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Tucker and Lobo

Fast forward 18 years and enter a new teacher, my first sole responsibility dog, Lobo. Did I know what I was doing? Not really, but I was eager to learn. Lobo went everywhere with me, and was a favorite at our local haunts. I made it a point to expose him to various environments and scenarios, teach him commands and tricks, and did my best to help him become as well-rounded as he could be.

A few years after his arrival, a new pup entered our pack, Tucker. Lobo was an amazing big brother to Tuck, and took him right under his paw; but not soon after, my marriage went sour… and a switch in my Lobo flicked. Once a very social, happy-go-lucky dog, he became protective and “aggressive”. What was happening?! I spent every last dollar on trainers, moving through 6 of them. The 6th one was a “Board and Train” program, where he would live with the trainer for 2 weeks. While Lobo responded well to his training and new surroundings, he quickly reverted back to his protective tendencies and aggressive behaviors as soon as he returned to me (*big clue*).

I exhausted all of my resources, attempts to place him, and find even more help. Sadly, he ended up biting someone and the decision was made to have him put down. I’ve never cried so hard in my life. It took me many, many years to stop blaming myself for this; and still remains a daily process. Lobo paid the ultimate price because I couldn’t keep my sh*t together. He stepped up, because I wasn’t and didn’t. The divorce and its many offshoots, and the challenges surrounding my best friend, my deeply and dearly beloved dog, had left me feeling emotionally unstable, exhausted, insecure, lost, hopeless, tapped, uncertain, and weak. Lobo was one of my greatest teachers, his story driving home the point behind why the human end of the leash factors into canine state of mind and behavior so greatly, and why I’ve turned my story into a purpose and passion-driven mission to teach and empower others.

“Behavioral issues” is one of the most common reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters, nearly half never leaving and ending up euthanized. And it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve dedicated my life to learning, and continuing to learn, all about both human and canine psychology, behavior, nutrition, health, so I can share my findings and revelations with all of you, and start a much-needed global conversation. Peace of mind and quality of life is absolutely priceless.

“My Dog, My Buddha” is a collection of 100 life lessons for us on behalf of Dog. Dogs know us on a level many of us don’t even know ourselves, and, if we’re open enough, can teach us what we need to know in order to live a joy-filled, colorful, fulfilling life.

Welcome each morning with a new lesson. This will keep messages fresh, at the forefront of the mind, and help set the tone for the rest of your day.

And now, without further adieu… Dog brings to you 100 invaluable life lessons.

Kimberly Artley

Founder, Pack Fit