April 14th, 2025

Embracing My Dogs' Paces

When was the last time you slowed down enough to look at a blade of grass? To notice the repeated patterns in weeds or the fresh green shoots pushing through winter’s dull remains?

Have you ever followed your dogs—truly followed them—wherever they wanted to go?

I have. And it’s fun.

Bella working Elizabeth (168) on January 17th, 2025

I tend to love dogs that are ready to go at a moment’s notice, but each of mine also has an off-switch. That balance is everything to me. Wandering with them through fields, woods, or snow makes every bad thing feel softer, and every ugly thing a bit more beautiful. They are the source of my joy.

Sometimes, I worry that my pace doesn’t match theirs. My ADHD has me switching from hyperfocus on the computer to couch-mode, or from calm to two straight months of lambing. My ambition drives me to finish tasks fast, just so I can give the rest of the day to the dogs.

Whether it’s skiing through snow with Rylee by my side and the Border Collies zooming ahead—or just watching them be—I’m filled with pride.

They keep me grounded.

They make me better.

Happy Training!

Addi and The Girls