Category: beagles
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Six years (of praise)
Today marks six years since Ramón took his last breaths, and the grief feels heavier this go-round. My own breaths grow shallow as I type these words. I suspect the sorrow is greater because, within the past year, I had to say goodbye to two of the dogs that comprised our little family: beagles Noodle,…
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To love what death can touch
A few mornings ago, I saw two people walking a black lab. One had a jar of peanut butter tucked under her arm, her other hand holding a spatula that the dog was joyously licking as they walked. They weren’t moving quickly, but they weren’t going slowly, either. My gut told me it might be…
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A cartwheel-free zone
Part of me doesn’t want to post an update because I’m exhausted that my health has become such a focal point in my life. I’d love to be posting about fun trips and little adventures and other things I’m doing with my boundless energy. But here’s the quick update: I haven’t done any cartwheels. Everything…
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It’s the heart knock life
Today I’m thinking about a scene from the movie Office Space. Those who know me well will be surprised I’m quoting a movie, but here goes. Peter Gibbons: So, I was sitting in my cubicle today, and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the…
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Missing Magpie (Warning: Emotions)
I became Magpie’s mom on the worst day of my life. After years of suffering, my sweet friend—Magpie’s mom—left this world in November 2018 when the pain became too much to bear. She entrusted me with Magpie, which was the most heartbreaking honor I could have fathomed.
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![Oh, [S]Nap!](https://drewdotson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20220221_161858.jpg)
Oh, [S]Nap!
This was originally written January 5, 2024, in case you were wondering if Noodle had been resurrected. I figure I’ll start sharing some of my writing that would otherwise go to die on my computer. How lovely is an afternoon nap, especially during the wintertime? I love cozying on the couch with the dogs, pilfering…
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Let it slow
I’ve been meaning to post for the last several weeks, and I’m finally here. I was mostly busy judging the writing ideas that came to mind and, ya know, getting in my own way—something I think most of us can relate to. I’ve also been pretty sick for the past several weeks.
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Doggone it
Yesterday marked one month without Noodle. I felt her absence strongly on Tuesday when I returned home from a trip. Often, reuniting with the dogs is the highlight of coming home from vacation. But on a shuttle at the airport, it struck me that Noodle wouldn’t be part of the welcoming committee for the first…
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Docu-Drama
One night last week, I decided to watch a documentary while I worked on a jigsaw puzzle. If that sounds nerdy, I agree—and I own every bit of it. I browsed titles, looking for one that sounded inspiring. I love all types of docs, but I wanted a boost that night. I landed on one…
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Adieu, Noodle Lou
Growing up, I wanted a dog, but I feared the yet-to-be-acquired dog’s death. I suspect that’s not typical kid behavior, but my CF diagnosis instilled in me a death obsession. I grieved every loss I could dream up—even losses of relationships that didn’t yet exist. In May 2012, with Ramón’s encouragement, I decided I was…
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Week 4: Simple September
Another week of Simple September has come and gone. Of all the weeks this month, this was the least simple, but hey. A lot fell beyond the limits of my control, and I handled it with more grace than I anticipated. Although the week’s events weren’t particularly simple, I didn’t overcomplicate them—which is all I…
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Week 3: Simple September
I’m here with another Simple September recap. My biggest victory over the past week has been following my gut. Because of this, I was less sterotypically productive (i.e., working hard, making money) and a lot more that-book-is-really-calling-to-me-and-I-shall-answer productive (i.e., soul-level fulfillment). Some bigger things are happening this week, so check Instagram for the daily recap.…
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Week 2: Simple September
Another week of Simple September has come and gone! Most nights I found myself scrambling to think of something to post, which isn’t *quite* what I had in mind when I developed Simple September (#StressedAboutPostingSeptember?). So, my goal for this week is to be more mindful of my surroundings throughout the day. In other words,…
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Week 1: Simple September
Here’s what went down during the first week of Simple September. Highlights include fun socks, cozy naps, and threats of hospitalization. Dun dun dun… 💜Keep up daily on Instagram!💜
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13 Years of Noodle
Thirteen years ago today, Ramón and I brought this magical creature home. We had already picked her name, Noodle, because I wanted it to pair nicely with Ramón’s French Bulldog, Alfie—short for Alfredo. We considered every pasta type we could think of, ultimately landed on Noodle. Ziti was a close second, but I’m glad we…