Canine Health

Our favorite activities to share with our cattle dog

How do I decide what to do with Scout? What does she enjoy most? A look at our favorite physical, mental, and social activities—and whether they fill or…

Apr 24 • Haley Young

In my perfect world… Dog ownership fantasies

We live in reality. But we can daydream, too! (And work together to move the real world closer to our ideal visions.)

Mar 20 • Haley Young

I tested my former stray's DNA in hopes of learning her real age

Thanks to her murky past, we’ve never known how old Scout is. The shelter estimated she was between one and two years old when they found her. Our first…

Jan 18 • Haley Young

December 2025 Paws and Reflect recap

Van fiascos, holiday visits, writing announcements, books, and more as usual!

Jan 3 • Haley Young

I don't want the vet to "win over" my dog

Poking-and-prodding betrayal is worse coming from a potential friend.

Nov 3, 2025 • Haley Young

My dog is slowing down, but I can't imagine her death

How much time have I wasted on adrenaline in social-media comment sections when instead I could be loving my dog right here, right now, in front of me?

Oct 10, 2025 • Haley Young

Do dogs need blankets and jackets and comfort?

Scout is a majestic predator-scavenger descended from wild ancestors. She also likes to be cozy.

Sep 29, 2025 • Haley Young

Hills I will die on as a dog lover

The more specific a guideline, the more likely I am to take issue with it. But I stand behind some overarching beliefs.

Sep 3, 2025 • Haley Young

What it is like to love a dog who is wearing out before your eyes

What it is like to love a dog who is wearing out before your eyes

Jul 24, 2025 • Haley Young

My interview with Carol Mithers, author of Rethinking Rescue

It's finally live! An in-depth conversation about the ties between human and domestic animal welfare

Feb 28, 2025 • Haley Young

My timid dog has come to love the outdoors

How did Scout transform from homebody clinger to feral maniac?

Dec 26, 2024 • Haley Young

November 2024 Paws and Reflect recap

What I wrote (spoiler: I published my first print magazine piece!) and read, where we traveled, Scout updates, etc

Dec 3, 2024 • Haley Young

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