Hi, I’m Karyn — Maxx’s Mom.
This space began as a love letter to life with dogs — the muddy paws, the soulful eyes, the early morning zoomies that feel like meditation. I’ve spent over 18 years caring for my pack, and each chapter of that journey has shaped who I am. These days, you’ll find me on YouTube sharing slices of our everyday life: the quiet joys, the healing routines, the playful chaos, and the lessons in between.
At the heart of it all is Maxx (my soulful sidekick), Roxxie (the bold adventurer), and Sisi (our little wise one). Together, we navigate wellness, grief, joy, and everything in between. My biggest mission? To contribute to the end of animal cruelty — by living gently, advocating boldly, and caring deeply.
On this blog, you’ll find:
Tips from nearly two decades of dog parenting
Easy recipes I’m trying (and tweaking!)
Skincare favorites (from someone who’s been fighting acne since age 11)
Honest wellness routines that nourish both body and spirit
Dog care essentials and rituals from my pack to yours
I wear a few hats — journalist, children’s lit scholar, and classically trained opera singer — and they all play a part in how I show up here. For more bookish, mystical musings, you can also visit my sister brand, Cozy Cosy, where I dive into folklore, storytelling, and magic.
Want to follow along more closely?
Come hang out with us on YouTube for weekly videos, and subscribe to the newsletter to receive our quarterly digital magazine. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s grow together as animal lovers and parents .
With love and gratitude,
Karyn (and the pack)
Meet The Kids
Maxx
Maxx is my first dog. My best friend. My soulmate. We met when I was 15. He was afraid of me, I was afraid of him. It was late November and freezing outside. He needed a warm space and food. I had a home and Cheetos. The rest is history.
He's shy and sneaky, and loves sweets and sour straws. (We have similar tastes when it comes to food.) His favorite words are "ride", "cookie", and "outside".
Breed: Corgi/Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier (?)
Ruby
Ruby Tuesday. She’s my second dog (hence the matching names). She’s a playful girl. Always getting into trouble. She and Roxxie became best friends and took turns bossing Maxx around in puppy hood. Poor kid.
Ruby very much does not care what you’re thinking. She’s independent, floppy, and loves cuddles. There was once a time when it was Ruby, Maxx, Roxxie, and me all stuffed onto my twin bed every night. I miss those days often. Ruby’s a good kid, an escape artist, and a loyal dog.
Breed: American Pit Bull mix/Brown Dog
Boomer
The sweetest dog to ever walk this earth. Boomer is quiet and subtle. You wouldn’t even know he’s in the room. He loves food, walks, and kisses. He’s the first to greet you and the first in line for snacks. He’s the kindest boy.
Breed: n/a
Bessie Cat
She’s the witchy, spooky girl. I love Bessie. She stays to herself, but is talkative. When you hear her meows, she’s ready for cuddles or food. In exchange, she’ll reward you with her findings. (Usually lizards and birds).
The OGs
Roxxie
Roxxi Toxxi found me when I was 19. She wandered into my family’s garage full of health issues. I beleive she was bred and was the runt of the litter. I’m glad she found us. It took her a few years to fully trust me, but she loved me from the start. She’s a boss and a bully. I get that. We’re both Taurus.
She's lazy, spunky, and loves fruit and veggies. She likes to sleep all day and play at night. She’s also the most communicative animal I’ve ever met. She tells you exactly what she wants.
Breed: Chihuahua/Pomeranian
Pit Stop
Hazel
Hazel Basil (commonly known as Hazelnut) was my neighbor’s dog. I’d visit them during my lunch breaks to keep them company. Hazel escaped a lot, so I also spent a lot of time visiting to return her home. She was abandoned at their home when my neighbor was rehoused due to her dementia, so I took Hazel in. It was the only thing to do.
She doesn’t seem so eager to run off now that she lives with me. I’m sure to give her lots of adventure. One of her great escapes was down a canal while visiting my parents. She eventually swam back to me. I think that was the moment she realized she was home.
Breed: American Pit Bull/Boxer
The Crew
Ethel Bethel
Ethel was rescued later in life. People at the shelter say she was a repeat return. I don’t understand how or why because she’s an absolute angel. She and Boomer have a similar demeanor. They’re both patient, quiet, and kind. Agreeable dogs who are always overjoyed to see you and even more excited when there’s food.
Breed: German Shepherd mix
Mamie + Sweet Pea
Mamie (left) is the mother of stray kittens at one of my parent’s homes. She runs to my car with her daughter Sweet Pea (right) when she hears me pull up. I keep tons of treats on me because you never know what animals you’re gonna encounter.
They’re best friends and love cuddles, are suspicious of houses but will come indoors for a few minutes, and enjoy frolicking through the garden and woods.
Sisi
Sisi and Maxx are the same age. She’s a family dog who was later given to me. She’s known me her entire life, so it was an easy transition. She grew up around cats, so adjusting to not being the only dog created a small dilemma but she fit right into the pack.
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She's really nervous and likes to walk really fast. She'll escape if given the chance, but will return home when she's ready. Hunting is her favorite game (poor opossums). Her favorite words are "park", "treat", and "ride".
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier/Rat Terrier
Bessie
Bessie is one of the many animals I co-parent with family members. She’s also an escape artist. (I’m noticing a theme with the pits.)
She showed up to church one day and my family took her in. She led the annual Dog Days of Summer parade for years as the official representative of dogs for the church.
Bessie doesn’t like to share and will eat just about anything. She’s survived major dental surgery and a snake bite. She’s a wild child and is afraid of printers, but mostly because my family’s printer is haunted.
Breed: Brown Dog
Clawed
Ever been punched in the nose by a cat? I have.
Clawed was a pair of green eyes in a box when we met. My family rescued him from a sewer drain. He was being kept in the bathroom while they were away at work so that he didn’t hurt himself. He’s the leader of all cats. He takes all of the kittens under his wing and shows them the way of the darkness. Clawed is very much an orange cat. His truth is every stereotype associated with the breed. He’s become kinder in old age, but is never hesitant to strike.
Breed: Pure Evil
