Rescue Dogs

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

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.

Jan 13 • Haley Young

Help us create a little free dog rescue library!

What dog- and animal-related books would you recommend to foster homes?

Dec 23, 2025 • 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

Why I encourage my dog to play with things that aren't toys

I consider it one of our greatest accomplishments that Scout's expanding her idea of what constitutes a “toy”.

Oct 5, 2025 • Haley Young

Gifts for and of an old dog

She greets me when I walk in the door—everything different and everything the same—as if we had not spent the bulk of our lives hundreds of miles apart.

Aug 20, 2025 • Haley Young

Train the dog, take the dog, leave the dog... just enjoy life with the dog!

Train the dog, take the dog, leave the dog... just enjoy life with the dog

Jul 20, 2025 • Haley Young

My weirdo dog likes neighborhood walks now?

Reflections on preferences and fulfillment opportunities changing over time

Mar 26, 2025 • Haley Young

Dogs need more than love

Well, depending on how we define "love".

Mar 19, 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

Hometown vignettes: Wausau, Wisconsin in winter

Nine nights, three flights, and alllll of the emotions.

Jan 30, 2025 • Haley Young

December 2024 Paws and Reflect recap

What Scout's given up for van life, "anti human pro dog", 2024 book roundups, lots more of the usual (emotional) thoughts

Jan 4, 2025 • Haley Young

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts