Category: Writing

An eclipse seen from space

This is beautiful.

I have always been interested in the space flights of the astronaughts. I am sure that I join millions of others who feel the same.

So this article by Deana L. Weibel, Professor of Anthropology at Grand Valley State University is terrific.

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Seeing an eclipse from Earth is awe‑inspiring – for astronauts seeing one from space, the scene was even more grand

During a total solar eclipse, the Sun is barely visible behind the Moon. Roger Sorensen

Deana L. Weibel, Grand Valley State University

The astronauts on Artemis II’s trip to the Moon in April 2026 didn’t just have an amazing journey through space. They also saw something extraordinary. They were the first humans to see a total solar eclipse from space.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves in front of the Sun. In a total eclipse, the Sun’s central disc is covered completely.

From Earth, the circle of the Sun is about the same size as the circle of the Moon. With the bright circle blocked, you can see the undulating rays of the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, that are normally too dim to be observed.

Moon covering most, then all, then most of the Sun
Composite image of moments before, during and after totality. NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

I’m a cultural anthropologist who studies awe-inspiring aspects of space exploration. I have been lucky enough to have seen two total solar eclipses. The first one was in Nebraska in 2017, the second in Indiana in 2024.

During my second total eclipse, the period of totality – that short span when you can remove your protective glasses and look directly at the eclipse – lasted close to 4 minutes. I saw waves of diffuse light snaking around an ink-black hole in the sky. It looked very wrong – almost alien.

On Aug. 12, 2026, there will be another total solar eclipse, visible only from Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean. Some fortunate viewers in Spain and nearby islands may see the eclipse just before sunset, low on the horizon. The Moon illusion, a phenomenon where the Moon looks bigger when it’s near the horizon, might make this eclipse look unusually large.

Unusual eclipse perspectives

Astronauts will occasionally also have less common eclipse experiences. I interviewed one I call by the pseudonym “Jackie” in my research about astronauts’ experiences of awe. She was part of an astronaut training group that did a flight exercise during a total solar eclipse.

Jackie and her squad flew their jets in the shadow of the Moon. This lengthened their time in totality because they could follow and stay within the shadow. Jackie was most impressed with how the Sun’s corona seemed to shift and ripple.

“It’s not static … it’s alive,” she told me.

On April 6, 2026, the astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission saw another kind of unusual eclipse as they flew around the Moon. At one point during their flight, the Moon and the spacecraft aligned so that the Moon was directly between them and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s disk in a way that looks very different from what we see on Earth.

Astronaut Victor Glover said it felt like they “just went sci-fi.” https://www.youtube.com/embed/YLjPci5bo1k?wmode=transparent&start=0 ‘An impressive sight’: The Artemis II crew were the first humans to observe a solar eclipse from near the Moon.

The astronauts were so close to the Moon that the Moon looked bigger than the Sun and hid more of its bright circle. Earth was also in view, and sunlight reflected from the Earth onto the Moon in a phenomenon NASA calls “earthshine.” This dim light is very similar to the moonlight that shines on the Earth at night.

Imagine the Sun hidden behind the Moon, creating a hazy halo around the Moon’s edges. At the same time, faint light reflected from Earth softly illuminates the Moon, revealing mountains and craters in a dim twilight. Now imagine this striking scene lasting 54 minutes.

This sight was, without a doubt, one of the most unusual eclipses ever seen by human eyes.

Although Artemis’ astronauts are trained to think scientifically, this experience propelled them into a state of awe. They talked openly about how their brains were “not processing” what they observed. While NASA kept them busy with a variety of tasks, the sound of emotion and excitement in their voices as they broadcast live from their lunar flyby was unmistakable.

An eclipse visible from space - the Moon is shown shadowed with some sunlight visible behind it, and part of the Orion capsule shown off to the left.
The Moon during a solar eclipse on April 6, 2026, photographed by one of the Orion spacecraft’s cameras during Artemis II. Earth is reflecting sunlight at the left edge of the Moon, called ‘earthshine.’ NASA

The psychology of awe

Researchers have studied the effects of awe on the human brain, including awe felt during solar eclipses. Moments of wonder like these can transform how you feel and even how you think, making you more thoughtful and open-minded.

In my own work I’ve found these experiences can change how astronauts understand their own place in the universe.

One astronaut said she gained an awareness of the fragility of our planet that now shapes everything she does, while another described becoming more curious after returning to Earth. A third said the awe he experienced in lunar orbit changed his understanding of time and infinity.

Space travel creates many opportunities for awe, but a solar eclipse from behind the Moon, as Mission Commander Reid Wiseman put it, required “20 new superlatives.”

It’s an experience most of the earthbound eclipse-chasers heading to Greenland or Iceland or Spain this summer will only dream about. Whether eclipses happen in space or on Earth, though, close encounters with the grandeur of our universe can make you feel profoundly human.

Deana L. Weibel, Professor of Anthropology, Grand Valley State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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In this difficuly world at present, this is a perfect article. As was written, “…. the awe he experienced in lunar orbit changed his understanding of time and infinity.“

Penny writes about home remodelling

With our dogs very much in mind.

Penny Martin’s latest post is about keeping dogs happy, and safe.

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Stylish Home Remodels That Keep Dogs Safe Happy and Your Space Beautiful

For dog owners planning dog-friendly home remodeling, the hardest part is admitting one simple truth: the home has to work for real dogs every day.

Pet-safe interior design can feel like a compromise when muddy paws, zoomies, shedding, and anxious moments meet the finishes and furniture people hope to love for years.

The core tension is balancing aesthetics and durability so home upgrades for dogs protect everyone’s comfort without making the space feel like a kennel. With the right mindset, a remodel can support calmer behavior, easier routines, and a home that still looks like home.

Choose 7 Upgrades That Take Paw-Print Life in Stride

If you’re aiming for that sweet spot, beautiful, calm, and built for real dog life, start with upgrades that quietly prevent damage and stress. Think “easy to wipe,” “hard to scratch,” and “nothing for a bored dog to pick at.”

  1. Start with scratch-resistant flooring where your dog actually lives: In high-traffic zones (entry, hallway, kitchen, living room), choose tough surfaces like luxury vinyl plank, tile, or sealed concrete, and add washable runners for comfort. Ask for samples and do a quick “nail test” with your dog’s normal walk and a dragged chair. This protects your style investment while making muddy paws and shedding a two-minute cleanup.
  2. Add a “landing zone” at the door to stop mess before it spreads: Create a small drop spot with a wipeable mat, a towel hook, and a closed bin for paw wipes and poop bags. A slim built-in bench or wall hooks keep leashes off the floor so nobody trips during excited greetings. Bonus: it teaches your dog a predictable routine, which can reduce zoomy chaos.
  3. Build a feeding station that looks like it belongs: Tuck bowls into a pull-out drawer, a base cabinet, or the side of a kitchen island so water stays off the floor and your dog’s setup doesn’t feel like clutter. One homeowner described how a station can create a seamless polished look when it’s integrated into cabinetry. Place it away from main walkways so nobody steps in the splash zone.
  4. Choose durable pet-friendly materials for the “mouth and paw” zone: Prioritize washable, tightly woven fabrics, easy-clean paint finishes, and scratch-tolerant trim in spots your dog rubs, leans, or patrols. If your dog guards windows, consider tougher screen options and hardware, secure window screens help prevent an excited launch after a squirrel. These changes are subtle, but they keep your home feeling polished.
  5. Install a secure fenced outdoor area with a simple, safe layout: A good fence isn’t just about height, it’s about no gaps, sturdy latches, and corners that don’t become “dig pits.” Walk the perimeter weekly for loose boards and soil shifts, especially after heavy rain. If you’re planning for resale, clean boundaries also make the yard feel intentionally designed, not “dog-proofed.”
  6. Use dog-friendly landscaping that survives play and stays non-toxic: Pick hardy ground covers or tough grass mixes for the run path your dog naturally creates, and use mulch or gravel in muddy choke points. Create shade and a water spot so your dog self-regulates on hot days, then keep delicate plants behind low edging. A defined dog path can actually protect the rest of your yard from becoming a patchy free-for-all.
  7. Protect home value by preventing the “pet home” signals buyers notice: Plan for odor control (washable slipcovers, a vented litter/gear closet, and easy-clean floors) and repair wear as you go, not all at once later. Some sellers worry about stigma, and one estimate notes the value of a home drops when buyers learn it was shared with pets. The goal isn’t to hide your dog, it’s to keep your home feeling cared for.

Map a Realistic Budget for Bigger, Longer-Lasting Remodel Choices

Once you’ve picked the upgrades that can handle real paw-print life, the next step is figuring out how to pay for the durable versions that won’t need replacing.

A home equity loan is one way to fund a dog-friendly remodel because it lets you borrow a lump sum of cash using your home’s equity as collateral, helpful when you’re tackling bigger, longer-lasting improvements all at once.

Lenders typically look for enough equity in your home, good credit, steady income, and a debt-to-income ratio they consider manageable.

If you’re comparing routes, reviewing the best home equity lines can give you a starting point for what to ask about.

Once your budget is set, simple upkeep routines will help those upgrades stay comfortable, safe, and good-looking over time.

Daily and Seasonal Habits for a Dog-Safe, Stylish Home

Dog-friendly remodels stay beautiful when you pair them with small, repeatable habits that support your dog’s comfort and your home’s finish. Think of these as the relationship-building basics that reduce stress, prevent wear, and keep your space feeling calm.

Five-Minute Floor Sweep

  • What it is: Sweep high-traffic lanes to remove grit, fur, and tiny pebbles.
  • How often: Daily
  • Why it helps: Less grit means fewer scratches and fewer slip-prone tumble moments.

Bowl Zone Reset

  • What it is: Wipe the feeding station and refresh the mat under bowls.
  • How often: Daily
  • Why it helps: It limits odors, stains, and sneaky mold around baseboards.

Nail and Paw Check

  • What it is: Inspect nails and paw pads after walks and play.
  • How often: Weekly
  • Why it helps: It reduces floor scuffs and catches small injuries early.

Toy Rotation and Tidy Basket

  • What it is: Rotate chew toys and store extras in one easy-to-reach bin.
  • How often: Weekly
  • Why it helps: It protects trim and furniture by giving chewing a clear “yes.”

Seasonal Safety Walkthrough

  • What it is: Use review routines to check gates, rugs, and outdoor surfaces.
  • How often: Start of each season
  • Why it helps: Small fixes prevent big repair bills and keep paths predictable.

Dog-Friendly Remodel FAQs Homeowners Ask

Q: What flooring actually holds up to nails and muddy paws?
A: Look for scratch-resistant, easy-clean surfaces like luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile, or sealed concrete. Choose a low-sheen finish to hide scuffs and add washable runners in high-traffic paths. If you love wood, consider an engineered product with a tough topcoat and commit to quick wipe-ups.

Q: How can I keep my home stylish without adding dog hazards?
A: Pick closed storage, rounded furniture edges, and sturdy textiles that are still beautiful. Use non-slip rugs, cordless window coverings, and cabinet latches for anything toxic or tempting. The best designs feel calm because everything has a place, including leashes and treats.

Q: What materials should I avoid if my dog chews or licks surfaces?
A: Skip finishes with strong lingering odors and prioritize low-VOC paints and sealants. Avoid crumbly foam, exposed particleboard edges, and delicate trim in chew zones. Give chewing a safer “yes” with durable chew stations and wall guards near corners.

Q: When does it make sense to finance pet-friendly upgrades?
A: Financing can help if it lets you do the safety-critical work up front, like floors that prevent slipping or secure fencing. Keep the payment comfortable, and separate “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves” before you sign anything.

Remember the home remodeling market valued at $1,142.6 billion reflects how many homeowners are investing, so planning carefully is part of protecting value.

Q: Can dog-friendly upgrades still support resale value?
A: Yes, when you choose broadly appealing, durable finishes and keep the layout flexible. Focus on upgrades that help any buyer, like easy-maintenance floors and cleanable paint in entry areas. Some projects can be especially value-forward, and garage door replacement cost recouped 267.7% shows how a practical exterior update can pay off.

Small Remodel Choices That Keep Dogs Safe and Homes Beautiful

It’s hard to balance a space that looks pulled-together with a life that includes muddy paws, nervous chewers, and everyday wear.

The good news is that dog-friendly remodeling isn’t about perfection, it’s a steady mindset of making thoughtful, durable choices that support harmonious living with dogs while keeping style intact.

When homes are designed for real canine behavior, creating pet-friendly spaces gets easier, messes feel more manageable, and the benefits of dog-friendly remodeling show up in calmer routines and fewer “oops” moments.

A dog-friendly home is simply a human home that finally fits your dog, too.

Pick one improvement to do this month, one change that makes your dog safer, happier, or more relaxed.

Those small wins stack into a steadier home and an enhancing human-animal connection that lasts.

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This is a very useful article from Penny Martin. I find it fabulous. Well done, Penny!

About the English language

There’s more to this topic than meets the eye.

George Bernard Shaw once remarked that America and Britain are “two countries separated by the same language.”

A long time ago that became a quotable quote. Shaw was born in Dublin in 1856 and died in England in 1950. He was 94.

Although I have visited the USA many times before, I came to live here in Merlin, Oregon, with Jeannie, my gorgeous wife, in 2012. And we love living here.

However, I still think like an Englishman and spell my words in English English.

Read the following. I am sure you will enjoy it.

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Despite all the likes, literallys and dropped g’s, English isn’t decaying before our eyes

Fear not: There isn’t anything that needs saving. LisaStrachan/iStock via Getty Images

Valerie M. Fridland, University of Nevada, Reno

As a linguistics professor, I’m often asked why English is decaying before our eyes, whether it’s “like” being used promiscuously, t’s being dropped deleteriously or “literally” being deployed nonliterally.

While these common gripes point to eccentric speech patterns, they don’t point to grammatical annihilation. English has weathered far worse.

Let’s start with something we can all agree on: Old English, spoken from approximately A.D. 450 to 1100, is pretty unintelligible to us today. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of reading “Beowulf” in high school knows how different English back then used to sound. Word endings did a lot more grammatical work, and verbs followed more complicated patterns. Remnants of those rules fuel lingering debates today, such as when to use “whom” over “who,” and whether the past tense of “sneak” is “snuck” or “sneaked.”

The language went on to experience centuries of tumult: Viking invasions, which introduced Old Norse influence; Anglo-Norman French rule, which shifted the language of the elite to French; and 18th-Century grammarians, who dictated norms with their elocution and grammar guides.

In that time, English has lost almost all of the more complex linguistic trappings it was born with to become the language we know and – at least, sometimes – love today. And as I explain in my new book, “Why We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents,” it was all thanks to the way that language naturally evolves to meet the social needs of its speakers.

From dropping the ‘l’ to dropping the ‘g’

The things we tend to label as “bad” or sloppy English – for instance, the “g” that gets lost from our -ing endings or the deletion of a “t” when we say a word like “innernet” – actually reflect speech habits that are centuries old.

Take, for example, “often.” Originally spoken with the “t,” that pronunciation gradually became less favored around the 15th century, alongside that “l” in “talk” and the “k” in know. Meanwhile, the “s” now stuck on the back of verbs like “does” and “makes” began as a dialectal variant that only became popular in 16th-century London. It gradually replaced “th” whenever third persons were involved, as in “The lady doth protest too much.”

While dropping the “l” in talk may have been initially frowned upon, today it would be strange if you pronounced the letter. And the shift makes sense: It smoothed out some linguistic awkwardness for the sake of efficiency.

If people learned to look at language more like linguists, they might come around to seeing that there is more than one perspective on what good speech consists of.

And yes, that absolutely is a sentence ending with a preposition – something many modern grammar guides discourage, even though the idea only took hold after 18th-century grammarian Robert Lowth intimated it was a less elegant choice based on the model of Latin.

Though Lowth voiced no hard and fast rule against it, many a grammar maven later misconstrued his advice as an admonition. Just like that, a mere suggestion became grammatical law.

The rise of the grammar sticklers

Many of today’s ideas about what constitutes correct English are based on a singular – often mistaken – 19th-century view of the forces that govern our language.

In the late 18th century, the English-speaking world began experiencing class restructuring and higher literacy rates. As greater class mobility became possible, accent differences became class markers that separated new money from old money.

Emulation of upper-crust speech norms became popular among the nouveau riche. With literacy also on the rise, grammarians and elocutionists raced to dictate the terms of “proper” English on and off the page, which led to the rise of usage guides and dictionaries that were eager to sell a certain brand of speech.

Another example of grammarian angst reconfiguring the view of an otherwise perfectly fine form is the droppin’ of the “g.” It became so tied to slovenly speech that it was branded with an apostrophe in the 19th century to make sure no one missed its lackadaisical and nonstandard nature.

Up until the 19th century, however, no one seemed to care whether one pronounced it as “-in” or “-ing.”

In fact, evidence suggests that -ing wasn’t even heard as the correct form. Many elocution guides from the 18th century provide rhyming word pairs like “herring/heron,” “coughing/coffin” and “jerking/jerkin,” which suggest that “-in” may have been the preferred pronunciation of words ending with “-ing.” Even writer and satirist Jonathan Swift – a frequent lobbyist for “proper” English – rhymes “brewing” with “ruin” in his 1731 poem “Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift, D.S.P.D..”

Embrace the change

Language has always shifted and evolved. People often bristle at changes from what they’ve known to what is new. And maybe that’s because this process often begins with speakers that society usually looks less favorably on: the young, the female, the poor, the nonwhite.

But it’s important to remember that being disliked and bad are not the same thing – that today’s speech pariahs are driven by the same linguistic and social needs as the Londoners who started going with “does” instead of “doth” or dropped the “t” in often.

So if you think the speech that comes from your lips is the “correct” version, think again. Thou, like every other English speaker, art literally the product of centuries of linguistic reinvention.

Valerie M. Fridland, Professor of Linguistics, University of Nevada, Reno

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Thank you, Valerie Fridland, for your interest article.

To quote another famous idiom, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Artemis images

A unique record taken by the crew.

Human-created photos of this historic mission cannot be replace by articificial intelligence (AI).

This is the reason I am republishing an article from The Conversation.

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Artemis II crew brought a human eye and storytelling vision to the photos they took on their mission

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen takes a picture through the camera shroud covering a window on the Orion spacecraft. NASA

Christye Sisson, Rochester Institute of Technology

In early April 2026, the Artemis II mission captivated me and millions of people watching from across the world. The crew’s courage, skill and infectious wonder served as tangible proof of human persistence and technological achievement, all against the mysterious backdrop of space.

People back on Earth got to witness the mission through remarkable photos of space captured by astronauts. Images created and shared by astronauts underscore how photography builds a powerful, authentic connection that goes beyond what technology alone can capture.

As a photographer and the director of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, I am especially drawn to how these photographs have been at the center of the public’s collective experience of this mission.

In an era when image authenticity is often questioned and with the capabilities of autonomous, AI-driven imaging, NASA’s choice to train astronauts in photography has placed meaning over convenience and prioritized their human perspectives and creativity.

Capturing space from the crew’s perspective

Photography was not originally placed as a high priority in NASA’s Apollo era. The astronauts only took photographs if they had the chance and all their other tasks were complete.

An image of the entire Earth from space.
‘The Blue Marble’ view of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 crew in 1972. NASA

Thanks largely in part to public response to those images from Apollo, including “Earthrise” and the “Blue Marble” being widely credited for helping catalyze the modern environmental movement, NASA shifted its approach to utilize photography to help capture the public’s imagination by training their astronauts in photographic practices.

The Artemis II mission’s photographs have helped cut through the increasing volume of artificially generated images circulating on social media. NASA’s social media releases of the crew’s photographs have garnered thousands of shares and comments.

This excitement could be explained by the novelty of photos from space, but these images also distinguish themselves as products of astronauts experiencing these sights and interpreting them through their photographs. These differences require an important distinction around where technology ends and humanity begins.

An astronaut looking out the window of the Orion spacecraft, where the full moon is visible in space.
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman watches the Moon from one of the Orion spacecraft’s windows. NASA

Human perspective versus AI tools

Photography has long integrated AI-powered software and data-driven tools in a variety of ways: to process raw images, fill in missing color information, drive precise focus and guide image editing, among others. These modern technological assists help human photographers realize their vision.

Artificial intelligence is also increasingly capable of operating machinery competently and autonomously, from cars to drones and cameras.

And AI can generate convincing, realistic images and videos from nothing more than a text prompt, using readily available tools.

Researchers train AI to mimic patterns informed by millions of sample images, and the algorithm can then either take or create a photograph based on what it predicts would be the most likely version of a successful, believable image.

Human-created photos are rooted in direct observation, intent and lived experience, while AI images – or choices made by AI-driven tools – are not. While both can produce compelling and believable visuals, the human photographs carry emotional power because the photographer is drawing from their experiences and perspective in that moment to tell an authentic story.

Artemis II photographs resonate, not only because they are historic, but because they reflect the deliberate choices and intent of a human being in that specific moment and context. The exposure, camera setting, lens choice and composition are all dictated by the astronaut’s vision, skill, perspective and experience. Each image is unique in comparison with the others. These choices give the images narrative power, anchoring them in human perspective.

The Earth shown partially shadowed beyond the Moon in space
NASA’s ‘Earthset’ photo captured by the Artemis II crew. NASA

Images to tell a story

Photographers choose what to include in the final version of their image to tell a story. In the Artemis II images, this human perspective comes out. In the “Earthset” photo, you see a striking juxtaposition of the Moon’s monochromatic, textured surface in the foreground against a slivered, bright Earth.

The choice to include both in the frame contrasts these objects literally and figuratively, inviting comparison. It creates a narrative where Earth is contrasted against the Moon – life is contrasted against the absence of it.

Another photo shows the nightside of the whole Earth, featuring the Sun’s halo, auroras and city lights. The choice to include the subtle framing of the window of the capsule in the lower left corner reminds the viewer where and how this image was captured: by a human, inside a capsule, hurtling through space. That detail grounds the photograph in the human perspective.

Both photos are reminiscent of Earthrise and the Blue Marble. These past images hold a place in the global collective consciousness, shaped by a shared historical moment.

The Artemis II photographs are anchored in this collective moment of lived human experience, yet also shaped by each astronaut’s viewpoint. The crew’s unique perspectives exemplify photography’s transformative power by inviting viewers to engage emotionally and intellectually with their journey. These photographs share the astronauts’ awe and wonder and affirm the value of human creativity and its ability to connect us in a captured moment.

Christye Sisson, Professor of Photographic Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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I am going to repeat a sentence towards the end of the article: “These past images hold a place in the global collective consciousness, shaped by a shared historical moment.”

That global collective consciousness!

The Ten Commitments

This is important (and brilliant).

Jean and I were taken to our regular humanist meeting last Saturday morning. The topic was Christian Nationalism.

Today, I want to explain what these commitments are. Then on Sunday I will post some images.

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Ten Commitments

Guiding Principles for Teaching Values in America’s Public Schools

Altruism

Altruism is the unselfish concern for the welfare of others without expectation of reward, recognition, or return. Opportunities for acts of altruism are everywhere in the family, the classroom, the school, and the wider community. Think of examples of altruistic acts in your experience. What person-to-person and group projects, classroom and school-wide activities, and community service projects might you and your students undertake?

Caring for the World Around Us

Everyone can and ought to play a role in caring for the Earth and its inhabitants. We can directly experience the living things in our homes and neighborhoods like trees, flowers, birds, insects, and pets. Gradually we expand our neighborhood. We learn about deserts and oceans, rivers and forests, the wildlife around us and the wildlife elsewhere. We learn that we are dependent on each other, on the natural world, and all that lives in it for food and shelter, space and beauty.

Critical Thinking

We gain reliable knowledge because we are able to observe, report, experiment, and analyze what goes on around us. We also learn to raise questions that are clear and precise, to gather information, and to reason about the information we receive in a way that tests it for truthfulness, accuracy, and utility. From our earliest years we learn how to think and to share and challenge our ideas and the ideas of others, and consider their consequences. Practice asking “what next?” and “why?” and “how do I/you/we know that?”

Empathy

We human beings are capable of empathy, the ability to understand and enter imaginatively into another living being’s feelings, the sad ones and the happy ones as well. Many of the personal relationships we have (in the family, among friends, between diverse individuals, and amid other living things) are made positive through empathy. With discussion and role-playing, we can learn how other people feel when they are sad or hurt or ignored, as well as when they experience great joys. We can use stories, anecdotes, and classroom events to help us nurture sensitivity to how our actions impact others.

Ethical Development

Questions of fairness, cooperation, and sharing are among the first moral issues we encounter in our ethical development as human beings. Ethical education is ongoing implicitly and explicitly in what is called the “hidden curriculum” that we experience through the media, the family, and the community. Ethics can be taught through discussion, role-playing, storytelling, and other activities that improve analysis and decision-making regarding what’s good and bad, right and wrong.

Global Awareness

We live in a world that is rich in cultural, social, and individual diversity, a world where interdependence is increasing rapidly so that events anywhere are more likely to have consequences everywhere. Much can be done to prepare the next generation for accepting the responsibility of global citizenship. Understanding can be gained regarding the many communities in which we live through history, anthropology, and biology. A linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity are present in the classroom and provide lessons of diversity and commonality. We help others reach understanding about the interconnectedness of the welfare of all humanity.

Humility

We must always remember that there’s a lot we don’t know about the universe. There’s still so very much to learn. Science will help us. But sometimes scientists discover surprising things that tell us how some of our old beliefs are false. So we need to be willing to change when our knowledge changes. A good humanist doesn’t try to be sure of things that science can’t show are true.

Peace and Social Justice

A curriculum that values and fosters peace education would promote the human rights of all people and understanding among all nations, cultural and religious groups. Students should have opportunities to learn about the United Nations’ role in preventing conflict as well as efforts to achieve social justice in the United States. They should learn about problems of injustice including what can be done to prevent and respond to these problems with meaningful actions that promote peace and social justice and that protect the inherent human rights of everyone both at home and abroad.

Responsibility

Our behavior is morally responsible when we tell the truth, help someone in trouble, and live up to promises we’ve made. Our behavior is legally responsible when we obey a just law and meet the requirements of membership or citizenship. But we also have a larger responsibility to be a caring member of our family, our community, and our world. Stories and role-playing can help students understand responsibility and its absence or failure. We learn from answering such questions as: What happens when we live in accordance with fair and just rules? What happens when we don’t? What happens when the rules are unjust?

Service and Participation

Life’s fulfillment can emerge from an individual’s participation in the service of humane
ideals. School-based service-learning combines community service objectives and learning objectives with the intent that the activities change both the recipient and the provider. It provides students with the ability to identify important issues in real-life situations. Through these efforts we learn that each of us can help meet the needs of others and of ourselves. Through our lifetime, we learn over and over again of our mutual dependence.

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My mother was an atheist and, consequently, I have been an atheist all my life. With the above values, as they are taught in schools, there is no need for a God.

This Winter

The low snowpack this last Winter is concerning.

Although here in Southern Oregon at present we have a few wet days, in general the amount of rain coming down is well below normal levels.

That is why this recent article presented by The Conversation is being published.

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Winter’s alarmingly low snowpack offers a glimpse of the changing rhythm of water in the western US

In a good year, the West’s mountain snowpack feeds streams and rivers well into summer. George Rose/Contributor/Getty Images News

Imtiaz Rangwala, University of Colorado Boulder

Winter is more than just a season in the western U.S. – it is a savings account to get farms and homes through the long, dry summer ahead. As the snowpack that accumulates in the mountains through winter slowly melts in late spring and summer, it feeds into rivers and reservoirs that keep communities and ecosystems functioning.

The April 1 snowpack measurement has long been the single most important number in western water management, considered a strong proxy for how much water the mountains are holding in reserve.

But in 2026, that savings account has been woefully deficient.

Across the western United States, temperatures from November through February were among the warmest on record, with many areas 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 to 5.5 degrees Celsius) above the 20th-century average. March continued to break heat records. At lower elevations, the higher temperatures meant a significant part of the winter’s precipitation fell as rain rather than snow. In some places, snowfall accumulated but melted quickly during warm periods.

A chart shows an unusually low amount of area in the West with snow cover during winter 2026.
The total area of the western U.S. with snow cover was exceptionally low compared with the rest of the 21st century. National Snow and Ice Data Center

As a result, even regions that received near- or above-normal precipitation for the season failed to build substantial snowpack. In the northern Rockies and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, any above-average snow accumulation was largely confined to the highest elevations, while middle and lower elevations had relatively little snowpack.

This situation is a hallmark of warming winters. As global temperatures rise, the freezing line where precipitation changes from rain to snow moves up the mountains, shrinking the area capable of sustaining a seasonal snowpack.

A map shows most of the stations across the western mountains were below 50% of average. The best conditions were in the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, and most of those were still below average.
At the vast majority of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service’s snow measurement stations across the West, the snowpack’s snow-water equivalent on March 30, 2026, was less than 50% of the 1991-2020 median. Natural Resources Conservation Service
A map shows wide temperature anomalies in the western U.S. compared with the 20th-century average.
Temperatures were well above the 20th-century average across the western U.S. in winter 2025-26. National Centers for Environmental Information

The exceptionally warm winter of 2025–26 across much of the western U.S. delivered a powerful preview of what the regional water cycle in a warmer climate may increasingly look like: less snow and a fundamental reshaping of the hydrograph – the chart of how much water flows through streams across the year.

A flattening hydrologic pulse

The consequences of this shift for water supplies are already visible in streamflows.

In multiple river basins in the West, streamflows were above average in winter and early spring, and some locations were approaching record-high levels. Historically, that water would have remained frozen in the snowpack until late spring. Instead, precipitation arriving as rain – along with intermittent midwinter melting events – increased the runoff.

Scientists who study natural water flows, as I do, pay attention to the hydrographs of streamflows in river basins to see when the water flow in mountain streams is strongest and how long that flow is likely to continue into summer.

A chart shows a typical arc of increasing water flows as snow melt in 2025, compared with several peaks of snowmelt and rainfall during 2026.
This hydrograph showing two years of water flows in the St. Mary River near Babb, Mont., reflects the difference between a typical late-spring peak, as 2025 saw, and several midwinter peaks from warm temperatures and rain, as 2026 is seeing. U.S. Geological Survey

In recent years, rising temperatures have led to a redistribution of streamflows throughout the winter and early spring in ways that are fundamentally reshaping the hydrographs of snowmelt-dominated rivers. Rather than a single dominant peak during late spring or early summer, smaller peaks emerge in winter and early spring. At the same time, the traditional snowmelt pulse, relied on to fill reservoirs in late spring, weakens.

In effect, the hydrograph is flattening. The winter of 2025–26 illustrates this phenomenon: Higher early-season streamflows suggest the West will see less runoff later in the year when communities, farms and wildlife need it.

The Colorado River: A system on the edge

Nowhere does the convergence of record warmth, depleted snowpack and altered hydrology carry higher stakes than in the Colorado River Basin. More than 40 million people in seven states plus Mexico and 5.5 million acres of farmland depend on the river’s water, but the river’s flow is no longer meeting demand.

The April-through-July 2026 runoff into Lake Powell – the reservoir behind Glen Canyon Dam and the primary index of the Upper Colorado River Basin’s annual water budget – is currently forecast to rank among the lowest in recent decades. It has been tracking close to the grim years of 2002 and 2021, considered benchmarks of western drought.

Unless spring brings substantial late-season snowfall to the high mountains, 2026 could join those years as a marker of how thin the margin between water supply and demand has become in a river system already under sustained stress from two decades of drought and water overuse.

The low reservoir levels in the basin in 2026 and the low snowpack are adding fears of water shortages just as the seven states that rely on the Colorado River are struggling to reach a new water use agreement.

The changing rhythm of water in the West

The winter of 2025–26 highlights two emerging realities.

First, temperature is increasingly dominating precipitation in determining western water supplies. Even above-normal precipitation cannot compensate for persistent warmth when it falls as rain rather than snow and accelerates snowmelt in the mountains.

Second, the nature of the West’s streamflows is shifting in ways that complicate water management.

Rain-on-snow events can produce flooding in winter, as the Seattle area saw in late December 2025. A low snowpack also means less runoff in summer, which can exacerbate water shortages and raise the wildfire risk as landscapes dry out. Even if a year has normal precipitation, if it falls as rain or there is earlier snowmelt, then evaporation through summer, in a warmer climate, will leave less water in the system.

Snowpack declines, earlier runoff, elevated winter flows and flattened hydrographs are all consistent with long-standing projections for the western United States as global temperatures rise.

What makes the winter of 2025-26 notable is how clearly these signals appeared, even in a year without widespread precipitation deficits.

This shift highlights the need for adaptive reservoir operations – the ability to adjust water storage and release decisions in real time to capture earlier runoff and preserve water for longer dry seasons, while still maintaining space in reservoirs for flood control during wetter winters. For communities across the West, it also reinforces the growing reality that the familiar seasonal rhythm of mountain water is changing.

Imtiaz Rangwala, Senior Research Scientist in Climate, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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There is nothing we citizens in the West can do about this, apart from being careful about the water we use.

As Imtiaz Randwala wrote in the last paragraph in the above article: “This shift highlights the need to adaptive reservoir operations.“

What a find!

Eight Australian pups found!

I saw this article a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share it with you. It was published by The Dodo.

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Rescuers Open ‘Family Dollar’ Bin And Find 8 Australian Shepherd Babies Inside

They were only a few weeks old 🥺

By Maeve Dunigan

Published on March 12, 2026.

This past January, a man was walking through Onancock, Virginia, when he noticed a suspicious object outside Historic Onancock School, a local community center.

The man approached the object — a large black bin labeled “Family Dollar” — and carefully lifted the lid to see what was inside. There, wriggling against each other in the tight space, were eight 10-week-old puppies.

The puppies were weak, defenseless and clearly needed help. The man drilled air holes in the lid of the box and eventually contacted Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility for help.

Tragically, one puppy passed away before rescuers could assist. The others quickly relaxed into the capable hands of animal control staff.

According to Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility shelter manager Jeri Winn, it’s common to find puppies dumped along the Eastern Shore, but significantly less common in Onancock, a bustling seaside town.

Though she’d seen plenty of cases like this, Winn still felt a familiar sadness as she admitted the puppies into care. Despite everything, she was grateful that the pups were finally in a safe place.

“All we can be thankful for [is that] whoever left them realized they were in a good location to be seen,” Winn told The Dodo.

Team members transferred the puppies to Critters 4 U Rescue, an animal shelter and foster organization. Rescuers determined the puppies were Australian shepherd mixes, and they named them after the seven dwarfs — Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey.

One pup has already been adopted, and the others are still safe at Critters 4 U Rescue, waiting to meet their forever families.

Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility is grateful for Critters 4 U Rescue, along with all the other rescues who offered to help these needy pups find the homes they deserve.

“We are so grateful for every rescue that reached out,” Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility wrote in a Facebook post. “In moments like this, our small shelter is reminded just how much we rely on the compassion and partnership of rescue organizations who step up without hesitation.”

You can keep up with Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility by following them on Facebook. To help other animals like these puppies, you can donate to Critters 4 U Rescue. 

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What a beautiful account. Congratulations to all involved!

California learns more about its homeless shelters

A pet‑friendly homeless shelter pilot reduced the rate of homelessness among the people it helped in California.

This was an article published on the 16th March by The Conversation. It shows how the homeless shelters benefit from being pet-friendly. It’s sort of obvious but then again not common-sense.

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A pet‑friendly homeless shelter pilot reduced the rate of homelessness among the people it helped in California

A homeless woman in Los Angeles holds her dog after a free veterinary visit in 2024. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Benjamin F. Henwood, University of Southern California

When homeless shelters allow people to stay with their dogs and other pets, more unhoused people become more willing to stay in a shelter.

That’s what my team at the University of Southern California’s Homelessness Policy Research Institute learned when we evaluated California’s Pet Assistance and Support Program.

California’s Department of Housing and Community Development established this pilot program in 2019. Its goals were straightforward: to make homeless shelters more accommodating to people with pets – mostly dogs – so that people living on the streets don’t have to choose between staying in shelters or abandoning their pets.

The program disbursed US$15.75 million between 2020 and 2024 to 37 organizations across the state. The funding allowed shelters to build kennels or other pet-friendly spaces, provide pet food and supplies, and offer basic veterinary care. It also covered the costs of staffing and maintaining insurance required to operate pet-friendly shelters.

Evaluating the program

We did this evaluation in collaboration with My Dog Is My Home, a nonprofit that supports pet-inclusive housing and services for the homeless, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

By all accounts, the program was a success.

We found that the program helped 4,407 people experiencing homelessness keep their pets while getting support. Many were able to enter shelters, and their animals received needed veterinary care. A total of 886 people ultimately moved into permanent housing with their pets – a higher success rate than the statewide average for homeless people in California.

Theoretically, this funding should have reduced the number of pet owners living on the streets. Yet since 2019, the year the program began, the number of homeless people in Los Angeles with dogs and other pets has increased.

A homeless man walks a dog toward a group of tents lining a sidewalk.
A homeless man walks a dog toward a group of tents lining a Los Angeles sidewalk in 2026. Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images

I’ve seen this change firsthand.

Since 2017, I’ve led the USC research team that produces the annual homeless count estimates for Los Angeles. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires this exercise for any city seeking federal funding for homelessness services.

One of the questions my team asks when interviewing thousands of homeless people each year is whether they have any pets.

Before the pandemic, we generally found that roughly 1 in 8 people did. We also found that nearly half of homeless pet owners had been turned away from a homeless shelter because it couldn’t accommodate their animal.

Despite programs like California’s Pet Assistance and Support program, my research team has found that the share of people living on the streets of Los Angeles who say they have a pet increased to roughly 1 in 5 by 2025.

Share of homeless people in LA with pets is rising

The percentage of homeless people in Los Angeles with pets rose from 12% in 2017 to 20% in 2024 and 2025, according to an annual census.

Bar chart showing that the percentage of homeless people in Los Angeles with pets has grown since 2017.

5101520%201720182019202020212022202320242025

Need for more pet-friendly programs

We still don’t know why the share of homeless people with pets has gotten so much larger.

It could be that rising housing costs, which is the main driver of homelessness, is pushing more pet owners into homelessness. Or, perhaps more homeless are adopting pets to deal with their social isolation and loneliness, two common conditions for people with nowhere to go.

An apartment building with a rectangular green space is shown.
The Weingart Tower, where some of Los Angeles’ formerly homeless people reside and receive social services, has a small dog park. Grace Hie Yoon/Anadolu via Getty Images

Either way, proposed cuts by the federal government to affordable housing and homeless services will only make matters worse.

The number of homeless people in Los Angeles has fallen by more than 4% since 2023 to just over 72,000 people in 2025. But based on my research findings, I would expect the number of people living on the city’s streets – with and without pets – to rise over time unless more affordable housing becomes available.

And growth in the homeless population may be hard to avoid without more efforts like California’s Pet Assistance and Support Program – on a larger scale than the pilot we studied.

Benjamin F. Henwood, Professor of Social Policy and Health, University of Southern California

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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I hope when this is published the bar chart presented towards the end of the article appears.

If not, and if you are interested in that chart, you will have to clink on this link to view it.

Professor Henwood is wise to present this article.

Technology and ageing

This article hits home!

I find it is very hard to keep current on new technological developments. I am well past being young but still fascinated by science and technology.

Thus, it seemed like one that I should publish.

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Constant technology changes throw seniors a curve – and add to caregivers’ load

Shifting interfaces and frequent updates challenge elders and increase the burdens on people who try to help them. Maskot via Getty Images

Debaleena Chattopadhyay, University of Illinois Chicago

This past Christmas, I helped my parents choose a water filter. The latest “smart” models all came with a smartphone app that promised to monitor filter life, track water quality and automatically request service. Yet my father, age 75, and mother, 67, were quick to reject them in favor of a nondigital model.

“Every time it updates or I forget how to use it, we’ll have to call you,” my dad said.

As an only child living 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers) away, I didn’t need convincing. My parents are aging in place and don’t need traditional caregiving – they cook, drive and manage their home just fine. Instead, I provide what I call technology caregiving: helping them with their digital activities of daily living, from online banking to booking theater tickets.

But as the tech industry shifts toward artificial intelligence agents and generative user interfaces – promising to make devices smarter than ever – I am bracing for this invisible workload to become heavier, not lighter. In addition to being a technology caregiver, I’m a computer scientist who studies human-computer interaction.

Technology caregiving

Technology caregiving is the act of helping someone use digital tools. While this isn’t entirely new – people have long helped grandparents program VCRs and connect parents’ desktop computers to the internet – the stakes have changed.

Today, digitization is ubiquitous. Helping with these tools is no longer just occasional unpaid tech support – it is a form of continuous caregiving essential for maintaining independence. For example, even the simple act of clipping coupons has gone digital – marginalizing older adults who are unable to navigate store apps to access these discounts.

People often view older adults as resistant to technology, but recent years – particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic – have shattered that myth. While gaps in internet access and device ownership remain, they are no longer major barriers to technology access.

an older woman uses a laptop computer at a table
Today’s seniors are not tech-averse, but constant updates and interface changes make using technology more difficult for them. Jose Luis Raota/Moment via Getty Images

The emerging crisis is not about access, but effective use. Many older adults are now online and willing to use these tools, but they require frequent help from family, friends or communities.

The innovation tax

The problem isn’t just that devices and apps are getting complex; it’s that they are constantly changing. Frequent software updates and shifting interfaces can be frustrating for all users, but they turn familiar tools into foreign concepts for older adults.

This unpredictability is about to accelerate. Take generative user interfaces, which designers can use to dynamically generate an interface in minutes. Pair them with AI agents, and the system can assume the designer’s role, taking independent actions based on how it perceives a user’s intent or need.

If the “Pay Bill” button is in a different place every third time you open a particular app because an AI decided to optimize the interface, you might feel perpetually incompetent if you can’t quickly locate it. While the industry calls this personalization, for an older adult it is a moving target.

This relentless pace of change – even when intended to be helpful – is directly at odds with age-related cognitive changes. And this dynamic is continuing with the new generation of seniors. They may be more eager to adopt new tools than the last, but wanting to use technology is not the same as being able to use it when the rules are constantly changing.

To navigate a brand new or shifting interface, your brain relies on fluid intelligence: the ability to reason, solve novel problems and ignore distractions on the fly. Unlike the knowledge that people accumulate over time, fluid intelligence naturally declines with age.

When an app updates or an AI optimizes a layout, it forces the user to discard their hard-won mental models and start over. For an older adult, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it is a taxing job for their working memory.

As an older adult participant in a study my colleagues and I conducted put it:

“I had a computer on my desk in 1980, OK, when nobody else did. So this is not a foreign language, but the changes that are made with little to no explanation and then things that you knew how to do have either changed or disappeared completely, that is the stuff that absolutely drives me, and I will tell you, every other older adult in America nuts.”

Help the helper

I believe that the way forward is to stop treating tech support as an afterthought and start designing for the technology caregiver. Digital literacy training for seniors and encouraging designing technologies for all users are important but not enough; it’s important to build tools that share the burden.

Two promising paths are emerging. First, cognitive accessibility features – like AI assistants that find buried buttons or provide real-time tech support – can offload tasks from the caregiver. Second, tools for caregivers are beginning to move beyond simply controlling device feature access to capabilities such as allowing authorized access for banking as co-users, or recording personalized instructions.

These tools will also need to be tailored: Family caregivers need different tools than community helpers like libraries and senior centers.

In the age of AI, innovation shouldn’t be a tax on the aging brain – it should help bridge the digital divide.

Debaleena Chattopadhyay, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Illinois Chicago

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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I like the idea of having a technology caregiver. I like the idea very much.

Guiding your pup through New Homes and New Faces.

… and New Routines.

Busy dog owners juggling moves, new jobs, breakups, new babies, or a new roommate often notice something unsettling: a dog who once seemed “fine” starts acting differently. These life changes affecting pets can quietly reshape household dynamics, disrupting routines that help dogs feel safe and understood. When a familiar schedule shifts, pet emotional well-being can wobble, and routine disruption may show up as clinginess, restlessness, accidents, barking, withdrawal, or other behavioral changes in pets. Knowing that these reactions are often signals, not “bad behavior”, gives dog owners a clearer, kinder way to respond.

Why Routine Keeps Dogs Feeling Secure

Dogs build comfort from repeated patterns like meal times, walks, and who comes and goes. When those patterns change, many dogs feel unsure, and their bodies switch into “alert mode.” That stress can look like pacing, panting, whining, hiding, barking, extra licking, stomach upset, or sudden accidents.

This matters because a disrupted routine can shake a dog’s emotional stability, even if nothing “bad” is happening. When you read these shifts as stress signals, you can respond with support instead of frustration. That protects trust and often prevents small issues from becoming long-term habits.

Think of a dog’s day like a familiar map. If the map suddenly changes, your dog may try different behaviors to find safety again, including sticking close or acting jumpy. With this lens, simple strategies can restore calm during moves, new family members, or schedule changes.

Use These 8 Transition Tactics to Keep Your Dog Calm

Big changes can make even a confident dog feel wobbly, because the predictable patterns they rely on suddenly shift. These tactics keep the message consistent: “You’re safe, and I’ve got you,” even when everything else looks different.

  1. Protect the “non‐negotiables” schedule: Pick 2–3 anchors that stay steady no matter what, usually breakfast, one walk, and bedtime. Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center recommends you schedule your dog’s meals and other daily needs so your dog can predict what’s coming. If your life is chaotic during a move or a new baby, keep those anchors consistent and let the “flex” stuff (like extra play) vary.
  2. Pack and unpack in “scent-safe” zones: During moving week, choose one room as your dog’s calm base camp. Set up a bed, water, and a worn T‐shirt that smells like you, and keep that room off-limits to loud packing whenever possible. On arrival, unpack your dog’s things first so the new space immediately includes familiar smells and routines.
  3. Teach a comfort cue before you need it: Pick one simple cue such as “mat” or “settle,” then practice for 1–2 minutes a few times a day when things are calm. Reward your dog for lying on a blanket or bed while you sit nearby, then gradually add tiny distractions (standing up, opening a drawer). When life changes, you’ll have a practiced “go relax here” skill instead of trying to invent calm in the moment.
  4. Introduce new people with sideways bodies and short wins: For visitors, roommates, or a new partner, ask the person to ignore your dog at first, no reaching, no hovering, no face-to-face staring. Have them toss treats past your dog so your dog can approach and retreat without pressure. Keep the first few meetings to 5–10 minutes, then take a break before your dog gets overwhelmed.
  5. Run “baby practice” or “new family member” rehearsals: If a baby or new pet is coming, rehearse the sounds and movements now. Play baby noises softly during meals, walk around holding a doll or bundled blanket, and reward calm behavior. This kind of prep matters because how much they must learn during major transitions is easy for humans to underestimate.
  6. Buffer work-schedule changes with a mini routine: If you’re leaving earlier or coming home later, shift by 10–15 minutes every couple of days rather than all at once when you can. Add a predictable “departure ritual” (quick potty, 2 minutes of gentle play, food puzzle) and a predictable “reunion ritual” (calm greeting, then outside). This prevents your comings and goings from feeling random, one of the biggest routine disruptors.
  7. Use environmental enrichment to drain stress, not hype it up: Stress often looks like restlessness, pacing, or clinginess, so give your dog a job that uses their brain and nose. Try scatter-feeding in a snuffle spot, a simple cardboard “find it” game, or a frozen food toy during the loudest parts of the day. Choose calming enrichment over high-arousal games when your dog is already on edge.
  8. Aim for “slightly easier than your dog can handle today”: When your dog is anxious, progress is tiny and steady: one step closer to the new stroller, one extra minute in the new yard, one calmer greeting. If your dog freezes, hides, or won’t take treats, the challenge is too big, back up and make it simpler. That gentle pacing helps your dog rebuild trust in their environment, which makes it much easier to keep a steady week of routines going.
  9. Habits That Build Security During Big Life Shifts
  10. When change is unavoidable, consistency becomes communication. These practices help you read your dog’s behavior with more empathy, reinforce trust through predictable patterns, and build emotional resilience a little at a time.
  11. Three-Pillar Daily Check
  12. ● What it is: Do a 60-second scan of physical wellness, cognitive wellness, and nervous system wellness.
  13. ●  How often: Daily
  14. ●  Why it helps: You catch stress early and meet needs before behavior escalates.Predictable Decompression Walk
  15. ●  What it is: Take a low-key sniff walk with no training goals and lots of choice.
  16. ●  How often: Daily
  17. ●  Why it helps: Sniffing releases tension and helps your dog feel oriented.Two-Minute Connection Rep
  18. ●  What it is: Do two minutes of gentle play, grooming, or hand-feeding with full attention.
  19. ●  How often: Daily
  20. ●  Why it helps: Micro-bonding reduces clinginess and builds confidence in you.One New Thing, Then Easy
  21. ●  What it is: Add one small novelty, then follow with a familiar, simple activity.
  22. ●  How often: 3 times weekly
  23. ●  Why it helps: Your dog learns change predicts safety, not overwhelm.Adjustment Notes Log
  24. ●  What it is: Track sleep, appetite, and triggers during the adjustment period.
  25. ●  How often: Weekly
  26. ●  Why it helps: Patterns guide smarter tweaks to your routine and environment.Common Questions About Dogs and Big Life ChangesQ: How can moving to a new home affect my dog’s emotional well-being and daily routine?
    A:     A move can unsettle your dog’s sense of safety, so you may see whining, pacing, or accidents while they learn the new map of home. Many dogs may adjust within a few weeks, especially with familiar feeding, potty, and walk times. Next steps: track what seems to trigger stress and tighten the routine around those moments.Q: What are effective strategies to help my dog adjust when our household dynamics change, such as welcoming a new baby?
    A:     Your dog may become clingy or reactive because attention, sounds, and scents suddenly change. Keep key rituals steady, add a calm “safe zone,” and reward relaxed behavior near baby related items at a distance your dog can handle. Track triggers like crying or visitors, then adjust the daily plan in tiny, repeatable steps.Q: In what ways do changes in my work schedule impact my dog’s stress levels and behavior?
  27. A: Shifts in your hours can raise uncertainty, which often shows up as barking, restlessness, or door watching. Set predictable alone time practice, use a consistent pre departure cue, and increase enrichment that does not rely on you being home. If problems cluster at certain times, log them and reorganize exercise, potty breaks, and quiet time around that pattern.
  28. Q: What signs indicate that my dog is struggling with transitions, and how can I support them?
  29. A: Look for appetite changes, sleep disruption, increased startle, hiding, sudden accidents, or new shadowing behavior. Support starts with ruling out pain or illness, then simplifying the environment and rewarding calm choices. Your best two moves are to track triggers for a week and revise the routine plan based on what your notes reveal.
  30. Q: If I feel overwhelmed balancing pet care with pursuing a new healthcare career path, what resources can help me manage both effectively?
  31. A: Feeling stretched is common, especially when you are building a new identity and schedule. Create a short, written care checklist for mornings and evenings, then ask a trusted friend, family member, or qualified pet professional to cover specific tasks during peak stress weeks. For your own transition, consider flexible, structured learning options like this resource and time blocking so your dog’s essentials stay steady while you grow.
  32. Make One Gentle Routine Shift to Help Your Dog Adjust
  33. Big life changes can leave dogs confused, clingy, or out of sorts, even when everything looks “fine” on the surface. The steadier path is empathetic pet care: notice what your dog is communicating, keep support predictable, and focus on proactive pet well-being rather than waiting for stress to spiral. Over time, supporting pets through change this way often means fewer meltdowns, faster settling, and a calmer home for everyone. When life shifts, your dog needs clarity and kindness more than perfection. Choose one strategy to start this week, and stick with it long enough to see your dog’s body and behavior soften. That steady care strengthens the human-animal bond and builds resilience for whatever comes next.

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This is a guest post from Penny Martin. It is very comprehensive, especially for dog owners who are very busy people