process.
With Mazie, that has been especially true outside our typical home country life. At home, she’s obedient, her recall is amazing, and she’s calm, settled, and can even be confident. I can truly trust her around other dogs, knowing she’ll communicate appropriately, respect their boundaries, and respond appropriately during their interactions. She knows how to listen, make good choices, and move through familiar situations with ease.
The world beyond home, especially the city, has often felt overwhelming for her. New places, busy streets, unfamiliar sounds, people, and unexpected changes have all been extremely difficult. Things that might seem small or ordinary to another dog can take an enormous amount of courage from her to maneuver. 
Mazie has taught me that progress isn’t always a breakthrough. Sometimes it’s something so small that nobody else notices, but I know how much it took to get there. Walking a little farther, staying present in a new environment, recovering more quickly from something scary, or simply choosing to keep going can be huge achievements for her—and for us.
She’s teaches me to stop looking so far ahead and appreciate where we are now—to celebrate moments that once felt impossible, small steps forward, and days when simply trying was the victory. I’ve learned to really understand her, including what’s working and what isn’t.
I never expected her to teach me so much about trust, patience, resilience, and unconditional love. Some days are challenging, but I truly believe she’s a part of my life for a reason. Sometimes you don’t get the dog you expected; you get the dog who quietly changes you, teaches you to slow down, and shows you that progress can be beautiful even when it looks nothing like you imagined.
