Paws and Reflect

Paws and Reflect

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Haley's Journal

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Seven years writing the story of Scout Finch
Happy gotcha day to the dog I got in my 20s—the one who's moved into four apartments, one house, and now a converted van by my side.
 • Haley Young
Is is strange that I live in a van?
Or is it strange that you *don't* live in one? On what "normal" even is and how we habituate to our own situations.
 • Haley Young
Van life duality in California's redwoods
Aren’t the multitudes the point?!
 • Haley Young
Manners are subjective, so our dog-training goals are too
Or "why my dog and I won't mind our manners." The rules we’ve maintained are the ones that most affect our own daily existence!
 • Haley Young
A story of positive punishment and prancing prairie dogs
Dog training nuance highlighted by sharing space with Montana's wild creatures.
 • Haley Young
Why I encourage my dog to play with things that aren't toys
I consider it one of our greatest accomplishments that Scout has been expanding her idea of what constitutes a “toy”.
 • 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.
 • Haley Young
A squirrel, some chaos, and the circle of life
Oh, and romanticizing—delighting in—the little things. Always.
 • Haley Young
Our time runs out: Portland roundup
Routines, reflections, and favorites from three months living in the same spot
 • Haley Young
Train the dog, take the dog, leave the dog... just enjoy life with the dog!
Living in a van has helped me strike a healthier balance than ever when it comes to including—and not including—Scout in other activities.
 • Haley Young
It’s (still) isolating to love a sensitive dog
But I am capable of crossing any imaginary line my least-productive thought spirals draw.
 • Haley Young
I left an outdoor gear affiliate program
Because I do not need more stuff, whether it's free or not.
 • Haley Young
© 2026 Haley Young · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
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