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Emily McLean's avatar

Good for you, Haley! We spent a eeek in the St. John’s neighborhood of Portland this winter and I LOVED it, especially Pier Park. And the Botanic Gardens- leashed dogs are allowed and everyone is very respectful! I recently deleted all social media (except Substack and Patreon), and have been feeling the same things. Luckily, I’m writing a 20 page paper for my philosophy of evil class on what negative reactions to aversive training tools can illuminate about popular notions of “evil” and immorality. So that’s been a nice outlet. But in the absence of a social media audience (no matter how small), a training club, or local friends to talk dogs with, it has been tough to validate that my thoughts matter and are important. But for me, the overall benefits of not having social media outweigh these negatives. I’ve found a good balance in joining smaller Patreon communities and chatting with people there. The more personal connection has been nice- because you’re paying for a certain community, everyone is genuinely curious about training and engages respectfully and thoughtfully. So excited to hear about the book, I must have missed your announcement! I’ve had some plans for a book for ages (I think we chatted about them a while ago!) but unfortunately life has gotten in the way (or perhaps i’ve gotten in my own way…). The discipline of writing regularly on such a long-term goal is daunting. Kudos to you for keeping at it! Hope you, Sean, and Scout are doing well :) I’m moving back to Colorado this summer and would love to see ya when you come through again :)

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