|
|
|
Problem Solving Unleashed: Practical tools to make training effective and approachable, while embracing curiosity, connection, and the beautifully chaotic realities of growth—for both dogs and their humans. |
Life doesn’t wait for you to get it all figured out—it’ll throw seismic shifts your way whether you’re ready or not. But here’s the thing: every twist, every unexpected moment, hides lessons between the lines—quiet shifts that refine your approach and help you own your narrative. This episode isn’t about getting everything right; it’s about meeting the chaos head-on with courage, curiosity, and maybe a snack for the road.
Because here’s the truth: context is key. Whether you’re caring for tiny creatures, chasing a creative spark, or finding your next step, success isn’t about perfection—it’s about aligning your actions with what really matters.
Let’s jump in and see what sparks catch fire.
Hatching Baby Mantis:
A Lesson in Context
In the last episode, I shared how raising mantis babies taught me the importance of preparation and context. Even with the best intentions, trying to care for them without truly understanding their needs led to heartbreak—and some humbling lessons.
But as challenging as it was to see the little mantises struggle, I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. One moment, I was trying to find bugs for them to eat, and the next, I woke up on the kitchen floor, disoriented, with my partner leaning over me.
“Stay with me,” she said, her voice calm but full of worry. I tried to reassure her, repeating “I’m fine” over and over like a broken record. She mentioned something about a seizure, and then I heard the kids saying the ambulance had arrived. When the EMTs came in and started asking questions and checking me out, I found myself apologizing on repeat: “I’m fine, I’m sorry.” Spoiler alert—I wasn’t fine. The seizure left me with a dislocated shoulder, a head injury, and—unexpectedly—a complete shift in focus.
In the days that followed, the mantis babies—once an all-consuming project—fell entirely out of my mind. By the time I was back on my feet, they were gone. I initially wanted to blame the seizure for why my project failed, but when pest control came for their quarterly visit, the truth became clear: they spray the house to kill bugs. Of course, I completely forgot about that. Who knew my “care plan” for the mantises would involve accidentally poisoning their entire ecosystem? Classic.
A few more mantis babies hatched after that, but I eventually released them far from the house and its bug spray. I figured it was better to let nature handle what I clearly couldn’t without creating more chaos. It didn’t end the way I imagined, but it was a reminder of something I’ve seen before but needed to relearn.
Sometimes, the harder you try to fix something, the more likely you are to grab the salt instead of the sugar. You mean well, but you end up with something entirely unpalatable.
|
My Book!
Aligning Actions and Values
The whole mantis saga ended up being a reflection of the bigger journey I’d been navigating since 2023, when I found out I had a uterus and bladder prolapse. That led to a hysterectomy and bladder sling surgery in 2024—a wild ride that came with its fair share of challenges and moments of clarity.
Through it all, I kept coming back to one intention: “I align my actions with my values.” It started off as a simple mantra to help me make sense of things, but it became the backbone of everything I do—every project, every choice, every step forward.
Just days before my seizure, I attended a workshop about newsletters—not just how to create them, but how to approach storytelling in a way that feels intentional and thoughtful. The timing could not have been better. While the workshop was technically focused on newsletters, I found myself applying those ideas to my book—the challenge of finishing a story and making it compelling suddenly felt a lot less overwhelming.
I was motivated, energized, ready to go. I decided I could break the book into smaller, digestible sections and share it through a newsletter—a way to stay connected with people while keeping the process manageable and meaningful.
When the seizure hit, things got messy fast. I couldn’t remember every detail from the workshop, but my note-taking system saved me. Thanks to Miro and my systems, I was able to hold onto what I’d learned and turn it into something real: this newsletter you’re reading right now.
Life has a way of throwing you curveballs, but it also nudges you forward, even when you least expect it. It’s not about getting it all perfect; it’s about staying grounded, adapting, and finding some joy along the way.
Speaking of joy, let’s talk about Frankie—a pup whose quirks and personality remind me that even in chaos, there’s always room for authenticity and a good laugh. Let’s dive into his story.
|
Frankie’s Story:
Finding His Perfect Home
To wrap up this episode, let’s shift gears with a palate cleanser. Last time, we talked about Frankie’s early days—how he struggled with the crate and needed a lot of space to decompress. This week, I want to share the next chapter: how he transitioned from foster pup to finding his perfect home.
Frankie wasn’t an internet sensation, and that’s not the point.
His online presence—full of charm, creativity, and heart—helped introduce him to exactly the right people. It wasn’t about chasing attention or making a big splash; it was about showing Frankie as he truly is.
With the crate struggles behind him, Frankie was ready for his debut. His foster had this easy, natural way of letting Frankie’s personality shine—she shared him in a way that felt honest, not performative. Her posts didn’t frame him as a sad rescue in need of saving; they just showed him being Frankie.
His quirks, his antics, his goofy charm—it was all there, and it connected in a way that made people feel like they already knew him.
At around 9 months old, Frankie was everything you’d hope for in a puppy: fun, lively, and full of potential. And thanks to his foster’s knack for capturing his authentic self, Frankie found humans who totally got him. It’s wild that I’ve never met him, yet it feels like he’s curled up right next to me—with his favorite Gumby toy, of course. His adoption photo says it all.
In a rescue world that sometimes feels heavy, Frankie’s story reminds us that it doesn’t take fanfare or flashy headlines to find a good home. Sometimes, it’s about authenticity, love, and celebrating the kind of connection that transforms a pup into someone's purpose. Frankie found his match, and honestly -
that’s what this whole rescue thing is about.
|
Life doesn’t deal in best-case or worst-case scenarios—it loves the messy middle. That’s where lessons between the lines wait, quietly shifting how we see ourselves and our path. For years, I wore my hard lessons like armor, convinced my trauma made me ‘worthy’ of helping others. But instead of lifting me up, it weighed me down, keeping me from embracing the softer truths that were always there.
Those quiet, soft lessons—the ones that don’t shout for attention—are often the ones that benefit you most. They don’t come with fanfare or neon signs saying, ‘This is the moment!’ They sneak in, nudge you to recalibrate, and make you sit with what’s right in front of you, figuring out how to align it with who you are.
And, of course, there’s always that one person who says, “I told you so.” Honestly? They were right. I give them their gold star. Go ahead, bask in your wisdom—just let me enjoy my epiphany while you do.
Next episode I’ll share the first pieces of my book—a project born from all these lessons. It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s driven by the fire to create something meaningful.
Until then, here’s to owning the messy middle, learning from it, and maybe snagging a few snacks along the way.
Replying to this email to share your thoughts is the best way to help convince the bots I'm real.
Your replies fuel this journey and help me make each episode better. Plus, it’s always great to hear from you!
|
Let’s explore what’s possible, together—with curiosity, compassion, and a good dose of humor.
Make sure to vote on the topics you want me to keep from the lives before Facebook deletes them in July!
[Here]
|
|
|
Rene Smith CCBC-KA
Rene Smith, a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CCBC-KA) with nearly a decade of experience working with aggressive dogs, brings a unique perspective to understanding behavior at both ends of the leash.
Find out more about working with me [here]
|
|
|
