Author: Sit, Stay, Blog

Welcome! In a world where time is a valuable, precious component of life, I am ever so grateful for the personal time you are taking to read about me and how I began Sit, Stay, Blog! In 2018, I graduated with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and in 2016 I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology. While attending my undergraduate institution, I involved myself in a plethora of unique activities which undoubtedly provided me with memorable experiences and a motivation to document and share these experiences with others. One of my most monumental experiences to date has involved being the first student to ever raise and train a service dog, Pinella, at my undergraduate institution. With that experience came both challenges and inspiring moments that I hope to share with you along this magnificent journey of Sit, Stay, & Blog. My primary goal is to connect with my readers on a personal level and create content that is meaningful and relevant to everyone’s interests. I am forever grateful for your support of Sit, Stay, & Blog, and it is my genuine hope that you visit my blog page and enjoy the content provided throughout! -T.
Posted in Wagging Through Life Blogs

With Renewed Hope, Hello 2022

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

In so many ways, 2021 was a year not much different than 2020. Knocking on our doors once more was illness, violence, workplace burnout, fatigue, increased parenting demands, and the like. A lesser acknowledged and underappreciated component of 2021: Resilience. Resilience is often defined as one’s ability to “bounce back,” but we cannot neglect the fact that it also involves using our adverse experiences to develop and adapt to a new normal.

For me, developing that “new normal” involved reflecting on my values and making life-changing decisions accordingly. When it came to my own sense of happiness, I had to decide, am I going to Chase it or Choose it? 2020 made me realize how easy it can become, especially in the absence of intentionality, to chase happiness and live in an illusioned reality. My priority through 2021: Choose happiness through the means of self-prioritization. Reflecting day-by-day, week-by-week, and month-by-month on the decisions I consciously and actively made to value my own sense of happiness has provided me with a renewed sense of hope, optimism, and readiness for 2022.

2021 at a Glance

January:
-Read A Dog’s Purpose
-Rocked the work from home life for a little while longer
-Started the third course in my Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy certification program

February:
-Read Chalked Up
-Celebrated Alex’s birthday together “pandemic style” with tacos and books of course!
-Traveled to a nearby town to alleviate the pandemic-induced feeling of cabin fever and to appreciate some ice sculptures

March:
-Read The New Normal: A Roadmap to Resilience in the Pandemic Era and Blackout Girl
-Began a new workout program that I successfully committed to four to five days a week through the entire year!

April:
-Read Still Me
-Applied for, interviewed for, and accepted a dream job offer
-Solidified my decision to leave my job and felt a peace, lightness, and clarity upon doing so
-Vaccinated!
-Wrote a children’s book about dog bite prevention

May:
-Successfully finished the second semester of my doctorate program, which involved one of three research courses
-Completed my licensure requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and officially submitted my application
-Was honored to make my niece’s first birthday cakes
-Finally exchanged 2020 Christmas gifts with my siblings
-Took time away from work to celebrate my birthday introvert style (AKA jigsaw puzzles, some catchy tunes, and a good book)
-Went on a relaxing (albeit rainy) trip with Alex and Pinella to Staten Island, New York, drove through New York City, and visited Hoboken and Liberty State Park!

June:
-Read From Baghdad, With Love and On Talking Terms with Dogs
-Wrote and delivered the resignation letter for my first “real” job out of graduate school
-Wasted zero time preparing for my new career opportunity by revamping our home office and creating my own version of a workplace sanctuary
-Witnessed my brother graduate from high school (Congrats, B!)
-Spent time outdoors to feed my soul and harness some feelings of gratitude

July:
-Read Fast Girl
-Witnessed my best friend become a first-time momma
-Was given incredible help from Jes at Lean Ladies Coaching to more clearly target my nutrition and fitness goals
-Had fun watching the Olympics together

August:
-Read What is a Girl Worth? and Who Said I was up for Adoption
-Completed the third semester of my doctorate program, including the third of three research courses
-Wished my brother well as he went off to basic training
-Was issued my Licensed Professional Counselor license (after a three-month wait) and received an unexpected congratulatory flower delivery (Thank you, Kory)
-Transitioned out of a job that I had long ago burnt out from
-Said some painful, yet fulfilling “see ya laters” to a few amazing mentors/colleagues and became the proud owner of my new friendship plant (Thank you again, Kory)
-Traveled to a new destination in the Carolinas with Pinella and Alex, made some unforgettable memories together, and ate Crumble Cookies for the first time (Yum)!

September:
-Read Every Breath and September 11: An Oral History
-Spent September 11th with Alex and Pinella at a local memorial honoring victims, their families, and service members
-Celebrated seven strong years in my relationship with Alex and wished Pinella well on her sixth birthday
-Made a fun cake for my niece’s fourth birthday
-Thoroughly enjoyed the first of what would be three months off from full-time work!

October:
-Read On Being a Therapist and Reaching the Animal Mind
-Pinella was featured on @RufflePup’s Sticker Sunday segment
-I experienced the death of a childhood friend but strengthened my connection with another friend by offering mutual support
-Started a fun, exciting, and creative project and present for my nieces
-Embraced the opportunity to take nature walks with Pinella during my time off from full-time employment
-Began experiencing feelings of excitement for the career opportunity that laid ahead of me in November

November:
-Read Untamed
-Began working at my dream job and learned what it means to love what I do and find happiness in my career
-Assisted in a fundraiser for Susquehanna Service Dogs that raised close to $15,000 (Thank you, incredible community of donors!)
-Felt an amazing sense of gratitude to witness the six-month growth of a succulent that was gifted to me by a dear friend
-Was asked to be in my childhood best friend’s wedding (So happy for you, Hannah!)

December:
-Began reading The Body Keeps the Score
-Completed my 2021 Goodreads challenge (16/10 books)
-Finished my fourth semester of my doctorate program and turned a new leaf toward the dissertation process
-Got to see my brother for the first time since leaving for basic training in August 2021
-Chose my own happiness by celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve with my family of creation (Fun times, Alex and P)!

Until next time,

-T & Pinella

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Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Who Said I Was Up For Adoption?”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

Written by Colin Chappell, “Who Said I Was Up For Adoption?” is the epitome of a Doggone Good Read! The uniqueness of this book is truly second to none, with readers gaining not only the author’s perspectives, but also their spin on what Ray must be thinking and feeling throughout his adoption experiences!

All net profits of this book are donated to the Oakville & Milton Humane Society! Who doesn’t love a feel-good cause?

Chappell takes his readers on a transparent journey through the process of rescuing a dog. He vulnerably shares about his fears and hesitancies to adopt a dog, especially one with a heartrending history like Ray’s. He highlights beautiful examples of the power of the human-animal bond, and suddenly a story unfolds about two souls who learned to trust, listen to, respect, and wholly love one another.

Readers can expect to gain powerful insights into responsible dog ownership, such as the necessity to say “No” and advocate when your dog’s well-being might be at stake. Additionally, this book provides a sense of clarity into how animals communicate with us, if we take the opportunity to really listen. Accounting for experiences commonplace to many, if not all, pet owners, Chappell also sheds light on how he navigated a difficult decision-making process related to Ray’s health.

By its end, you’ll learn to really know Ray. You’ll laugh at his love for pepperoni, feel pride in his local celebrity status, smile at all of his tail-wagging moments, and maybe even shed a happy tear! Best of all though, you’ll admire the loving bond between man and his best friend!

I cannot conclude this review without a well-deserved acknowledgement of the beautiful design of this book! A rarity in adult literature, this book is published in color and is replete with a series of Ray photos that are sure to put a smile on any reader’s face! Click to get your own copy here!

Interested in reading more about Ray and his adventures with his best friend, Colin? Check out their blog site here!

Did you know? Ray was previously featured on Pets on the Net here at Sit, Stay, Blog! Check out his debut here!

Posted in Pets on the Net!

Ray the Radiant Shepherd!

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

He’s got the face of resilience, having mastered the art of second chances alongside his friend, Colin! Everyone, meet Ray! He was rescued from the Oakville & Milton Humane Society in Canada and has a story that is sure to warm the heart.

  • Name: Ray Anatolian Chappell
  • How I Got My Name:
    • First Name: When I was picked up by our Humane Society, and as a result of having no identification, they decided on Ray. They were naming rescues at that time after musicians, and I was named after Ray Charles! Cool, eh!
    • Middle Name: My new Mom and Dad were trying to figure out my origin and, at one point, decided that Anatolian Shepherd could well be in my genes. That resulted in my second name, and also my dad expressing a hope that I would not grow as big as an Anatolian!
    • Last Name: My last name is simply my new family name.
Ray living up to his namesake!
  • Breed: After sending away some of my saliva (Humans are very strange), it was determined that my primary breed is German Shepherd, and Rottweiler my secondary breed. Apparently, no other breeds are represented.
  • Nicknames: I have a few of those. The main one is “Buddy.” My Dad uses it so often that I sometimes wonder who Ray is!!!  Then there is the occasional “Ray Ray,” and “Dufus,” and I’ve even been called “Strange Dog” and “Great Lump of Fur!”
  • Age: I was estimated at 2 years old when rescued in November 2012. I will, therefore, be 11 this coming November.
  • Birthdate/Adoption Date: My birth date is not known and, therefore, determined to be November 20, being my rescued date. I was adopted on March 15, 2013.
  • Adoption Story: My (now) Dad had been bitten by a German Shepherd many years earlier, and I sensed his initial discomfort with me at the shelter where I lived at that time. I thought that we could make a great team, and so, given his reluctance to develop a relationship, I decided to take charge … and what a great job I did! It’s all in the book about me, “Who Said I was up for Adoption?”
All net profits from “Who Said I was Up for Adoption?” are donated to the organization Ray was rescued from — the Oakville and Milton Humane Society!
  • Best Tricks:
    • I show them where my poop is in the Winter when it has been covered in snow!
    • I can get them to follow me if I want something!
    • I used to be great at meeting people, especially ladies, but then the world changed.
    • I sometimes do fist bumps, and I will bow if asked nicely.
  • Collar Color I Sport Best: Black. No brainer for a Shepherd, eh!
  • My Fur Family: I am the only one here, so I get really spoiled.
  • Favorite Fur Friends: I know Buddy, and Rocky (since passed away), and then there was Micky next door (recently passed away).
  • Favorite Activities: Sleeping and eating. Walks are also fun once I am out, but sometimes coaxing me out is a challenge!
  • Favorite Toys: I’m not really a toy-loving dog, but stuff anything with food and I am one big furry lump of excitement
  • Favorite Treats/Food: Everything and anything. I would live off pepperoni if I had the chance!
  • Favorite Memories of Ray:
    • When he touched his nose to mine while at the shelter.
    • When he tested clear of heart-worm.
    • When I dozed off on our sofa and woke up with him alongside me.
    • When he butted me with his nose just after 7:30am one morning because I should have been out of bed by then (and getting his breakfast ready for him!).
  • Life Lesson Learned from Ray: If you have food, a roof over your head, and somebody who cares about you … you should be very happy.
Want to read more about the adventures of Colin and Ray? Follow their blog site at: https://meandray.com/

Posted in Pets on the Net!

Leo the Lovely Lion

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

He may be little, but he is fierce! Meet Leo the Lovely Lion. The fur sibling of Miss. Maggie Mae and Beretta (to be featured soon), he will steal your heart and snatch your spot on the couch in seconds!

  • Name: Leo
  • How I Got My Name: I was previously named; however, I didn’t fully respond to it. I am tiny but fierce and have fur like a lion’s mane. My mom thought Leo was perfect for me. I perked up and responded to her right away and knew I had a new “furever” home.
  • Breed: Pomeranian
  • Nicknames: Leo Magnitio (I’m like a magnet to my mom)
  • Age: 1 year young
  • Adoption Date: October 20, 2020
  • Adoption Story: I was in need of a new home as my previous owners recognized that they could not provide me with adequate care or safety. I was sent to my new family’s neighbor’s home for temporary placement, but upon my arrival there, my current mom couldn’t help but fall in love with my charm! She snuggled me close and carried me home to surprise my dad. He was very surprised and quite confused. He asked who I was and who I belonged to. What a silly question when I already knew I belonged with them and my new sister, Maggie Mae! I jumped on his lap as my mom explained, and he agreed that I would stay with them furever!
  • Best Tricks: I am really good at making goofy facial expressions and befriending every dog I meet!
  • Collar Color I Sport Best: Blue with green sea turtles!
  • My Fur Family: I live with my big sister, Maggie Mae, who is an Australian Shepherd and my little sister, Beretta, who is a Siberian Husky.
  • Favorite Fur Friends: My favorite fur friends include my siblings and, quite honestly, any dogs I meet!
  • Favorite Activities: I enjoy cuddling, running and playing in the yard, going for walks, and playing with all the squeaky toys!
  • Favorite Toys: I love my squeaky turtle and hedgehog toys!
  • Favorite Treats/Food: Apple Bacon flavored Fruitables Soft and Chewy dog treats are my favorite! Yum!
  • Favorite Memories with Leo: Bringing Leo home and being able to pick him up every evening to get ready for snuggles under the covers before bed are our most memorable experiences!
  • Life Lessons Learned from Leo:
    • All things are possible, no matter your size.
    • Play like a child, then sleep like a king.
    • Second chances are possible, and love finds you when you’re least expecting it!

“It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with a dog who has a good sense of humor!”

-Kate DiCamillo

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“A Dog’s Purpose”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

Anyone who knows me well knows that it is my goal to author child and adult literature. I’ve dreamt of writing fiction and nonfiction stories from the perspective of my own dogs to capture the essence of our human-animal bond. My experiences in the assistance dogs community, however, ignited a reluctance to utilizing such an anthropomorphic approach in my writing. To mediate this inner conflict and develop inspiration, I turned to existing literature that has been well-esteemed by its readers to date. The work of W. Bruce Cameron, a bestselling author, perfectly exemplifies how to write from the dog’s point of view, embrace creativity, and respect the unique differences between humans and non-human animals.


“There are no bad dogs, Bobby, just bad people. They just need love.”

(Cameron, 2010, p. 34)

“A Dog’s Purpose” is the first in a series of tail-wagging good reads written by Cameron. Cameron strategically utilizes anthropomorphism to offer insight into the science behind dogs (i.e., their keen sense of smell, olfactory detection of hormonal changes in humans, etc.). Through a series of stories, readers become attuned to issues, such as shelter overcrowding and pet loss, and an open-minded audience can expect to think creatively about what might happen after their pet crosses the rainbow bridge.

Some might argue that “A Dog’s Purpose” is a hope-instilling read that offers insight into the life purposes of ourselves and our companion animals. Through the lived experiences of the dog, it becomes readily apparent that the purpose of the human-animal bond is to promote protection, companionship, safety, security, comfort, and beyond. Anyone with a keen eye for philosophy will quickly recognize that “A Dog’s Purpose” invites questions about one’s own purpose. For example, do we each have just one purpose? Does our purpose change as we navigate life? How do we discover our purpose?

“This was, I decided, my purpose as a dog, to comfort the boy whenever he needed me.”

(Cameron, 2010, p. 71)

As painted by Cameron, having and finding purpose isn’t just a unique human experience, it’s commonplace for our companion animals as well.

Posted in Wagging Through Life Blogs

Journey to the Journal

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

Think back to Spring 2017. Do you recall what you might have been doing? Perhaps, you were finishing school, getting married, adopting a pet, having your first child, or merely living your best life!

2017 marked the beginning of a very exciting venture for me. While enrolled in a master’s-level crisis intervention course, I was challenged to complete a thorough review of the literature to identify research gaps that could help facilitate counseling practices. Throughout my experiences in formal education, I have always possessed a unique interest in studying and researching the human-animal bond. I attribute much of this interest to my undergraduate internship and subsequent volunteer experiences at Susquehanna Service Dogs. These experiences, coupled with my interest in the human-animal bond, aided in the development of a research project that explored courthouse facility dogs as a crisis intervention strategy for survivors of intimate partner violence.

  • Findings from the Literature Review: Occurring at alarmingly high rates, individuals subject to intimate partner violence can experience an initial crisis upon victimization and a secondary crisis while offering testimony in court. Animal-assisted interventions, such as the incorporation of courthouse facility dogs during victim testimony, have gained traction as a viable approach to mitigating symptoms of anxiety, distress, fear, etc. Under guidelines for best practice, courthouse facility dogs are those that have received intensive training through accredited service dog organizations. Their primary function is to alleviate distress and promote a sense of calm among individuals needing to testify in court. In 2017, literature related to courthouse facility dogs demonstrated that they have been primarily incorporated as a crisis mitigation strategy for youth who have endured abuse. My research thereby identified a gap, wherein the use and benefits/drawbacks of this animal-assisted crisis intervention strategy for adult survivors of intimate partner violence were unknown (Kelly, 2020).

As I progressed through this assignment, my professor encouraged students, like myself, to consider publication and/or formal presentation of their work. With a prideful finished product, I entertained these suggestions and submitted applications to three conferences to present on the topic of courthouse facility dogs as a crisis intervention strategy for survivors of intimate partner violence. Overwhelming acceptance from all three conference committees afforded me with the opportunities to present this research at the 2018 New Jersey Counseling Association Conference, 8th Annual Chi Sigma Iota Pennsylvania Statewide Conference, as well as the American Counseling Association 2018 Conference and Expo. These experiences undoubtedly developed the foundation for my career, broadened my professional interests, and boosted my confidence.

Fast forward to 2019. Successful completion and presentation of my work thus far fostered a sense of believability that it was indeed publishable material. With the assistance of strict accountability and goal-driven behaviors, I committed to submitting my paper to the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health in October 2019. After submission, I distinctly recall having fleeting moments of self-doubt as I anticipated feedback from the first review; however I made a diligent effort to refocus my attention toward opportunity and possibility as opposed to denial and despair. Undoubtedly, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to delays in peer reviewing, and it was not until April 2020 when I finally received confirmation that, with edits, my paper would be accepted into the scholarly journal! Peer reviewing is an evaluative process that ultimately ensures the material is quality and credible, and with a few back-and-forth interactions, my paper was officially accepted in September 2020. I proudly accepted each constructive comment, made the necessary edits, and navigated my way through completing copyright documents. Exactly one year after submitting my manuscript with eyes set on a hopeful future, it was accepted. With that, I am very happy and proud to announce that I am officially a published author as of October 2020!

Although I purposefully kept this endeavor very private, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who directly and indirectly supported me in attaining this goal:

  • Alex – For literally everything…reading my drafts, processing my frustrations, and celebrating the victories!
  • Dr. Shirley – Thank you for creating this assignment, nudging me outside of my comfort zone, believing in my ability to succeed, and offering never-ending encouragement and mentorship!
  • Kory – Without your accountability, I might still be procrastinating on this goal!
  • Pam – Thank you for taking me under your wing at Susquehanna Service Dogs, believing in my goals, and teaching me all about the assistance dogs community!
  • Pinella – For always being a source of inspiration, your patience as I put in long hours at the computer, and the puppy snuggles you offer after a hard day’s work!

If you’re interested in reading or learning more, I’ve included a link to the published paper here. If you have questions or would like to read the full version of the paper, please feel free to contact me through my linked social media outlets or the Sit, Stay, Blog contact page!

The full paper citation is also referenced here:
Kelly, T. (2020). Courthouse facility dogs: An intervention for survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2020.1828214

Hey podcast listeners: Listen to Neurolawgical’s recent podcast episode about this publication here.

Posted in Wagging Through Life Blogs

With Gratitude, Farewell 2020

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a year filled with trials and tribulations for all. We have been subject to drastic changes, sacrifices, and losses. I firmly believe that our greatest growth stems from our deepest struggles, and I cannot deny that I’ve experienced my own sense of struggle throughout this year. I have had highs and lows in my own sense of mental wellness, felt a loss of meaning in my work, and have had to trust the process of painfully establishing boundaries in my relationships.

While all of this is worthwhile of self-reflection, it is of the utmost importance to me that I explore and seek out my areas of success and triumph throughout this year. Thus, I reflect on 2020 by not fixating on the tribulations and instead acknowledging their existence, honoring the thoughts and feelings that arise, and then intentionally shifting my focus toward areas of personal growth and gratitude. I challenge anyone reading this to do the same…to dig deep and reflect month-by-month, week-by-week, or day-by-day to capture areas of gratitude.

2020 at a Glance

January: Read Thunder Dog and Haatchi and Little B, Became an official therapy dog team with Pinella through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, & Maintained my health through exercise

February: Read Outside the Lines and The Gifts of Imperfection, Pinella and I began volunteering with the Embark therapy dog program, I applied to Wilmington University for doctoral studies, & Alex and I attended a local fire and ice festival with family

March: Read Scent of the Missing and The Possibility Dogs, Began working from home, Jigsaw puzzles became a newfound hobby, Received my first (and last) haircut of 2020, Interviewed for doctoral candidacy at Wilmington University, & Was invited to interview for doctoral studies at Shippensburg University

April: Read An Invisible Thread, Dear John, Life After Suicide, and Craig and Fred, Gratefully continued working from home, Was accepted into Wilmington University to earn a Doctorate in Prevention Science, & Implemented a new exercise regimen

May: Read Me Before You, Celebrated my birthday quarantine-style, Pinella continued serving as a “pawsome” coworker in my work-from-home venture, Received a birthday self-care package from my wonderful sister, Gained a beautiful new niece, Fresh veggies and new flowers were planted in the garden, & I started a 350-Mile Bike Across PA challenge

June: Read The Rescue, One Thousand Gifts, The Gift of Therapy, and Dog Medicine, Gained peace and clarity in continuing to work from home, Exercised 1 to 2 times daily to maintain a sense of mental wellness, & Finished a running challenge for a local victim services organization

July: Read Murder and Misunderstanding, Behind Closed Doors, Born to Shine, and Tuesday’s Promise, Started a Disaster Mental Health Counseling certificate program, Exercised at an all-time high for a healthy escape, Fresh veggies started sprouting in the garden, Completed a walking challenge for a local nonprofit organization, & I won a giveaway through KCD Designs

August: Read The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog and After You, Had to forego our annual trip to Myrtle Beach but replaced it with a more COVID-safe trip to a secluded bay in Maryland, Was able to vacation with Pinella and see her natural enjoyment of the beach unfold, Took time away from work and gained clarity into my need to prioritize myself and establish boundaries in all spheres of my life, Completed the 350-Mile Bike Across PA challenge, Completed course #2 in my Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy Certification course, & Started my journey as a doctorate student


September: Read Report from Ground Zero, Began cohosting the Neurolawgical Podcast, Was able to bake a birthday cake for my precious niece, Alex and I celebrated our six-year anniversary, Pinella celebrated her fifth birthday, Completing schoolwork provided me with increased clarity into my professional goals and aspirations, Submitted final edits for a paper I was authoring, & A praying mantis waiting outside my door eased my anxiety-riddled body as I embarked on a day of working in-person

October: I became a published author (more about that to come…), Completed a running challenge for my alma matter, Explored the fall foliage with Pinella and Alex, Accessed my passion for photography, My mums bloomed in the garden and we purchased pumpkins from a local farm stand, A thoughtful neighbor left beautiful flowers at our doorstep, & I purchased a bookshelf to complete our reading room

November: Read The Weathering of Sea Glass, Mustered the courage to apply and interview for my dream opportunity, Assisted in a major fundraising event for Susquehanna Service Dogs where we raised $10,001, Christmas cactus bloomed for the first time in four years, Virtually watched my brother get sworn into the military (Congrats, B!), & I participated in at-home voting

December: Read Man’s Search for Meaning, Completed my Goodreads 2020 Reading Challenge (25/20 books), Pinella had a satisfactory wellness visit and was blessed with another year of good health, Completed the first semester of my doctorate studies, Thankfully resumed working from home, A rare December snowstorm allowed me to get my much sought after holiday photos of Pinella in the snow, I prioritized supporting small businesses, & I was eager for the holidays for the first time in many, many years

As is typical for me, I did not initiate 2020 by setting new year’s resolutions. I instead focused on establishing daily intentions for myself — intentions to maintain balance in my life, live healthier, strive for peace, and prioritize self-care. Amid the throes of 2020, I quickly adapted my intentions to ensure that I created meaning and opportunity from each hardship I endured. For me, there’s a simple prescription for navigating life’s challenges, namely, finding opportunities. Viewing life through a lens of opportunity is hope-instilling and was undoubtedly what contributed to each area of reflection above.

I share this reflection not to boast or brag but to instead model how there is always something worthy of being grateful for…yes, even in a year like 2020. As you see, gratitude can be found in the biggest of life’s events, like pursuing your dream to achieve a doctorate degree, as well as the smallest moments, such as being greeted out the door by a praying mantis. As we embark on a new year together, I challenge you to set the intention to prioritize gratitude. Understand that, while turning the page on a calendar to now read 2021 doesn’t change the world around us, it can change our perceptions. I intend to see the good, embrace life, and find opportunity in everything I do. What are your intentions?

Until next time,

-T.

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Tuesday’s Promise”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

Tuesday’s Promise is a tail-wagging sequel and continuation from Luis Carlos Montalvan’s first book, Until Tuesday

Having served two tours in Iraq, Montalvan begins by describing his post-wartime experiences, including what he calls the “invisible wounds of war.” These “invisible wounds” devastatingly include the alarmingly high suicide rate among veterans. To be more specific, Montalvan outlines that veterans die by suicide at a rate of 22 per day, 1 every 65 minutes, and 8,000 each year. Montalvan intimately invites readers into his narrative by discussing his reintegration into civilian life as well as detailing his experiences with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. In addition to his invisible wounds, the author also discusses his experiences with chronic physical pain and the life-altering decisions he has had to make with respect to his physical condition.

“Tuesday’s Promise”

He transitions by educating readers about the historical context of the human-canine relationship. For example, it is suggested that dogs assisted hunter-gatherers and evolved alongside their human counterparts by detecting threats, tracking food sources through their keen sense of smell, herding livestock, enhancing the agriculture industry, and providing border protection. More recently, dogs have been introduced into the medical scene by offering support and assistance to individuals with disabilities including, but not limited to, blindness, psychiatric disorders, seizure response, etc. For Montalvan, it is his service dog, Tuesday, who assists him in mitigating his disabilities, fostering a sense of independence, and ultimately enhancing his quality of life.

Through his narrative, readers gain insight into the many challenges that individuals with service dogs experience, specifically related to their public access rights. Montalvan shares a unique experience he had with Tuesday upon attempting to attend an appointment at the VA, wherein he was denied access, treated unjustly, and “required” to provide a service dog identification badge for Tuesday. In the words of Montalvan, this experience “felt infuriating, too stupid for words.” It was experiences, such as this, that motivated Montalvan to serve as an advocate to educate others about the work of service dogs and the public access rights of their partners.

With Tuesday by his side, Montalvan traveled nationwide as a public speaker, advocate, and educator. It was his mission to utilize his relationship with Tuesday as a means to help others feel respected, connected, loved, and embraced — characteristics that humans and animals alike both want and need!

Montalvan died by suicide in 2016 and was reunited in Heaven by his best pal, Tuesday, in 2019.  In memoriam of two national heroes, thank you for your service.  Thank you, Tuesday, for your gift of life that you provided to your partner in the years leading to his death.

More books by Luis Carlos Montalvan:

Tuesday Tucks Me In (Children’s Book)

Tuesday Tucks Me In
Photo Credit: Goodreads

Tuesday Takes Me There (Children’s Book)

Tuesday Takes Me There
Photo Credit: Goodreads

Until Tuesday

Click here to read more about Until Tuesday!

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Dog Medicine”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

“Dog Medicine,” written by Julie Barton, is a phenomenal read that offers insight into the emotional support and companionship offered by our best fur friends.  Throughout the book, Barton details her experiences with mental illness and utilizes a heartfelt approach to depict how her best fur friend, Bunker, aides in alleviating her debilitating symptoms.

Dog Medicine 2

“Dog Medicine” is a relatable read for those with and without mental illness.  The author emphasizes the supportive role of Bunker in adding structure, routine, and purpose in her days.  With Bunker, Barton is able to return to her normal activities, including socializing, working, caring for herself, and living independently.  In her book, Barton states, “I want to get out of bed.”  Readers can interpret from this statement exactly how dogs can serve as a natural antidepressant.  Through the development of their bond, it is observed that Bunker serves as a source of safety, provides comfort and companionship, promotes mindfulness, and encourages laughter.  “Dog Medicine” exemplifies what we, as a social species, need but are often neglected.  The author highlights how she has become more attuned to her own emotional experiences by observing and attending to Bunker’s emotional needs.  Through immersing oneself in “Dog Medicine,” readers begin to understand exactly how Bunker shaped Barton’s mental health recovery by teaching her how to embrace, welcome, experience, and ultimately accept pleasant and unpleasant emotions.  Barton succeeds in creating a powerful anecdote about the healing effects of animals and the human-canine bond.  “Dog Medicine” is a Doggone Good Read that is sure not to disappoint!

Visit Julie Barton’s Blog here:  https://byjuliebarton.com/

An in-depth interview of Julie Barton and “Dog Medicine” can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RikLo6TQB7g

 

 

 

Posted in Doggone Good Reads!

“Craig & Fred”

Posted on by Sit, Stay, Blog

“Craig & Fred,” written by Craig Grossi, is a doggone good read that is certain to raise the question “Who rescued who?” A heartwarming story, “Craig and Fred” details the unique circumstances that brought man and dog together as one.  Grossi utilizes an easy-to-read narrative to depict his inter and intranational journeys alongside his best four-legged pal, Fred.

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Told through the eyes of an eight-year Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, readers can expect to gain insight into Grossi’s wartime experiences, including the often difficult transition to civilian life.  In sharing his story, the author outlines how Fred served as a social lubricant, allowing for more seamless discussion of difficult war stories.  Throughout their experiences together, Fred faithfully served (and continues to serve) as a constant source of companionship, comfort, and guidance, and their relationship together truly embodies the human-canine bond.  Through this inspiring story, readers gain clarity into why dogs really are man’s best friend.  Although the question remains of “Who saved who?,” it is clear that both Craig and Fred played important roles in one another’s journeys toward healing and recovery!

Interested in following along on the many journeys of Craig and Fred?  Follow them on social media!
Facebook:  /FredTheAfghan
Twitter:  @fredtheafghan
Instagram: @fredtheafghan