🌿 What if stress isn’t the enemy—but a guide to what truly matters?

Have you ever known you wanted to do something exciting, yet you were afraid to do it?

That's me right now with this newsletter.

It's my first real newsletter in quite a while. (Sure, back in my Accidental Millionaire days, I had 150,000 people a week reading business-building advice in 56 countries, so this isn't new, but it feels like it).

Because it's real. And a little raw. It's about life and the pursuit of calm for humans and canines. Not just money.

And it's coming from the heart.

So, since I almost didn't press send, (but chose to do it anyway 🥳), I hope you enjoy this first edition of Stress Less. Wag More.

(and unsubscribe is at the bottom if this is not for you).

Anyway, let's get to it!

What's happening in the community?

Since we started publishing about reinventing your calm and creating calming treats only a few months ago, this newsletter has already grown to over 1,000 people. (wow!) Here are a few recent highlights:

1. Tiger's Shoulder: Tiger came to me with a pain in his shoulder and was limping dramatically. His owner said he would need shots for life every week. We tried T-Relief arnica (a natural pain reliever available at Amazon) and a beautiful wrap (thanks to T-Touch and Sage Lewis for that) to keep him calm.
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   His parents were diligent about his natural care and last week Tiger RAN to me when I saw him. What a difference! Go Tiger!
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2. Tara shared on Instagram that her dogs here now calm - she's a repeat customer, advocate and friend and we love her! Thank you Tara and congratulations for finding a new path with your pups!
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3. Mark had to say goodbye to Charlie and I was right there with them as he passed. Charlie developed lymphoma and was one of the best companions and teachers Mark ever had. We will miss him and grateful Mark is doing well.
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   (Something you'd like to share about your journey to calm with your pup? Just his reply and tell me!)

Today's Message

🌿 What if stress isn’t the enemy—but a guide to what truly matters?

Stress often feels like an unwelcome guest barging into our lives uninvited. But what if, instead of fighting it, we learned to listen to what it’s trying to tell us? (What?!?)

Those tense moments might actually be signposts pointing us toward the things we care about most—our relationships, our passions, and yes, even the bond with our dogs.

Molly's Bark and the Hidden Message 🐕

You'll hear more about Molly in future issues, but let's start with this: I got Molly many years ago.

In many ways she was my most and least favorite of all of the dogs I've had over the last many decades. (and also the catalyst for me to dive into the human-animal bond work I do now).

Molly was a bold and fluffy ball of nerves who barked at every sound, shadow, and delivery truck that dared to pass by. At first, I tried everything to stop the barking: treats, commands, even those YouTube videos and trainers promising instant results.

Nothing worked. The stress was mutual—Molly was stressed by every little noise, and I was constantly jolted out of peace by sudden and inappropriate barking.

So I decided to change tactics.

Instead of rushing to quiet Molly, I decided to get curious.

When did Molly bark most?
What seemed to trigger it?
What was she so upset about?
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After a bit of detective work, a pattern emerged: Molly’s outbursts were almost always tied to moments of uncertainty—
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When I left the room (oh no! I'm alone!)
When a new object appeared (what is THAT?!?),
When routines were disrupted (this is NOT normal) .

That’s when the light bulb moment happened: the barking wasn’t the enemy—it was a message.

Molly’s stress was a guide, pointing to what really mattered to her: a need for security, predictability, and connection.

So, I shifted. Instead of trying to silence her barking, I worked to address the underlying needs—creating a more predictable routine (like feeding and walking ), using calming scents, and teaching Molly to associate new sounds with treats. (One bark, one treat - praise, then silence). Over time, Mollys barking lessened, and our bond grew stronger than ever.

The lesson? Stress isn’t something to shut down—it’s something to decode. And often, it’s pointing us right at what we care about most.

Turning Stress Into Breakthroughs: 3 Actionable Steps 🌱

1. Decode the Message Behind the Stress: Next time you feel that familiar stress creeping in—whether it’s a barking dog, a chaotic morning, or a long to-do list—pause for a moment. Ask yourself: What is this stress trying to tell me? Is it a sign that you need more clarity, more connection, or maybe just a break? Often, stress is less about what’s happening and more about what it’s revealing.
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2. Create Micro-Routines for Predictability: Just like Molly found comfort in a predictable routine, small rituals can help reduce stress for both you and your dog. Try starting your mornings with a 5-minute breath exercise or a short walk at the same time each day. For your dog, a consistent feeding or play schedule can create a calming sense of predictability.
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3. Reframe Stress as a Signal, Not a Threat: Instead of thinking, How do I get rid of this stress? try asking, What is this stress signaling me to pay attention to? This shift in mindset can help you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered—able to address what really matters instead of getting stuck in reaction mode. (Yay!)

Your Stress-to-Calm Challenge 🌿

This week, take a few minutes each day to practice decoding stress—whether it’s yours or your dog’s. Notice the patterns, ask what the stress might be pointing to, and experiment with small changes.

Let’s turn stress into a guide that leads you to more calm, more connection, and a deeper bond with your dog. 🐕✨

Hit reply and let me know how you're doing!

P.S. Did you know:

Bees take naps in flowers? So yeah, it’s okay to need a nap, even busy bees do. 🐝