In my opinion, a path is already chosen for each and every one of us. We can try with everything we have to travel a road we believe is the 'right' road, enduring trials and struggles, heartache and failure. The bottom line is, I believe that if we pay attention to the path set for us, we can avoid alot of struggles and be able to nourish and prune the gift you are given.

Think about arranged marriages for example, it is a 'marriage' in the eyes of the law, however your heart, mind and soul are not invested. Think about that and how that scenario, that statement, plays out in your life. Now, 5 years ago, 15 years ago and where that will bring you tomorrow. Ask yourself: 'Am I using what I am given to the best of my ability, to become a productive adult in the community, in your relationships, personal, professional and such?"

I have been a dog lover, an animal lover, all 41 years of my life. I am not from money nor did I attend a fancy college to become who I am today. I have endured my fair share of struggles, made mistakes and have regrets. I am thankful for my ability to follow my heart and my gut.

The purpose of this blog moving forward is to focus on awareness, specifically awareness with your canine companion, listening, with your gut, to what your dog is telling you, what your dog is teaching you and how to provide your dog with the safest, healthiest and fullfilling life. This blog entry is written to 'set the stage' and understand a little about me.

Not long ago, 496 days to be exact, I embarked on a journey with optimism, excitement and pure joy. I was going to take my talents as a pet stylist and dog lover to a new level, a new chapter. A way to learn more about canine behavior, relationships between humans and their dogs and to meet new people and experience new and exciting challenges.

I had very little apprehension. I was entering into a business relationship with someone who spent nearly a decade 'building and planning' the best of the best facility. In hindsight, that should have been the first red flag, it was all about the facility, the image, the 'buzz.' Not alot of mention of its impending guests.

It smelled great, everything was brand new. I compare it to being in a new relationship, starry eyed, flawless. Everything I imagined it could be. Then... the harsh reality sets in, that reality that I was now part of something that was against everything I believed in, everything that was wrong about being part of the lives and care of the canine companions that we all love so much.

Was I that stupid. So blinded. Will it get better for the dogs, their owners, the staff? Time will tell. I committed to 365 days of everything I have. I wasnt going to give up, not where man's best friend is involved. Day 375 was the deciding day. A work in progress....

Until next time, dog owners please think about this. If it looks to good to be true, it most likely is. Ask yourself, where my dog, my loyal companion is concerned, do you want what is best for their safety, physical and emotional well being. If the answer is yes, are you getting this from the people you are trusting your dog with???