A tender reflection on senior dogs, noticing the gray, and how aging changes the way we love—why this season deserves to be witnessed, honored, and remembered.

I keep thinking about how weird it feels to try to “sum up” a year like this.

I saw a quote the other day that said, “The only thing that’s been consistent this year is ‘what the fuck,’” and honestly… yeah. That feels about right.

This year was hard for a lot of us. Personally, professionally, collectively. It felt like one thing after another, and even when things were calm, there was this low level tension humming in the background. Like everyone was bracing for the next thing.

This year marked the 5th annual Pierce County Santa Paws, and somehow—miraculously—we’ve only gotten better at it.

Since 2020, Santa Paws has grown into one of those events people plan for every December. Folks line up early. Dogs arrive in sweaters, antlers, pajamas, and occasionally full existential confusion.

Planning a surprise proposal with your dog, especially a reactive one, takes extra care, but it’s absolutely possible. In this blog, I’m sharing how we pulled off a mountain sunrise proposal with a reactive pup, a short timeline, and a whole lot of love. If you're looking for inclusive, pet-friendly proposal ideas that actually work, this one’s for you.