A Little Good News for Dog Lovers
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Issue No. 11 • July 19, 2026
A NEWSLETTER. ABOUT DOGS. OBVIOUSLY.
HOLIDAY ROAD Hey, friends!
By the time you're reading this, we're probably somewhere between Ohio and western Pennsylvania with two excited dogs, a car full of snacks, and a playlist that's already been judged by Gus.
I've been looking forward to this little getaway for weeks. My hiking shoes are broken in and ready for a waterfall adventure, my Kindle is loaded with books I've been meaning to read, and both boys have brand-new toys for the trip. Sometimes a few days away is exactly what you need to recharge before diving back into work.
Of course, My Barking Life doesn't really take vacations. There are always shelter dogs waiting to be seen, families who need support, and opportunities to make life a little better for dogs who need us most. So while I'm away, I wanted to leave you with another issue full of ways we can keep making a difference together.
Let's get to it.
SHELTER DOG SPAWTLIGHT
Meet Lion Know County Animal Shelter | Mount Vernon, OH
Some dogs have a favorite toy.
Lion has exactly one.
Throw him a tennis ball and you've got his full attention. Offer him anything else? He'll politely decline. This one-year-old Boxer/Pit Bull mix knows what he likes.
Lion has spent more than a month waiting for someone to notice him. Shelter staff describe him as a nice dog who walks well on a leash, already knows "sit," and absolutely loves playing fetch. At around 53 pounds, he's the perfect size for adventures, backyard games, or curling up after a long day.
Because he hasn't been introduced to children, cats, or other dogs yet, potential adopters should plan to do proper meet-and-greets to make sure everyone is a good fit.
If you're near Mount Vernon, Ohio, stop by and meet Lion. And if Lion isn't your perfect match, maybe another waiting dog will be.
Every adoption changes two lives — the dog's ... and yours.
Can't adopt? Share this. Tag someone. Every pair of eyes on Lion gets him one step closer to home.
FRESH FETCH
Build a Dog First Aid Kit And Do It Without Breaking the Bank
Accidents don't wait for business hours. Whether it's a scraped paw on a hike, a tick after a walk, or an upset stomach at the worst possible moment, having a well-stocked first aid kit can save you stress — and maybe even an emergency trip to the vet.
In this week's featured blog, I break down exactly what I keep in my own dog's first aid kit, what each item is for, and how to build one without spending a fortune.
Because being prepared is one of the best gifts you can give your best friend.
3 Things Worth Celebrating
A lot of great things happened this week. Please forgive us if you've already heard us woof about them. We're still pretty excited!
Gus and Pike Graduated! Our boys officially graduated from their Confidence Builder classes, and I couldn't be prouder. Watching both of them continue to grow, learn, and become even better companions has been incredibly rewarding. Every class reminds me that training isn't about creating perfect dogs — it's about building confidence, communication, and trust.
Two More Training Assistance Grants Awarded
This week, My Barking Life awarded two more Training Assistance Grants! That means two more families will receive help accessing professional training — the kind of support that can prevent behavioral challenges from becoming reasons a dog loses their home. Helping families stay together is one of my favorite parts of this mission.
One More Spay Surgery Sponsored
We also sponsored another spay surgery through the Holmes County Dog Warden. Preventing unwanted litters is one of the most effective ways to reduce shelter overcrowding, and I'm grateful that every purchase from My Barking Life helps make projects like this possible.
THE FEED
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
What’s Breed Got to Do With It? — The Norwegian Elkhound
Before there were Vikings, there were Norwegian Elkhounds. If you love fascinating breed history mixed with a little humor, don't miss this week's spotlight.
Bonus, we introduce you to an extra good local boy named Cedar who is seeking his forever home.
A Pint Glass with a Story
When Gremlin finally found his forever home after waiting more than 500 days, his former foster mom wanted something special to remember him by. The result was one of my intentionally terrible dog doodles on a custom pint glass—and a reminder that every adoption leaves paw prints on more than one heart.
Stop by the Bark Store to see what we're up to!
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me this week.
Whether you're reading this from your couch, your office, or somewhere on vacation yourself, I hope you find a little time to get outside, spend time with your dog, and enjoy the people (and pups) who make life better.
I'll be back next week with more shelter dogs, more stories, and hopefully a few pictures from our Pennsylvania adventure.
Until then, give your dog an extra scratch behind the ears for me.
WOOF!
Kim, Pike, and Gus
You're getting Bark Bits because you're a dog person with excellent taste.
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© 2026 My Barking Life. All rights reserved.
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