November 2024 recap

What I wrote (spoiler: I published my first print magazine piece!) and read, where we traveled, Scout updates, etc

Dec 03, 2024

Hello! 👋🏼 Haley (and Scout) here with my third monthly recap since I moved the Paws and Reflect blog to Substack.

As a reminder, this is the only email I send each month. The goal is to avoid overwhelming your inbox while still providing an occasional roundup all in one place. You can always see new posts on pawsandreflect.blog (or in the Substack app, if you have it).

Thank you for encouraging my writing and overall life with Scout!

✏️ What I’ve written lately

On Paws and Reflect

Instagram Q&A 👩🏼‍💻
Questions and answers originally received/shared via Instagram and then compiled on the blog.
Drifting in jealousy of imagined lives 👩🏼‍💻
On the version of me who made different (read: better) decisions.
Utah hike roundup 🥾
A simple log of our dog-friendly and humans-only adventures in the desert.
Notes on Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer 📚
“What do we do with the art of monstrous men?” "What do we do about the monstrous people we love?”
An ode to an ancient winery dog 🐾
Thank you for reminding me to relax. And limit the curmudgeon stuff.
On my fear of being yelled at 👩🏼‍💻
On the internet. (Mostly.)
I want to be a published author. Right? 👩🏼‍💻
Why I’m dragging my feet to make my “first book” real.
Am I finally past my emotional (over)reaction to my dog growling? 🐾
Reflections from an oil change, a campground interaction, and other completely normal situations
Living with a shy dog has made me less social 🐾
Or… has it? And how much do I care?
In pursuit of deep connection with just one creature 🐾
“Quality over quantity” applies to my love for animals, too.
I don’t want the vet to “win over” my dog 🐾
For her, poking-and-prodding betrayal is worse coming from a potential friend.
How to feel like a “real” writer (or dog person) 👩🏼‍💻
On practicality and romance and one not precluding the other.
Affiliate links and discount codes 🔗
Just updating an existing post compiling our brand partnerships.

Published elsewhere

As Juniper editor
My first print magazine piece
- I got to write a story for ROVA, a bimonthly magazine about travel, road trips, and alternative living. It’s available at Barnes & Noble! (I was a little embarrassed when my mom insisted the whole family take a trip to find it in store… but honestly, they made it so special for me. Here’s to remembering to celebrate all the things.)

🐺 Scout’s November highlights

Off-leash hikes are still one of her favorite things. She particularly blew me away scaling the chain and ladder section of the Corona Arch Trail. Aging cattle dog’s still got it! 🙌🏼
Our routine for visiting loved ones has been solid lately. Scout loves her van. She does not love overstimulating environments. So she’s gotten to play in our families’ yards, go on plenty of walks, and hang out with us in quieter moments while otherwise resting comfortably in her house. The best thing: My niece is now old enough to throw her ball!!
We had her annual vet appointment on November 27th. It went well logistics wise—I love our new vet we started seeing last year. And aside from her epilepsy and general joint wear, Scout is healthy!
- We’re keeping the same phenobarbital dose.
- We’re upping her joint supplements a bit.
- No heartworms, tick borne diseases, or other bloodwork abnormalities.
- Her lipoma (fatty tumor) that we found two and a half years ago has gotten bigger. We aren’t concerned at this point, but it’s something to keep an eye on. (She no longer likes wearing her harness because the bottom strap sits right on top of the growth.)

paws.andreflect

A post shared by @paws.andreflect

🚐 November van life travel

We kicked off the month still in Utah, then spent a few days visiting friends around Denver (Sean flew out to PA for some work meetings, leaving Scout and I to explore the city and see friends alone), and finally drove quickly to Wisconsin. The last two-ish weeks have consisted of family time and only a little chaos. 🤪