Paws and Reflect

Paws and Reflect

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Haley's Journal

Van Life

My sensitive dog's first two weeks as a campground host
An introvert and her shy blue heeler decide to volunteer at a busy state park. The punchline? They love it.
 • Haley Young
An example of my "reactive" dog pattern mapping unpleasant encounters
Once in a while, we can’t avoid the chaos—and then those experiences stack atop one another, threatening all our confidence just a bit. This pattern…
 • Haley Young
December 2025 Paws and Reflect recap
Scout's water bowl froze overnight: Van fiascos, holiday visits, writing announcements, and more as usual!
 • Haley Young
Map: Every overnight spot we’ve stayed in our van
Going on three years of parking lots, public land, and everything in between
 • Haley Young
November 2025 Paws and Reflect recap
My van is broken, but my dog is great! This month's roundup of Scout news, van travel, reading, writing, and other tidbits.
 • 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
Which section of the bookstore are you stuck in?
Find me in the "non-human animals" aisle. Never make me leave!
 • Haley Young
Van life duality in California's redwoods
Aren’t the multitudes the point?!
 • Haley Young
I am not spiritual (and yet)
“Kismet,” proclaims a new friend as we walk down the sidewalk, shoulders brushing.
 • 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
Why we're taking a (brief) break from the road
After living in our converted van full time for more than two years, we've rented an apartment to reset for three months. *cue Noah Kahan singing I…
 • Haley Young
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