No! And despite all the fun photos and videos I post, we’re always working on some kind of training – failing in new and spectacular ways each day. I’m often asked about the behavioral challenges of training off-leash so I put together this longer video of our imperfect efforts to corral Zero’s alpha tendencies.

If you’re struggling with your own dog’s behavior, I hope you find the video a helpful reminder that even D-list famous Ridgebacks aren’t all they might seem. If you aren’t struggling with your dog’s behavior, well then just feel free to enjoy watching one man’s flailing attempts at taming the chaos!

Emily, Lincoln, Quinn, Penny and Zero are stuck with me. Not sure what the rest of your excuses are, but nonetheless I’m grateful for everyone who shared the year with us. As always, thanks for taking the time to watch or comment or send us a message. It makes my day when I know one of our posts made someone else’s day just a bit brighter. Your kindness and generosity makes me a better person – so thank you!

I don’t know if Santa is real, but his competition sure is!

Hello! It’s been a while since my last post but I promise I have a pretty good excuse. And a rather cute one, too. Meet Quinn! Baby girl was born last month and settling in nicely as the littlest member of the pack. Can’t wait for all the adventures to come!

“You’re going to have your hands full with that one. But the funny thing is, you may find that one just isn’t enough.”

John chuckled to himself as his pack of Ridgebacks escorted us to the door. I did the laugh I do when I don’t want to let on I’ve missed the punchline. I’ve had a lot of practice. 

Read moreThe Case for a Second Rhodesian Ridgeback

The death of a beloved dog wounds us each in a uniquely terrible way. We fear the day we’ll lose them, we are shattered the moment it happens, but what comes after?

Three years after losing Eko, I finally have the perspective to appreciate all the moments his love still makes possible. There’s no getting over the pain, there’s just getting on with it – knowing the unimaginable hurt is the price we must pay for a love that will guide us for the rest of our lives.

I grew up in a restaurant where scars were the closest thing anyone had to a resume. 

The prep cook’s hands looked like knife-sewn stitchwork quilts, and the line cooks all shared the same smooth fingerprints from searing burns. The mark of a novice pizza maker, like myself, was brands across the forearm from inexpert removal of a pie at the back of the 700° oven.

By the end of my less than illustrious tenure, my arms were scored with the bright red lashings. For years afterwards the scars remained distinct and pronounced against my skin. I still shudder when recalling the excruciating sizzle of the oven, but these days only I can see the scars. And only if I look closely. The scars, and their lessons, are now an inextricable part of who I am. 

It seems the marks on our hearts are the same. 

Read moreThe Scar I’m Most Proud Of

One good waltz deserves another. No story or yapping in today’s video – just a ton of slow motion footage of the Ridgeback waltz set to Tchaikovsky. Enjoy!

The grass is always greener. Unless you live in a city, and there’s no grass on either side of the fence. In that case, you just need a bit of creativity and motivation to keep your Ridgeback well-run and well-loved!