Grief is hard. It comes in waves. Sometimes, your head is comfortably above water, while other times, you feel as if you might drown. Caesar has been gone for almost two weeks, and I’d like to say it’s gotten easier, but the truth is I don’t think there is anything easy about losing your heart…
Author: Kirsten Barnhart
Caesar | 6/11/11-1/26/24
Caesar Barnhart, beloved adventure companion to Kirsten Barnhart, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 26, 2024, at nearly 13 years old. During his long life, Caesar visited 10 states. He trekked across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stood under the arches of St. Louis, went face to face with elk and black bear in the Smokies,…
Caesar’s Legacy and the Power of Canine Companionship
TW: This post talks about depression, suicide, and loss. I started this blog in 2019 as a way to share Caesar and my adventures. Over the years, we have gone so many places together and created an unbreakable bond—much of that I have shared here. When I created this blog, I just wanted a place…
What is a heart dog?
What is a heart dog? A heart dog is a part of your soul. They are a dog that you have connected with on an emotional and spiritual level. They are a dog that you’ve grown with and that has helped shape who you are. A heart dog is a dog you can’t imagine living…
Caesar and I Return to Cuyahoga Valley National Park One More Time
On Nov. 17, 2018, Caesar and I took our first trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Even though Caesar has been in my life since 2011, I didn’t start walking and hiking with him avidly until 2017. I was 25 then, and a lot changes in a person at 25. I desired to connect with…
12 Years with Caesar: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Watching your Dog Age
Dogs have an incredible ability to bring joy, companionship, and unwavering loyalty into our lives—I’ve seen it with Caesar and Gatsby, as I’m sure you’ve seen it with your dogs. But as they age, I’ve also seen how their needs and behaviors change—in both positive and more difficult ways. This year Caesar and I hit…
7 Egg-cellent Easter Activities for You and Your Dog!
It’s Easter, and if you’re like me, it’s important you find ways to include your dog in literally every celebration. There are many ways I do this, and so, to help you have a dog-friendly Easter, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite ways to celebrate Easter with Caesar and Gatsby. 1. Have an Easter…
Unleash the Benefits: Why Basic Obedience Training is a Must for Your New Puppy
One of the most exciting aspects of getting a new puppy is the training you embark on together. Before I even brought Gatsby home, I knew that I wanted to enroll him in professional dog obedience training. Right here in Van Wert, we have Hawk Haven “Good Dog” Obedience Training with instructor Marianne Frederick. Marianne…
My hiatus has come to an end
Losing a dog takes a lot out of you. I haven’t written a post on this blog since last August—almost 7 months ago, and it’s not because I don’t have things to say. I have tons of updates! It’s just—this was the space that I created to share my stories of Caesar and Jeter. My…
How to introduce a puppy to a senior dog
Bringing home a new puppy to a senior dog can be a lot. Not all meetings go as we hope. But you can do a lot of things to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Three things, above all else, are the most important. Take It Slow Reward Good Behavior Correct Unwanted…