Only Paws

Hi friends, it’s me, Mack. Today’s article is about something deeply personal. Something that has tested my patience, my dignity, and my ability to walk like a normal dog.

I’m talking about…Winter boots.

Yes. Those boots.

And listen,I get it. I’m a Canadian dog. Snow is my playground. Frozen lakes are my happy place. But even a majestic winter doodle like me has limits, and my limit is when the snow starts packing itself into perfect little ice marbles between my toes. My parents call them “snowballs.” I call them “the reason I lay down every 5 minutes to bite at my paws.”

So, here we go: my honest review of life in dog winter boots… and why, despite the humiliation, they might actually be worth it.

Why Some Dogs Actually Need Boots (Even if We Pretend We Don’t)

The Snowball Situation

If you’re a doodle, poodle, golden, or any curly-coated fluff machine, you know the struggle. Snow sticks to us like we’re walking Velcro. Not only is it annoying, it can get painful. My parents say it’s because of my “long curls and big webbed toes.” But it feels like more of a personal attack.

Salt: The Enemy of Paws Everywhere

Sidewalk salt burns. It dries our pads. It tastes bad. (Don’t ask how I know.) Boots keep all that ouchiness off our feet.

Ice & Frostbite

Apparently, “paws can get cold too.” Who knew? (Mom. Mom knew.)

The Big One: Frozen Lake Adventures

In the winter, we walk on the frozen lake at my grandparent’s house. And when I say “walk,” I actually mean run full speed with my cousins like we’re in a dog Olympics event. Boots help me stay safe on the ice, keep my grip, and avoid slicing my pads on random frozen things.

Dad says it makes me “trail-ready.” I think it makes me look sporty.

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My Honest Review of Wearing Boots

At first, I walked like each of my legs was being lifted by an invisible puppeteer.

Mom laughed. Dad cried (from laughing).

But after a few minutes, something magical happened…I forgot I was wearing them. And suddenly – no snowballs. No salt. No stopping every 2 minutes to chew ice out from between my toes. Just pure, uninterrupted galloping joy.

So yeah. I may complain. I may flop dramatically when Mom pulls the boots out. I may pretend to “forget how to walk.” But once we’re outside, I’ve got to admit…they’re kind of great.

Tips for Boot Success (from a dog who put up a fight)

• Start slow: Let your dog wear them around the house first. Preferably when no other dogs are watching.
• Choose boots with good straps: If they don’t stay on, you’ll spend your whole walk retracing your steps to find a boot that “escaped.”
• Check for ice build-up: Snow can still sneak its way in occasionally. Do a mid-walk paw check.
• Reward generously: A treat for each paw seems fair.

Final Thoughts from a Newly Converted Boot-Wearer

Look, I’ll always be a barefoot-at-heart kind of guy. But Canadian winters are no joke.

And if boots help me keep zooming across ice, bounding through snow, and exploring frozen trails with my cousins, then I guess I’m willing to trade a tiny bit of dignity for a whole lot of adventure.

Plus, I look pretty cute in them. Not to brag.

Stay warm out there, friends. And may your paws stay snowball-free. 

Mack

Hi friends,

I wanted to send a little love your way today because everyone deserves a Valentine who’s loyal, fluffy, and thinks you’re perfect even when you drop crumbs on the floor (actually… especially then).

Mom made some adorable Valentine cards of me, and I hope they make you smile. If you want to send them to your Valentine, please do. Nothing says “I love you” like a fluffy labradoodle staring into your soul.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the amazing humans and pups out there.

Love always,

Mack

Hi friends, it’s me, Mack.
Back again to talk about one of the greatest joys winter has ever given to dogs (and probably humans too, but mostly dogs): Running on a frozen lake.

If you’ve never done it, let me paint you a picture. Imagine the biggest park you’ve ever seen. Now remove the trees. And the bushes. And the rules about “staying on the path.” Now imagine your parents unclipping your leash and saying: “Go ahead, buddy.”

That’s what it feels like.

Here’s why frozen lakes are basically heaven for dogs:

Infinite Zoomie Space

No fences. No boundaries. I can run in giant circles, figure-eights, zigzags – whatever my heart desires. My cousins join me and immediately forget they have families or responsibilities. Just pure, reckless joy.

The Smells Are… Confusing but Interesting

Snow doesn’t smell like much, but the lake? Oh, the lake has layers. I don’t know what fish smell like under three feet of ice, but I am committed to finding out.

My Parents Turn Into Full-Time Nature Photographers

Something about the frozen lakes turns Mom and Da into National Geographic employees. Every five minutes they stop to take a picture of:

• the sky
• the snow
• my cousins
• me
• me again but from a different angle
• the baby apparently looking really cute in its snowsuit (I don’t quite get it)

I take this opportunity to sprint freely like a winter gazelle. Everyone wins!

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Why Dogs Love It So Much (The Science-y Part)

Mom made me research this part so it could be “educational” too.

Here’s the deal: Dogs love open space because of our tracking instincts. A giant flat landscape lets us:

• pick up faint smells,
• follow scent trails without obstacles,
• see long distances,
• and use our bodies the way they’re designed to move.

Plus, snow packs down scent molecules in fun, weird ways so everything smells 10x more dramatic. Imagine if every smell came with its own theme music. Yeah. That’s what it’s like.

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The Cousin Factor

A frozen lake walk isn’t complete without my cousins. We basically become a wolf pack (a goofy, domesticated, suburban wolf pack).

Their recall? Well… let’s say mine is the best of the group. (They know it. I know it. Everyone knows it.)

But I love them anyway. There’s nothing like racing across the lake together with the wind in our fur and the taste of winter in the air.

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The Downsides According to Mom and Dad

I personally see no downsides. But my parents insist on sharing a few:

• “Ice is slippery, Mack.” Sure. For them.
• “We have to make sure the lake is safe.” Fair. They check the ice thickness every time.
  “You bring home 40 pounds of snow stuck in your curls.” I consider this a souvenir.

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Frozen Lake Safety (Because Mom Says We Have To Include This)

• Check the ice thickness (local guidelines matter!)
• Avoid pressure cracks and slushy spots
• Unclip leashes only if it’s safe
• Bring boots if snowballs are your nemesis
• Watch for frostbite on paws and ears
• Stick together – don’t wander far. Parents worry. It’s their hobby.

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Final Thoughts from a Winter Athlete

Some dogs love summer. Some love fall.

But winter? Winter is my season. It’s where I thrive. Where my legs extend to their full majestic length. Where the zoomies are crisp, pure, and uncut.

So if you ever see a large white doodle sprinting across a frozen lake like he’s training for the Olympics – that’s me.

Living my truth. Running with my cousins. And checking occasionally to make sure Mom, Dad and baby are still right behind me.

Stay warm, stay safe,

Mack

P.S. Big Birthday shoutout to my Mom – she is 196 years old today (in dog years)!

Hi friends,

It’s me Mack, your soon-to-be big brother correspondent.

Now that we’re in the final countdown… I have an update.

Spoiler: I have many emotions, and they’re all happening at once.

The Nursery Situation Has Escalated

Remember when I told you my parents were starting the nursery?

Well, now it is… complete. Finished. Operational. There’s a crib, a rocking chair, tiny clothes, blankets folded with suspicious precision, and a bunch of toys that look extremely fun and were apparently NOT purchased for me.

I’ll admit, I acted weird when all the furniture went up. I kept laying down beside Mom, putting my head in her lap like: “Hey… hey… just checking… I’m still important, right?”. She scratched my head and said yes.

I’m choosing to believe her.

The Baby Toys Are a Problem

Okay, listen. I understand that babies need things.

But WHY do all of their toys squeak, crinkle, or look like something I would naturally carry around with pride?

There is a giraffe. A squeaky giraffe. A squeaky giraffe that is clearly meant to be mine.

Every time I gently take it to inspect it, I hear: “MACK. Drop it. That’s for the baby.”

Oh? For the baby? The baby who doesn’t even LIVE HERE YET?

Seems suspicious.

Mom’s Nesting Mode Explained (By Me)

Mom says she’s “nesting.”

I’ve observed this behavior closely, and I can now explain it:

Nesting: A human ritual involving frantic cleaning, hyper-organization, moving objects that did nothing wrong, and vacuuming under places I was peacefully lying.

She empties drawers. Fills them again. Re-folds things. Labels containers. She’s basically creating a tiny human kingdom.

I try to supervise. Which she calls “being underfoot.”

Rude.

Trying to Understand the Timeline

Mom and Dad keep saying things like: “Any day now” and “We’re so close.”

Here’s the thing: I understand “walk.” I understand “treat.” But the human gestation timeline? Nope.

They say the baby is “coming to live with us permanently.” I am… not fully convinced.

I mean, people come and go! Just look at my uncle and cousin from Australia – they moved in for three weeks, ate snacks, cuddled me, and then flew away like migrating birds.

So you can’t blame me if I’m wondering whether this baby is a guest or a life sentence.

But… Something Is Happening in My Heart

Even with all the confusion, I find myself sitting in the nursery a lot. It smells soft and warm and new.

Sometimes I rest my head on Mom’s belly and just listen. And I don’t know what I’m hearing, but it feels important. Like I’m waiting for someone special.

Dad says I’m going to be the best big brother. Mom says the baby is going to adore me.

I kind of… like the sound of that.

Final Thoughts Before My Big Promotion

So that’s the update.

I’m as ready as a doodle can be. Nervous? A little. Confused? Always.

Excited? Yes – but keep that between us.

The baby will be here soon, and when they arrive, I’ll be right there. A loyal big brother. A curious protector. A professional squeaky-giraffe tester (even if I’m banned).

Wish me luck.

(Almost) Big Brother Mack

Mack here with a pretty harrowing story, in my opinion.

Lately, Mom keeps telling people, “I can’t wait for mat leave.”

But she says it fast – like matleave. Look, I have excellent hearing, but human words are confusing. So naturally, I heard: “Mack leave.” And obviously that means a special holiday centered around me, the curly prince of this household.

So I’ve spent the last few weeks mentally preparing for:

• Long morning cuddles
• Extra sniff walks
• Afternoon nap sessions with Mom
• Evenings where I choose the movie
• Shared snacks (mostly mine, but she can have a piece)

Honestly, I didn’t question it. Why wouldn’t there be a dedicated period of time named after me?

Chapter 1: The Countdown to Mack Leave Begins

As the house gets more and more chaotic, Mom and Dad have been getting the house ready. I follow them everywhere to supervise. I lay dramatically beside every package that arrives. I rest my head on their laps just to remind them who this season is REALLY about.

Then the crib arrived. Perfect!

My Mack Leave bed. A luxurious tiny throne. Finally some recognition of my importance.

But then… they put baby blankets in it. And a mobile.

Hmm. Strange décor choices for a Mack holiday.

Chapter 2: The Strange Things They’ve Been Saying

Dad keeps saying: “Once mat leave starts, it’ll be busy.”

Busy? For who? I’m already here. Fully present. Ready for devotion.

Mom keeps saying, “Everything is about to change!” which confused me because things already changed when she reorganized the pantry three times this week.

Then I started noticing, Mom and Dad keep washing and putting away the baby’s clothes (new ones seem to arrive every day). Tiny socks with no paw holes… Little snowsuits that don’t look like they would fit even one of my legs. What does this have to do with Mack Leave?

And then the worst. Mom said to me, “Mack, I am getting so close to my mat leave!” Except this time she said it slowly.

Mat. Leave.

…

Oh no.

Chapter 3: The Realization

Hold on. Hold on. She doesn’t mean Mack Leave. She means MATERNITY leave. For the baby. Not for me. Not a holiday. Not a celebration of my life’s contributions. Not a period of time dedicated to snuggles, snacks, and attention for Yours Truly.

No.

It’s for the tiny human.

I would like to personally apologize for loudly announcing “MACK LEAVE IS COMING” to the squirrels, the mailman, and that jogger who never waves back.

This is… embarrassing.

Chapter 4: The Truth I’ve Landed On

Even though I misunderstood… Even though “Mack Leave” is apparently not a recognized national holiday…Even though my mom isn’t staying home just to cuddle me…I’m still excited.

Because Mom will be home everyday. Dad will be home sometimes.

There will be naps. There will be snacks that get dropped on the floor for me. My Nonne, Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles will be over more often.

So maybe it’s not “Mack Leave.”, but it still sounds pretty nice.

(But I still think my version sounded more fun.)

Yours Truly,

Mack

I just wanted to pop in (between naps and supervising the cookie situation) to wish you all a very cozy, treat-filled Christmas Eve.

I hope your night is full of warm blankets, good snacks, long snuggles with your favourite humans, and maybe, just maybe, a new toy waiting under the tree. And if you hear any strange noises tonight, don’t worry… it’s probably just Santa. Or a squirrel. Hard to say.

Thanks for following along on all my adventures this year. I can’t wait to share more stories, more walks, and more questionable life advice in the new year.

Wishing you a merry, bright, and belly-rub-filled holiday season.

Love,

Mack

P.s. Feel free to use my holiday greeting card to send to your friends and family. It will be the most handsome card they’ve ever received!

It’s me… Mack. I come to you today under extremely distressing circumstances. My private, confidential, top-secret letter to Santa has been leaked. Yes – LEAKED. To the public. Can’t celebrities have any privacy these days?

I am choosing to stay strong. And since the damage is done, I’ve decided to turn this privacy breach into something helpful. Consider this your official look at my Christmas wish list – a carefully curated selection of toys, treats, and gadgets that every dog (and their humans) should know about.

If you’re a dog reading this: you’re welcome.

If you’re a human reading this: take notes.

MACK’S OFFICIAL WISH LIST

1. Any Toy With a Squeak

Mack’s review: “To remind the household you really runs this place.”

Produces a squeak loud enough to assert dominance. Best used during virtual meetings, moments of human relaxation, and to convince someone to play with you.

Mack’s pick

2. The Puzzle Toy That Makes Me Feel Like a Genius

Mack’s review: “I deserve snacks AND enrichment. Preferably at the same time.”

Puzzle toys keep our brains sharp. Plus, watching us solve them makes humans proud, which means even more treats. Win-win.

Mack’s pick

Mack’s honourable mention

3. The Unreasonably Long Crinkle Plush

Mack’s review: “Ideally longer than my entire body. I need something to shake dramatically.”

Perfect for doodles who like to grab one end and fling it like a medieval weapon.

Mack’s pick

4. Freeze-Dried Treats

Mack’s review: “I would share my stick for these.”

Great for training… or convincing us to do literally anything.

Mack’s pick

5. Dental Chews (The Nice Kind)

Mack’s review: “These make my breath smell less like… well, me.”

Healthy teeth = fewer vet bills = happier humans.

Mack’s pick

6. A Dematting Brush for My Adventures

Mack’s review: “My curls attract burs like I’m offering free rent.”

Essential for doodles, double-coats, and adventurous chaos fluff.

Mack’s pick

7. My Trusted Glow Collar

Mack’s review: “I must be SEEN. Literally. And fashionably.”

Perfect for dark winter walks, snowy evenings, and looking like I am attending a rave.

Mack’s pick

8. Portable Paw Washer

Mack’s review: “Canadian mud is not for the faint of heart.”

Quick, easy, and much better than the dreaded bath.

Mack’s pick

9. Orthopedic Bed

Mack’s review: “I’m three. Basically middle-aged.”

Great for joints, naps, and ignoring parents when they call your name.

Mack’s pick

10. A Car Seat Cover

Mack’s review: “My mom snuck this one in.”

It minimizes the amount of times I hear “Great. Now we have to wipe all of the seats again.”.

“Mack’s” pick

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THE ACTUAL “LEAKED” LETTER

(Written in crayon. Found under mysterious circumstances.)

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a very good boy this year. I helped Mom during her pregnancy, kept Dad company 24/7 whether he wanted me to or not, and only growled at Harvey a few times when he came near my stick. I am also making a lot of progress with my incessant barking (now I only bark at every 3rd car door I hear slam).

Please find attached a copy of the toys, treats and gadgets I would like this year. I don’t expect you to bring them all – just 95% of them.

Also, please bring gifts to all the dogs around the world, especially the ones waiting in shelters. They deserve the best Christmas ever.

I’ll leave out cookies for you… and maybe one for me.

Love,

Mack (member of the nice list)

Hi friends – Chef Mack here.

Yes, Chef. I’ve been promoted from “Chief Snack Tester” to “Head of Holiday Baking Operations”.

The holidays are my favourite time of year. The smells, the snacks, the constant potential for crumbs. I see Mom in the kitchen a lot this month, and every time she says “these aren’t for you,” I take that as a personal challenge.

So this year, I decided to make my own cookies…ones that are safe, tasty, and 100% dog-approved. And don’t worry, humans can sneak a bite too (though, fair warning… we have different taste standards).

🍪 Recipe 1: Peanut Butter & Oat Snowballs

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Optional: a drizzle of honey for the fancy dogs

Instructions:

1. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough.

2. Roll into bite-sized balls (think one chomp per dog).

3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (or however long your dog can wait without crying softly at the fridge door).

These are great as training treats or just-because-you’re-adorable snacks.

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🎄 Recipe 2: Santa Paw’s Sweet Potato Cutouts

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato

1 egg

1-1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F

2. Mix sweet potato and egg, then add flour gradually until a workable dough forms.

3. Roll it out and use your favourite cookie cutters – candy canes, Christmas trees, bones, or if you’re like me, “random blob.”

4. Bake 10-12 minutes.

5. Let cool completely before taste testing (learned that the hard way).

Sweet potatoes are delicious and great for…stomach issues…

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❄️ Recipe 3: Frozen Pupmint Patties

Ingredients:

1 cup plain yogurt

A handful of fresh mint leaves (for fresh breath, apparently)

1 banana

Instructions:

1. Blend everything until smooth.

2. Spoon into silicone molds or ice cube trays.

3. Freeze until solid.

They’re festive and refreshing – like brushing your teeth, but delicious.

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Mack’s Baking Tips

• Always check that ingredients are dog-safe – no chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or nutmeg.
• If your dog “helps” by cleaning up the floor, that’s called quality control.
• Share your treats with your dog cousins to guarantee a spot on the nice list.
• Store cookies in an airtight container or the fridge – if they last that long.

Baking together is one of my favourite holiday traditions. There’s something about the sound of the mixer, the smell of peanut butter, and the hope that just maybe one of those cookies is for me.

So grab your whisk, turn up the Christmas music, and make a batch for your favourite four-legged friend. After all, the best gifts are the ones you can eat.

Happy Howlidays,

Chef Mack

Mack here! I need to file a formal complaint: why is it nighttime at 6pm now? I swear I just finished my afternoon nap and suddenly it’s pitch black outside like I’m starring in my own wilderness survival show.

But don’t worry, I’m basically a professional night explorer. With my light-up LED collar and my parents wearing their high-vis cross-body sashes that glow like safety superheroes, we look like a festive parade float marching around town.

And since I care deeply about your safety (and also about you being able to see me when I’m doing important business), here’s my official guide to safe walks in the dark.

Light Up Like a Christmas Tree

Our glow gear isn’t just stylish – it keeps us safe.

My LED collar lights up in the dark from all directions, so cars, wildlife, and even those joggers who appear out of nowhere can see me clearly.

My parents’ light-up sashes make them visible from far away, which helps drivers and other walkers spot us long before they’re close.

My mom especially loves that my collar has lots of colour options to choose from so we can match (even though pink does not go with my fur!).

The brighter the better. Safety… but make it runway.

Stick to Familiar Routes

At night, everything looks different.

Bushes? Scarier.
Mailboxes? Suspicious.
My own shadow? A potential intruder.

Sticking to well-known routes helps everyone stay comfortable and reduces the chances of slipping, tripping, or wandering into a snowbank so deep you need a search party.

Keep Me Close (Even if I Think I’m a Wolf)

I know I look like I could survive in the wild. But the truth is… absolutely not.

Nighttime = wildlife wandering, icy patches, and the general mystery of the dark. Staying leashed and close keeps me safe and keeps you from calling my name into the void.

Plus, it ensures I can continue to expertly walk directly in front of you the entire time.

Bring a Flashlight or Headlamp

Your eyes are… well, human.

A headlamp or flashlight helps with:

• Spotting ice
• Navigating uneven trails
• Watching me sniff one very boring spot for an unreasonable amount of time

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Need some gear recommendations? I’ve got you covered (not sponsored but maybe with my newfound fame its in my future?):

My Light-Up LED Collar

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I look like a portable galaxy.”
Link: https://a.co/d/4b3ZRPR

This collar is my pride and joy. It lights up ALL the way around and makes me visible from basically the next time zone. Its charge lasts, it’s bright, and it doesn’t get lost under my curls. Plus, there is a fun disco-mode that makes me feel like I’m at a rave.

Mom & Dad’s High-Vis Light-Up Sashes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My parents but make them runway-ready crossing guards.”
Link: https://a.co/d/7v22Qt2

Humans, please stop trusting your black winter jackets to keep you seen.
These sashes glow, blink, charge fast, and make you visible from very far away.

Clip-On LED Lights

Perfect for: backpacks, leashes, harness loops
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Small but mighty.”
Link: https://a.co/d/ikML3IU

These aren’t as powerful as a full collar, but they’re great backups. You can clip them anywhere:

• on your leash
• on your coat
• on your dog’s harness
• on a zipper pull

Reflective Leashes & Harnesses

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fashion AND function.”

Link: https://a.co/d/45DTyOt and https://a.co/d/f3DwIkD

These don’t glow on their own, but they shine bright when headlights hit them. Pair reflective gear with LED gear and you become the Beyoncé of night safety.

Also great for:

• fog
• snowy evenings
• pretending you’re part of a secret tactical K9 unit

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Night walks an be magical. Even though I complain (with dignity), night walks aren’t all bad. There’s something peaceful about the city lights, glowing collars, and the quiet crunch of winter. Plus, when I light up the trail with my collar, I feel like I’m guiding Santa’s sleigh.

So grab your glowing sashes, clip on my LED collar, and let’s go be the brightest thing on the trail, literally.

Walk safe, glow strong,

Mack, Official Night Walk Supervisor

Mack here. You’ve probably seen me on walks, nose to the ground, tail wagging, looking like I just discovered the world’s most interesting patch of grass.

Today I want to talk about one of my favourite things – sniffing. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound that exciting. But trust me, for dogs, sniffing is like scrolling through the most fascinating social media feed ever made. Every scent tells a story, and I get to read them all with my nose.

So here is my completely unbiased take on why you should (always) let you dog enjoy the thrill of the sniff.

What I See (Smell) That You Don’t

When humans go for a walk, you look around and see trees, houses, cars, maybe a squirrel or two. When I go for a walk, my nose sees everything else.

Here’s the science:

• Dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors in our noses while humans have about 6 million (no offense).
• The part of our brain devoted to smell is about 40 times larger than yours, proportionally.
• We can even smell separately through each nostril – giving us a kind of scent-based “3D vision.”

So when I stop to sniff a tree, I’m not being lazy. I’m catching up on neighbourhood news – who’s been here, what they ate, whether they were happy, nervous, or in a hurry.

Sniffing = Enrichment

You might think walking means moving, but for dogs, walking also means sniffing. It’s how we explore, relax, and use our brains.

Research shows that sniff-heavy walks reduce stress, boost confidence, and help us feel calmer and more content. Even just ten minutes of sniffing can tire me out as much as a long run! It’s that mentally stimulating.

Think of it this way:

• Exercise works our bodies.
• Sniffing works our minds.
• Both are essential.

Why It’s Worth Slowing Down

I get it – sometimes you’re on a schedule. But if you can, try letting me choose the pace for a few minutes. When you let me linger, you’re giving me a chance to decompress, learn about the world, and use the amazing nose nature gave me.

A few easy ways to help:

• Use a longer leash (in safe areas) so I can explore a bit.
• Let me pause and sniff instead of pulling me along.
• Mix in some “sniff walks” – walks where the goal isn’t distance, it’s curiosity.
• Watch what I’m drawn to – it tells you what’s interesting (and sometimes who’s been around!).

Why You’ll Love It Too

When you give me time to sniff, you’ll notice a difference:

• I come home calmer.
• I pull less.
• I’m more relaxed and focused.

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Now I bet you’re wondering… what’s in it for you? (Selfish, btw). Well, you get to slow down too. Take a breath, look around, enjoy the moment! Like I always say “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” (Mack The Dog, 2025). Moral of the story – sniff walks are good for both of us.

So next time we head out, let’s trade speed for sniffing. You might see a sidewalk, but I see a mystery, a lovers’ quarrel, and a field report all in one sniff.

Now if you’ll excuse me, that bush over there smells very suspicious…

Love,

Mack