Hi collaborator,

I lived in Los Angeles for 15 years. It’s where I became a dog trainer, an animal assisted activities provider, and occupational therapist. LA is where I adopted my sweet boy, Ziko, and where I learned that there is no such thing as an aggressive dog. It’s where I met some of my best friends, where I cultivated my love of art and hiking, and where I learned how to build my first business.

I love Los Angeles so much, and my heart breaks for all of you who are there, as well as for all of you who are not there but love someone who is.

As I watch from afar, I know that some of you are feeling the stress of being displaced, the instability of not knowing when you can go home, the trauma of never being able to go home again, the grief of having lost someone or something that you love, the struggle of not being able to open your windows, the overwhelm of knowing there is so much work to be done and not knowing where to start, the exhaustion of giving more than you have capacity for because you must do something - anything - to help.

And I know that your dogs are feeling all of this, too. In moments like these, when stress is insurmountable, when all we need is a moment of calm with our faithful furry friends, I know that the sensitive, reactive, and anxious pups will have a harder time than most, and that their behavior may become another source of stress, rather than a balm of relief.

When all you really need is for your dog to just chill out, and they are barking instead, it can feel like everything is out of control, and you just want them - need them - to stop so you can handle the things that need handling.

Yet I have come to know that dogs are extremely wise. They provide us with opportunities to recognize what we really need, and what we all need right now is a sense of safety and calm and to know that everything will be okay.

So, instead of viewing your dog’s increased reactivity in the midst of an overwhelming crisis as a distraction away from what is most important - see if you can view it as a signal, a cue reminding you of what is actually most important.

Then, follow that cue, listen to your dog. Just be with them right now, and breathe.