09/24/2026
It’s National Dog Week, and I’ve been thinking about why dogs have always been my passion.
I love dogs. But what has driven my work, from veterinary medicine to therapy dogs to training and daycare, is helping people understand them.
As a certified veterinary technician, I wanted people to see that a dog struggling against restraint wasn’t being “dominant” or “unruly.” That dog might be terrified. Working with therapy dogs at Mayo, I wanted us to ask whether each dog enjoyed the work, too. As a trainer, I’ve taught people to notice the body language that comes before a bite, and to build skills without fear or force.
In boarding and daycare, I advocate for more than play. Dogs need chances to sniff, forage, learn, rest, and choose how they engage. A dog barking and lunging downtown may be overwhelmed by the place we’ve asked them to live. A young, energetic dog who spends most of the day inside a house and yard may need more opportunities to explore the world.
Most people love their dogs and want what’s best for them. Sometimes we just need help hearing what they’re telling us.
Dogs deserve a voice and a choice. They deserve people willing to listen, meet their needs, and sometimes change our own expectations so we can live well together.
That’s my why. Happy National Dog Week. 🐾
📸 one of most recent random pictures of my life with dogs!
