Field Notes: Beneath the Flight Path

A slurry bomber heads toward another Northern California wildfire on a hot July evening. Watching these aircraft pass overhead, I found myself thinking about the people behind the mission.

Northern California
Saturday Evening – July 11, 2026

It's just after 8:30 pm on a warm July evening in Northern California.

Velvet is asleep on the floor, stretched out in the coolest spot she can find. Every fan in this tiny room is running, trying to push back another day of unseasonably hot weather.

Then another slurry bomber flies overhead.

And another.

And another.

Earlier today, a wildfire ignited. Within hours, thousands of acres were burning. As the aircraft continue their repeated flights toward the fire, I find myself thinking less about the planes and more about the people inside them.

What does it take to keep climbing back into that cockpit, making pass after pass over rugged terrain, knowing that every drop matters?

Then my thoughts drift to the firefighters on the ground.

The animal control officers.

The veterinarians.

The shelter staff.

The volunteers.

The neighbors loading horses into trailers.

The person patiently trying to coax a frightened dog into a crate before the flames get any closer.

And the wildlife, who receive no evacuation notice at all.

For most of my life, my heart has been drawn not only to the animals but also to the humans who dedicate themselves to protecting them.

Animals are often the visible reason we respond.

The people behind the response are too often the invisible story.

As I listen to the aircraft disappear into the distance, I'm reminded that every emergency has two kinds of victims: those directly affected and those who willingly step forward to help. The helpers carry burdens that most of us never fully see.

Perhaps that is why The Dog Goddess has always been about more than dogs.

It has always been about relationships.

Velvet- There Is No Grander Earthly Privilege Than To Have Been Loved By A Dog.

The bond between humans and animals.

The courage to care.

The willingness to keep showing up.

And the quiet hope that, even in the face of suffering, compassion still has the power to change lives.

Tonight, my prayer is simple.

May the crews be safe.

May families find one another.

May as many animals as possible be rescued.

And may those who spend their lives protecting others remember that they, too, deserve care, compassion, and moments to simply breathe.

Sometimes the most important stories are not about the fire.

They're about the hearts that continue flying toward it.

Sometimes the most important stories are not about the fire.

They're about the hearts that continue flying toward it.

Field Observation:

Sometimes the loudest part of a wildfire isn’t the fire itself. It’s the sound of ordinary people quietly flying toward extraordinary responsibility.

For much of my life, I've been drawn to the people behind the mission.

The firefighters. The rescue workers. The veterinarians. The volunteers. The conservationists. The advocates. The people who quietly give so much of themselves in service to animals, wildlife, and one another.

Their work matters.

They matter.

That is one of the reasons The Dog Goddess exists.

Part of my work is helping people whose lives are devoted to animals reconnect with their own resilience, clarity, and purpose—so they can continue making a difference in the lives of others, both human and animal.

Because when we care for the humans carrying the mission, we strengthen the mission itself.

If today's Field Notes resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you.

Perhaps you have your own story of an animal who changed your life, a rescue that touched your heart, or someone quietly serving animals who deserves to be recognized.

You can connect with me through The Dog Goddess by visiting our Guest Goddess page to share your story, Nominate someone whose dedication deserves recognition, or explore opportunities to become one of our Gratitude Partners as we continue building a community devoted to the well-being of both animals and the humans who care for them.

And if you're someone who has devoted your life to animals and finds yourself at a crossroads, know that you're not alone. Part of my life's work is helping people reconnect with their own clarity, resilience, and purpose so they can continue making a meaningful difference in the world around them. ~With gratitude for all who serve, Kelli & Velvet The Dog Goddess

One Brief Moment from this evening. The sound says more than any photograph can.

Happy Birthday Velvet~ Love, Mom

VELVET at four years young—sweet, steady, adventurous, and forever by my side

Dear Velvet,

Today you are four years young.

Velvet Baby Puppy- First Day

TINY PRINCESS VELVET

Sometimes I look at you sleeping peacefully and wonder how four years have passed so quickly.

You’ve traveled more miles than many people ever do. You’ve explored new places, met countless humans and animals, and adapted to situations that would challenge even the most resilient souls.

VELVET- HOTEL TRAVEL LIFE

You have slept beside me in homes, hotels, temporary places, and unfamiliar places. No matter where we were, you always seemed to understand that home wasn’t a building.

VELVET- HOME

Home was us. Home Is us.

You’ve taught me about loyalty, trust, forgiveness, resilience, joy, and the healing power of simply being present.

ENJOYING THE ATTENTION

You have made strangers smile, touched their hearts , and opened conversations I never expected to have, and reminded me over and over again that love does not need words to be understood.

There have been days when I was concerned about everything.

And then I would look at you. You beautiful, precious angel.

Velvet- Sleeping Angel

And somehow, for a moment, everything became simpler. You truly do live in the moment.

Velvet- Fourth Birthday

Thank you for every adventure.

Thank you for every lesson.

Thank you for every laugh.

Thank you for choosing me.

Thank you for being you.

Love always~

Mom

Reciprocity, Community & the Threshold Between Inner Work and Outer Reality

“Reciprocity begins when we remember we were never living separate from the world.”

There are moments in life when something you read doesn’t just resonate—it activates recognition.

Today I came across a list shared by a friend in the consciousness space, describing what it feels like when you are entering a new chapter of life: things falling away, intuition strengthening, old identities dissolving, and a deep sense that something new is forming beneath the surface.

And while much of that speaks to inner transformation, what I found myself reflecting on was something else entirely:

What happens when inner awakening meets outer reality that has not yet caught up?

Because for many of us right now, this is not just a spiritual transition.

It is also a very real, very tangible human one.

Housing. Stability. Income. Community. Resources. Time. Energy.

The unseen and the seen are overlapping in ways that are not always easy to navigate alone.

“Inner transformation and practical reality are often unfolding simultaneously.”

🌿 The Missing Piece in Many Consciousness Conversations

I’ve been observing something for a long time now—both personally and collectively.

There is no shortage of:

• awareness work

• healing work

• embodiment work

• spiritual language around expansion, alignment, and trust

But there is still a gap when it comes to:

How we actually support each other in material reality, while we are in transition.

Many of us speak about unity, collaboration, and collective consciousness.

But in practice, we are often still:

• geographically isolated

• financially independent in unsustainable ways

• navigating major life transitions privately

• unsure ‘how to ask’ directly for practical 3D world support

And so a question arises:

“What would it look like if reciprocity was not just a philosophy—but a lived structure?”

🐺 The Dog Goddess Perspective: Reciprocity is a Living System

“Nature does not model isolation. It models relationship.”

In nature, nothing survives in isolation.

Dogs don’t survive alone.
Wolves don’t survive alone.
Communities don’t survive alone.                                   

We humans are just as much a part of nature as any other living being. We just need to re-member this.

All of these function through:

• observation

• communication

• contribution

• shared awareness

• and ‘reciprocal’ care

Not 'transactional exchange’—but relational intelligence.

This is part of what The Dog Goddess explores:
the idea that humans are not separate from this system—we are simply out of rhythm with it.

🍀 Ancient Knowing: Duil & the Interconnected Living World

“Ancient languages often describe what modern life asks us to remember.”

Recently I came across the work of a young Irishman on Instagram, @thereelmurts, who has been translating ancient Irish Gaelic words and phrases into English — not simply translating the words themselves, but restoring the deeper meaning behind them.

As someone of Irish ancestry, these ancient understandings resonate deeply with me.

One word in particular stayed with me:

Duil

A word that broadly refers to:

every thing, any thing that exists or is created — whether a being, creature, element, natural force, or even something man-made.

From this root come several beautiful expressions:

• Duil bheo — a living creature

• Duil dhaonna — a human being

• Na Dúil bheo — the living world

• An Cheathair-Dhúil — the Four Elements, the Universe, the Whole Living Creation

What strikes me most is how all-encompassing these ancient understandings were.

Not fragmented.
Not separate.
Not hyper-individualized.

Everything existed as part of a living interconnected system.

And perhaps this is part of what many people are remembering now:
that we were never truly meant to carry every burden entirely alone.

🌿 Transition Requires Both Sovereignty & Interdependence

“Integration is not a concept- it is a practice of staying present while everything is changing.”

One of the things I believe many conscious, spiritually aware, purpose-driven people are navigating right now is this:

We are being asked to evolve beyond the old paradigm of:

“I must do everything alone.”

At the same time, many of us are still living inside systems that require extraordinary amounts of individual effort simply to survive.

When one person is ‘simultaneously’ trying to hold:

• Survival

• Housing

• Financial Stability

• Purpose

• Business

• Health

• Grief

• Reinvention

• Caregiving

• Spirituality

• Companionship

• And everyday life responsibilities

…that becomes a tremendous load for any one human being to carry alone.

Perhaps part of this transition is learning how to allow:

• Temporary Help

• Bridge Support

• Collaborative Living

• Pooled Resources

• Aligned Community

• Direct ‘Asks’

• Restructuring Income Streams

• Stabilizing Safety and Housing First

• And Creating sustainable foundations before scaling larger visions

Not from helplessness.

But from wisdom.

Not from dependency.

But from remembering that healthy interdependence has always existed in nature.

Sovereignty matters.
But aligned community matters too.

And maybe the future requires both.

🌍 The Bridge Between Spiritual Language and Real-World Support

“We were never meant to carry life alone. Support is not a luxury- it is part of how life works.”

One of the most important questions I find myself sitting with right now is:

How do spiritually aware, highly sensitive, purpose-driven people actually interface with the practical world in a way that allows them to survive—and not just survive, but stabilize and thrive?

Because intention alone is not infrastructure.

And insight alone does not create housing, income, or stability.

At some point, ‘consciousness’ must become:

• Communication

• Coordination

• Collaboration

• And Real-world exchange

Otherwise, it remains internal.

🤝 Guest Goddess: A Living Invitation

This is also why The Dog Goddess created a space called:

✨ Guest Goddess

“ Reciprocity begins when people feel safe enough to both Offer and Receive.”

A place for people to:

• Share what they are building

• Express what they are working through

• Offer collaborations

• Seek aligned support

• And be seen beyond algorithmic visibility

Not as content.

As humans in transition.

If you feel aligned with this work, you are welcome to share:

• Your offerings

• Your projects

• Your resources

• Your collaborations

• Your needs and contributions

This is not about hierarchy or perfection. Nor is it about advertising.

It is about Reciprocity in motion.

🌿 A Final Reflection

We are in a time where many systems are shifting at once.

Old structures are not fully stable.
New structures are not fully formed.

And many people are finding themselves:

Holding ‘vision’ in one hand and ‘reality’ in the other

The question is not whether transformation is happening.

It is already happening.

The question is:

Can we learn to support each other ‘through’ the in-between?

Not only emotionally.

But practically.

Not only spiritually.

But materially.

Because wholeness requires both.

“ Even in Transition, life continues reaching toward light.”

✨ Sat Nam

FIELD NOTES FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: SHADE & STILLNESS

Moments of stillness often arrive quietly — somewhere between movement, reflection, and the road ahead.

🐾 There’s a particular kind of stillness in Northern California that doesn’t ask to be noticed — it simply exists between movement and pause.

Velvet and I found ourselves sitting in shade today, stepping out of the constant motion of travel, systems, and decisions. Just for a moment, there was warm ground beneath us, wind moving through trees, and the quiet awareness of being exactly where we were.

Velvet, grounded and observant as always, reminding me that presence is sometimes the most important part of the journey.

She settles differently in these pauses. Less alert, more present — like her nervous system knows when the world is temporarily asking nothing of her.

I’ve learned to pay attention to those shifts. Not as small things, but as information. Animals rarely lie about environment.

Neither do we, when we slow down enough to feel it.

There’s something about being in transition that strips life down to essentials — shelter, connection, clarity, next step. Everything else becomes background noise.

And in that simplicity, you start to notice what actually matters.

One more note from the field.

— The Dog Goddess

Meet The Founder | The Dog Goddess

“I’ve spent most of my life behind the camera, behind the scenes, observing life as it unfolds — documenting animals, people, places, moments, and stories more often than documenting myself.”

There are some people who choose a path.

And there are others whose path finds them early in life and never truly lets go.

I’m Kelli, founder of The Dog Goddess — a living ecosystem devoted to the profound connection between humans and animals, especially dogs, wolves, horses, and other deeply sentient beings who walk beside us through life.

“For most of my life, I’ve explored the intersection of animal behavior, intuitive communication, healing, emotional resilience, storytelling, human transformation, nervous-system awareness, and conscious living.”

The Dog Goddess was not created from theory or branding strategy.

It emerged from lived experience.

From decades of walking beside animals and people through loss, change, reinvention, adventure, healing, survival, and growth.

From years of observing how animals help us reconnect not only with nature — but with ourselves.

My work blends writing, speaking, guidance, collaboration, intuition, advocacy, creativity, humor, grounded spirituality, and real-world experience.

I believe animals are not “less than” us.

I believe they are fellow beings, teachers, companions, mirrors, healers, protectors, family, and wisdom keepers.

The Dog Goddess is ultimately about relationship:
between humans and animals,
between people and nature,
between survival and purpose,
between instinct and consciousness,
between who we were —
and who we are becoming.

“Velvet resting during a morning field note in Northern California.”

Current Chapter: Northern California

I’m currently building and creating the next evolution of The Dog Goddess in Northern California alongside my little service dog, “Velvet”.

This season of life has become part of the story itself:
returning to mountain towns,
creative communities,
nature,
simplicity,
human connection,
and a slower, more intentional way of living.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more reflections, stories, encounters, field notes, creative collaborations, and behind-the-scenes experiences as this new chapter unfolds.

Thank you for being here.

— Kelli
Founder, The Dog Goddess

Nervous Systems, Dogs, and What People Often Misunderstand About “Overreaction”

Dog Nervous System

There is a pattern that shows up again and again in both humans and animals, especially in highly sensitive nervous systems.

From the outside, it is often labeled as “overreaction,” “bad behavior,” or “lack of control.”

But what is actually happening is something much more precise:

A nervous system moving beyond its capacity to regulate in real time.

This is not rare. It is not limited to one species. It is not even limited to trauma history or training gaps.

It is simply biology under load.

And it becomes especially visible in dogs when they are placed in unfamiliar, stimulating, or emotionally charged environments. This is also why humans ‘on the outside looking in’ so to speak, should not be judging dogs or their human handlers. Especially when they are not your dog. Even a highly trained Service Dog is not a robot or a statue. It is still very challenging for them to ignore so much stimuli in the environment, and new environments in particular.

What people see vs. what is actually happening

What is typically observed:

• barking

• whining

• pulling

• pacing

• heightened excitement that tips into distress

What is actually happening internally:

• sensory overload

• anticipation without resolution

• unfamiliar environment processing

• nervous system activation rising faster than it can discharge

• loss of regulatory balance under stimulation

The behavior is not the problem.

The behavior is the communication.

Calming Aids

Why calming tools sometimes appear to “not work”

One of the most misunderstood aspects of nervous system regulation is timing.

Calming supports—whether herbal, behavioral, environmental, or training-based—do not override a system already in full activation.

They support regulation only when the nervous system is still within a receptive range.

When a system is already highly activated:

• adrenaline is elevated

• dopamine and stress chemistry fluctuate rapidly

• sensory input becomes amplified

• cognitive processing narrows

In that state, even appropriate calming supports may appear ineffective or delayed.

Not because they are wrong—but because the system has already passed the threshold where input can be smoothly integrated.

Regulation still happens—but often after the peak, not during it.

The layer most people don’t see: interpretation

In shared environments—apartment tours, public spaces, hotels—there is another layer that compounds the challenge:

Human interpretation.

Most people are not observing nervous system states. They are observing behavior.

And behavior is quickly labeled as:

• “poor training”

• “disobedience”

• “lack of control”

• “incompatibility with expectations”

Very few people are trained to recognize:

• transition stress

• overstimulation cycles

• separation distress

• or nervous system overwhelm in real time

So in many instances, the animal is judged without context for what is actually happening internally. * Put your self in the other’s place is very apropos here.

The pattern is not limited to dogs

These same nervous system dynamics can appear in humans as well.

In children and adults who are highly sensitive or neurodivergent, you often see:

• rapid escalation under stimulation

• difficulty down-regulating in the moment

• delayed recovery after high input environments

• strong emotional or physical “crash” after the event

The expression differs—but the underlying mechanism is often similar:

A system that escalates faster than it can regulate under environmental load.

What actually helps (practically, not theoretically)

Over time, the most effective approach is not trying to suppress behavior in the moment.

It is ‘shaping the conditions’ around the nervous system:

• reduce stimulation before exposure

• allow decompression after transitions

• keep initial exposure periods short

• build consistent routines for entry and exit

• recognize threshold points early, before overload occurs

This shifts the focus from:

“How do we stop this behavior?”

to:

“How do we prevent the system from exceeding its capacity in the first place?”

A different way of seeing it

When behavior is no longer interpreted as failure, something important changes.

We begin to see it more accurately as:

a nervous system communicating its current capacity in real time.

Whether human or animal, the principle remains the same:

Behavior is not character.

Behavior is communication.

And regulation is always possible—but it is deeply dependent on timing, environment, and load.

Closing reflection

The more we understand nervous systems—ours and those of the animals we live with—the less we blame behavior, and the more we learn to listen to what is actually being expressed.

Because underneath every “reaction” is a system simply trying to find balance again.

A Series continuation: Part 2- “How To Support A Sensitive Or Reactive Dog”-

Your dog isn't broken — she's asking for help ~ A compassionate guide to understanding and easing canine anxiety

When your dog trembles at a thunderstorm or spirals when you leave, it's not a flaw in her nature. It's a message — and you have everything you need to answer it.

The Goddess in me recognizes the Goddess in you — and in your dog. She communicates her inner world through every tucked tail, every frantic pace across the kitchen floor. Learning to read those signals is one of the most loving things you can do as a conscious caretaker.

Over 70% of dogs express anxiety in some form. So if your pup struggles, she is far from alone — and so are you.

READING THE SIGNS

What your dog is trying to tell you

Dogs don't always shake and whimper. Anxiety can be subtle — a soft, almost-missed cue that something feels off in her world. Start by slowing down and watching. Observing.

IN HER BODY

• Trembling when it's not cold

• Panting without exertion

• Tail tucked low and tight

• Refusing food she usually loves

IN HER BEHAVIOUR

• Pacing or unable to settle

• Barking at nothing you can see

• Accidents or destructive chewing

• Clingy or unusually withdrawn

Notice when these appear. Is it when you're getting your keys? During a storm? In the car? The pattern is the clue — and it gives you a clear place to begin.

UNDERSTANDING ROOTS

Fireworks Tend to Cause Anxiety

There is always a reason

There's no such thing as a dog anxious "for no reason." Her nervous system is responding to something — and it deserves your curiosity, not frustration.

COMMON TRIGGERS

Separation from her person · Loud or sudden noises (fireworks, storms, vacuums) · Strangers or unfamiliar dogs · A disrupted routine — a move, a new baby, a vet visit. Sometimes it's a single thread; often it's a tangle of several.

Research shows noise sensitivity affects around 1 in 3 dogs. Fear of strangers touches nearly 29%. You are not imagining it — and your dog is not being dramatic. She is being honest.

"Anxiety doesn't define your pup. It's a challenge you can meet — with presence, patience, and love."

IMMEDIATE CALM

What to do when she's overwhelmed right now

When your dog is in a full spiral, the goal isn't to fix everything — it's to create a moment of safety. These simple practices can shift her nervous system quickly.

1. Create her sanctuary. A crate dressed in a soft blanket, or a quiet corner with her favourite things. Every dog deserves a space that says: You are safe here. This is especially powerful during storms or at night. Remember, as canines, dogs need a ‘den’. This is their ‘safe place.’

2. Offer your presence. Gentle touch — a slow stroke along her back, your hand resting near her body — communicates calm without words. You don't have to fix it. Just be with her.

3. Redirect her focus. A snuffle mat, a frozen treat, a puzzle toy. Engagement shifts her brain from fear to curiosity. It's a *small magic that works more often than you'd think.

4. Let sound soothe her. Classical instrumental music or gentle white noise can soften a chaotic environment. It's not a cure — but it can take the edge off beautifully.

DEEPER WORK

The gentle path back to confidence

If separation anxiety is the root, the work is slower — and that's okay. Healing rarely comes in a rush. We need to understand and remember that dogs are descended from Wolves and like wolves, they are ‘pack’ animals. So, really, when we say it is ‘separation anxiety’, it’s actually more accurate to say that they are simply wondering- “ hey, where is my pack?… why are you leaving me? I AM part of your pack.” I bet you didn’t know that even in the wild, wolves have a ‘nanny wolf’ who watches over the younger wolves while the others are out hunting and exploring. So it’s not surprising that our dogs are a bit anxious when we leave them alone.

A PRACTICE FOR SEPARATION

Begin by leaving for just a few minutes. No long goodbyes — those ramp up the drama her nervous system is already anticipating. Leave quietly, return calmly. Over time, she learns: you always come back. That knowing becomes her anchor.

For natural support, look to pheromone diffusers like Adaptil — they replicate the calming signals of a nursing mother. Calming supplements with chamomile, passion flower, L-Theanine can also gently support her system. And lavender oil, used safely (never ingested), can bring a softness to her environment.

If your dog's anxiety is severe or rooted in something deeper, there is no shame in asking for help. A certified behaviourist can be transformative. And in some cases, a conversation with your holistic or integrative vet about medication is the most compassionate choice you can make.

A FINAL WORD

You sought this out because you love her. You watched her struggle and asked: What can I do? That impulse — that instinct to understand before you react — is already the foundation of a healed, trust-filled relationship.

Anxiety is not her destiny. With clarity, calm, and the steady presence only you can offer — she will find her way back to herself.

The Goddess in me recognizes the Goddess in you — and in her.
You've got this.

Protect the Sacred Bond Between Dogs, Wolves, and Humans

For over 40 years, my life has been devoted to the sacred bond between humans and animals — especially dogs and their original ancestors, the Gray Wolves.

Wolves are not only wildlife. They are the living lineage that made our relationship with dogs possible. Without them, there would be no domestic dogs as we know them today — no companions, no guardians, no healers walking beside us.

Through decades of lived experience, writing, advocacy, and community connection, I created The Dog Goddess — not as a title, but as a remembrance: that this bond belongs to all of us — human, canine, and wild.

This moment marks a necessary pause and realignment — a transition into the environment, stability, and spaciousness required to continue this work with clarity, presence, and integrity.

Why Support Matters:
Your support helps ensure that The Dog Goddess can:

• Share decades of knowledge and wisdom about dogs and wolves

• Advocate for the protection of wolves and their habitats

• Educate communities about the sacred human-animal bond

• Produce content, resources, and events to inspire and connect dog lovers worldwide

Every donation helps expand this work and ensures that this legacy continues for generations to come.

Call to Action:
Join us in the mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps protect and honor the sacred bond between humans, dogs, and wolves.

Ways to Contribute / Connect:

• Donate on GoFundMe

• Linktree — https://linktr.ee/the_dog_goddess

• Instagram - instagram.com/the_dog_goddess

• Pinterest- pinterest.com/the_dog_goddess

• [Buy Me a Coffee]- buymeacoffee.com/the_dog_goddess

• Substack- https://substack.com/@thedoggoddess

Velvet’s Big Adventure- America’s Favorite Pet 2026!

Velvet- America’s Favorite Pet 2026

Meet Velvet: My Somatic Sidekick and Mini Fox Wolf Dog

Exciting News from our little corner of the World! Velvet, my beloved somatic sidekick, is officially a contestant in America’s Favorite Pet 2026!

Velvet is a tiny dynamo with a big heart- always curious, playful, and deeply attuned to the energies around her. From quiet snuggle moments to adventurous walks in the forest and ocean rides on horseback, she brings joy and connection wherever she goes. Her spirit embodies the playful, loving, and protective energy of all the dogs she is descended from- and she is ready to share that light with the world.

Velvet-MiniEskie

This year; 2026, America’s Favorite Pet offers contestants a chance to win $10,000 and at the Cover of Modern Dog Magazine, and Velvet has a real shot! Every vote helps her shine. You can vote for Free or make a small donation to the contest itself to support her jouney.

Voting is Simple: Click the link americasfavpet.com/share/1ad78 and Select Velvet to cast your vote. Your First Vote is Free of course and every single click counts, and your support helps us celebrate the magic, joy, and love that pets like Velvet bring into our lives.

Thank you for being a part of our community, for honouring the bond we share with our four-legged companions, and for helping Velvet on this exciting adventure!

#VelvetMiniFoxWolfDog #VelvetEskie #VelvetMiniEskie #SomaticSideKick #DogLove

A Dog Goddess Reflection on Seasons, Movement, and Aligned Transitions

Today is the Winter Solstice — the longest night of the year, and quietly, the return of the light.

Across cultures, species, and centuries, this moment has never been about forcing forward motion. It has been about listening. About honoring the natural intelligence that knows when to rest, when to shed, and when to move.

Dogs understand this instinctively.
So do wolves.
So do horses.
So do humans — when we allow ourselves to remember.

We are seasonal beings living in a world that often forgets seasons exist.

In nature, nothing stagnates out of politeness. Nothing stays in a place simply because it once worked. Migration is not failure. Movement is not instability. It is wisdom in motion.

Animals don’t apologize for knowing when a place no longer fits. They don’t wait until conditions become unbearable. They respond to subtle shifts long before collapse is required.

And humans?
We are animals too.

Yet somewhere along the way, we were taught that wanting change meant something was “wrong,” that moving on required justification, or that staying too long was a virtue.

It isn’t.

The Solstice reminds us that life moves in cycles — not straight lines. Some relationships last a season. Some homes hold us for a chapter. Some paths are meant to be walked, honored, and then gently released.

There is no drama in this.
There is no judgment.
Only discernment.

For those of us walking with animal companions, this truth is amplified. Dogs feel when environments shift before words ever catch up. They respond to energy, not narratives. They mirror our inner states and quietly ask us to live with greater integrity.

Right now, I am listening closely — for myself and for my dog.

Listening to what feels complete.
Listening to what is ready to be thanked and released.
Listening to what is calling us forward.

This isn’t about escape.
It’s about alignment.

Alignment with place.
Alignment with people.
Alignment with rhythm, reciprocity, and respect.

Many of us are being asked — gently but firmly — to move with the seasons of our lives, not against them. To stop expending precious energy maintaining what no longer nourishes us. To trust that making space is an act of devotion, not abandonment.

The Dog Goddess has always been about remembering our shared lineage with animals — not just in spirit, but in behavior. In trust. In timing.

The Solstice doesn’t demand answers.
It invites honesty.

So today, I honor the dark that makes rest possible.
I honor the turning that makes light return.
And I honor the quiet courage it takes to say: it is time for something more aligned to find me.

May we all listen as well as the animals do.
May we move when it is time.
And may we trust that life knows how to meet us when we do.

— Kelli
The Dog Goddess

HALLOWEEN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY FOR YOUR DOG OR YOUR OTHER PETS-updated for 2025

Happy Howl-oween!

Most of you conscientious pet guardians know by now that most all dogs and many other species of pets are irritated by, if not downright afraid of loud noises like fireworks on the 4th of July and on other holidays that us humans choose to celebrate.

Well, imagine that you can hear 100 to 1000 times louder than you do right now; kinda like the Comic book Superhero ‘X-Men’ do. This is how dogs hear ‘every single day’ unless they have hearing loss.   This level of loudness, and the fact that dogs have 18 ear muscles in each ear enabling them to hear MORE than most animals do, coupled with strange humans coming to your door, their property they are innately trying to watch over, ringing your doorbell every few minutes, and on top of that, they come dressed in creepy costumes with masked faces, the shrill laughter and screaming of excited little children; which many dogs are not used to being around at all; can be enough to send even the most accepting and docile of dogs into a panic attack and or a barking frenzy.

Obviously, this is not what we wish for our ‘best friends’. Is it? It’s our job as pet parents, guardians to watch over and protect them. They are ‘pets’, ‘domestic pets’ after all.

When you think about it, our beloved pets really do put up with a lot from us, and we certainly don’t want to traumatize them, all in the name of one nite of fun for Halloween or any other holiday.

Just like on the 4th of July and those other ‘loud noise’ holidays we spoke about in our Journal article entitled: ” How To Help Your Pets ON Holidays Involving Fireworks An With Other Loud Noises” we would recommend and use some of those same protocol for Halloween; such as -Take your pup out for a walk in advance– way before the festivities begin, in order for them to exercise, relax, and go potty.  If you have a cat, and you do normally allow them to go in and out; for this holiday and for many others, I suggest keeping them safely indoors for a few days and let them use a litter box to go potty and just play with you and some inside toys. * Black cats and dogs especially need to be under extra special protection, because unfortunately there are still many humans who would wish your pet harm just because of the color of his coat; and this is also a holiday when many scared pets are so scared that they take that split second opportunity to bolt out the door first chance they get and they end up in animal shelters or worse.

USE ‘COMMON SENSE’ – If your pet is extremely sensitive to loud noises as many definitely are, you can alleviate your pet’s anxiety by doing things such as: playing calming music on your iPhone, old school MP3 Player, or TV, petting them, and giving them a gentle massage, spraying some Organic lavender essential oil lightly on their/your bedding, *If you share your home with a cat, do NOT use Lavender oil and do your research to make sure anything you use in the home is safe for whatever animal species you live with. Perhaps using a holistic product such as Dr. Bach’s Rescue Remedy for PETS  directly on their tongue or in their water for anti-anxiety, or Hemp Calming Treats such as Thunderwunders Hemp Calming Treats with L-Theanine and Hemp.  

You can move your pets into another room in the house such as a bathroom or laundry room located away from the front door.  This way they won’t be sent ‘springing into action’ every single time that doorbell rings, and masked strangers appear at their door yelling, “Trick Or Treat!”

‘WE’ know it’s just a traditional holiday and all in good fun, but our pets have no clue what this is all about, so put yourself in their place and take necessary preparations and precautions to help keep them safe, ok.

We might also mention that some pets have such a strong sense of smell and some have a ‘bit’ more of a curious and mischievous sense than others, and they just might be tempted to get into things that are not intended for their little tummies, like sugary Halloween candy.

Although it might be a fun tradition for Halloween, sugar is not good for us, and it certainly is not good for our pets.  Remember that theobromine; the active ingredient in chocolate, is ‘deadly’ when ingested by dogs or cats; *in fact it is deadly for most of our animal friends.  Most ‘sugar-free’ candies are not safe either, because most of these candies and gums contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol and aspartame and are also ‘deadly‘ to dogs and cats.  If you are having a party catered to the adult set, then please use extra caution and not leave anything like alcohol or cigarettes, or products containing THC where curious creatures can get a hold of them. That could seriously be the LAST time the pets get ahold of anything. Period.

BE SURE TO KEEP THE CANDY, GUM, AND THE ABOVE MENTIONED ITEMS IN PLACES WHERE YOU ARE ‘CERTAIN’ THAT WONDERING NOSES AND PAWS CANNOT GET INTO IT AND SAVE YOURSELF AND YOUR BELOVED PET A VISIT TO THE EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN’S OFFICE.

OF COURSE YOU WILL WANT TO HAVE YOUR OWN VETERINARIAN’S AS WELL AS THE EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN’S PHONE NUMBERS ON HAND JUST IN CASE; AND MANY OF YOU ALREADY KEEP PET INSURANCE LIKE Trupanion or Embrace Pet Insurance IN ORDER TO HELP OUT IN UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS.

JUST REMEMBER TO BE SAFE, KIND, RESPECTFUL AND HAVE FUN THIS HOLIDAY AND OTHERS !!