Tag Archives: companionship

Swipe Right for Puppy Love

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It’s been over a decade since I’ve been on a date or even entertained the remote notion of glancing at a dating app. Tucked into my Floridian solitude like the lone survivor of some catastrophic ELE, I’ve made my peace with the silence, introspective overload, and general patterns of a “desert island” day-to-day.

But maybe Dax feels differently.

Perhaps there is a wider, more colorful, and more rewarding world waiting just outside our clearly demarcated comfort zone.

I worry about his increasing reactivity and the “constantly on duty” burden he seems to bear as soon as we’re three feet from the front door. He’s very energetic, and that prodigious Irish Setter prey instinct runs in his blood. So I try to empathize with his insatiable need to pull, run, sniff, and explore. But maybe some consistent canine companionship would help quell some of that manic “enthusiasm.”

Plus, the idea of building a like-minded community here in Tampa is not without value or merit. My nutso, overthinking, and animal-obsessed vegan brain could probably benefit from meeting others who prefer to read from similar pages. There’s only so much annoying lecturing one can do in an empty room.

So I dipped my partially inflated floaties into the kiddie pool of this alleged modern miracle of human connection, explicitly stating that my primary goal is finding a best bud for my best bud.

I’m no easy dance partner, and the odds might be heavily stacked against me magically discovering folks who check those narrowly drawn boxes. But I was fairly detailed in my bio and, in true Schuyler style, happily placed my cards on the table…even the ones normally reserved for my sleeve.

Luckily, Dax is so damn handsome and naturally magnetic that dropping him center stage just might be a recipe for success in this crazy snake pit.

Time to get swiping. Yikes.

Adolescence Interrupted

…and stop killing animals.

Furry Friends in the Holiday Mix

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Amid the whirlwind of parties, travel, and traditions, it’s easy to overlook those who give us unconditional, year-round love.

Our animal roommates aren’t just cute (and often maniacal) additions to our homes. They aren’t pieces of furniture to be acquired, admired, and then eventually forgotten. They are as essential as electricity and should be valued and appreciated at that level.

This time of year can be chaotic. Loud gatherings, lights, music, and unfamiliar faces can overwhelm animals who thrive on dependable routines, and signs of stress like whining, panting, pacing, or hiding are common during the high-pressure holidays. Even small changes, like rearranging furniture or bringing in a tree (that certainly should have been left planted in nature), can trigger anxiety in these sensitive souls.

Animals crave consistency, so missed walks and irregular feeding times can lead to discomfort, behavioral issues, and even illness. Imagine how disorienting it must feel when your safe space suddenly becomes a bustling hub of strangers and noise during a human soiree that never got your stamp of approval.

Beyond a sense of mutual physical safety, consider the emotional bond we share with our tail-wagging sidekicks. As society becomes more fragmented—with declining fertility rates and shrinking family networks—animals increasingly fill the void of companionship. For those of us who have chosen to detach and withdraw from the population as a whole, the dependency on our four-legged friends is as vital as oxygen.

In moments heavy with memories that can amplify feelings of tension, discouragement, and isolation for many, our animal companions are anchors of tranquility and constant reminders of connection.

When the decorations come down and the guests go home, who will still be there, tail wagging? The furry friend who asks for nothing but gives you everything.

They deliver exponential joy, unwavering loyalty, and a true sense of purpose. This season, let’s return the favor.

Adolescence Interrupted