Hi Friends,
Back in June, I shared the exciting news that I had finished the very first draft of my manuscript and sent it off to the editor. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how many layers of editing a book goes through—or how much I would grow through the process myself!
What began as a simple plan to share my Let’s Talk Process has truly taken on a life of its own. My book project has blossomed into a 230-page book that explains how to socialize your dog based on their unique temperament, prevent reactivity, and use my Moore SCALE—a system outlining 11 distinct canine greeting styles. When you know where your dog falls on this scale, you can create better introductions and more successful friendships between dogs.
To make the book as appealing as it is educational, I hired a professional interior designer to help incorporate dog photos, trainer tips, and visuals of the Moore SCALE. Every page will be designed to be engaging, easy to follow, and truly helpful for every dog lover. This process alone has taken much thoughtfulness and I expect several more edits before it is done!
Refresh and Renew
This summer was full of big moments and changes for me. While my editor had my manuscript in August, I was sailing along the Maine coast with my husband and our two German Shepherds, Drake and Jade. We navigated from Portland through Casco Bay up to Brown’s Wharf in Boothbay, across to North Haven, up the Penobscot Bay to Seven Hundred Acre Island, where we found Cradle Cove just delightful. From there we sailed up to Belfast, then across to spend time with Kenny at Eaton’s Boatyard in Castine. As we began our way south, we enjoyed a visit to Camden. It was an unforgettable sailing adventure—one that refreshed my mind and spirit.
Saying Goodbye
Just a few days after returning home, life brought a shift of sadness. My brother called and said “you need to come home”. Without hesitation, I traveled back to my hometown of Cincinnati to say goodbye to my dad, who passed peacefully on September 2nd at 93. He had been well up until the week before he past and I feel incredibly blessed to have spent those final days with him, and my seven siblings. As a man of strong faith, dedicated to his family, who inspired a deep love of animals in me, I know he would be proud of the work I’m doing.
Growth and Sharing
Now that I’m back at my desk, I’m excited to dive into the next phase of this journey. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be finalizing my manuscript, cover, and interior design—and yes, even choosing a title (such a big decision!). I’m also learning the ins and outs of book marketing while preparing to share a few sneak peeks from the book, including topics such as:
- Why traditional dog-to-dog socialization can make your dog worse
- How to prevent reactivity before it starts
- Emma’s tragic story and how I rebuilt her social confidence
- How to help a reactive dog gain social confidence with the help of a mentor dog
This journey has truly transformed me, both as a writer and as a trainer—and I’m deeply grateful for every lesson along the way. From the quiet moments of reflection on the water to the excitement of seeing my ideas take shape on the page, this process has reminded me why I started sharing my work in the first place: to help people socialize their dogs differently, prevent reactivity and strengthen their relationships with their dogs. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with all of you and to continue growing together on this incredible journey.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—let’s dive in!