Coach Today, time with old dogs is very much on my mind. An emergency trip to the vet with my old dog, Coach, reminds me of the sacredness of time with our senior friends. Some years ago, I had written an “Ode to Old Dogs” and today I wanted to reread those words. I was amazed to discover that I wrote that piece, inspired by another, beloved dog, fifteen years ago, to the day. I’m declaring April 4, “Old Dogs Day.” For today, Coach is okay. And today, I’m reminded that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. So today - like all days - it’s a good day to be grateful for my old dogs, for all old dogs, for o ..read more

Wow! It’s a new year already! Where did 2023 go? Somewhere between the many wagging tails at our dog resort, and resounding sounds of “Yes!” at our dog academy, another year has flown by. Here’s a look back at what was notable about 2023, and a hint at what’s in store for 2024. WALK WOOF WAG HIT $100,000! In 2023, we celebrated the tenth (Wow!!!!) anniversary of Walk Woof Wag, our fundraiser for Chico Animal Shelter’s medical fund. Because of the community’s participation and generosity, we topped the $100,000 mark for total funds raised since the event’s inception! We’re already planning fo ..read more

Goodbye 2022! Hello 2023! The last almost-three years have been a bit of a wild ride. As 2022 drew to an end, I began to feel a hint of “normalcy” returning and that feels promising! While we’re still on the cusp of new year and old, I thought I’d take a look back at 2022. Here’s my list of what was noteworthy at The Canine Connection in 2022. 1. NEW TRAINING ACADEMY CENTER! In 2022, we opened a new, additional center, dedicated to the force-free, positive training approach that has always defined us. Our new center is located at 1188 East Lassen in north Chico. Why a new place just for trai ..read more

It’s Thanksgiving 2022 and boy, am I feeling thankful! It’s hard to believe that The Canine Connection LLC is wrapping up its 21st year serving Chico area dogs and their people. Twenty. One. Years. Wow! In the time I’ve built The Canine Connection, I could have raised a child and launched her into adulthood. But instead, I built this doggone amazing business and, truth be told, The Canine Connection really is my baby. It all began with a vision, not a business plan, not even a goal to start a business. Twenty-one years ago, my vision was simply this… for every dog and their person to have the ..read more