““🐾 Be the Person Dogs Like (And Why That Matters More Than You Think)””

Good Monday Morning, Friends—

The coffee’s hot, the puppies are wiggly, and the week is already unfolding with its usual swirl of calendars, conversations, and choices. As I sat down to plan the week—scheduling meetings, jotting down notes for a few upcoming client stories, and mapping out a new blog series—I paused to post something I’ve always believed:

“If people don’t like you, it’s okay. You only need to be concerned if dogs don’t like you. Then it’s time for some self-reflection.”

I guess the reason I was pondering that this morning is because—if I’m being honest—sometimes I frustrate or upset people and I truly don’t know why. It’s not intentional. In fact, I often feel like I spend a lot of my energy trying to please everyone. But the truth is—you just can’t do that. No matter how much love you give, not everyone will understand your heart. And that’s okay. That’s why this little saying brings me so much peace.

It’s funny. It’s light. But it also holds a whole heap of truth.
Let’s unpack that.

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🐶 Why Dogs Are a Better Judge of Character Than We Realize

Science actually backs this up: dogs are incredibly perceptive social creatures. They watch our body language, tone of voice, posture, and even facial expressions to make sense of the world—and us.

A fascinating study from Kyoto University—one of Japan’s most prestigious research universities, known worldwide for its work in psychology and animal behavior—found that dogs can detect untrustworthy behavior. In the experiment, dogs observed humans giving misleading cues and then ignored future commands from those same people. In short: once trust was broken, the dogs didn’t forget.

That’s something to think about, isn’t it?

Dogs don’t care about your title. They don’t care how curated your social feed is.
They don’t care if you drive a Tesla or a tractor.
But they care deeply—instinctively—about how you treat others.

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🌼 How This Applies to Our Everyday Lives

This week, I challenge all of us (myself included!) to be the kind of person that a good dog would wag their tail at. What does that mean?
•   Be consistent. Dogs love routine, and so do people. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
•   Be calm. Dogs pick up on anxiety and aggression. So do humans. Choose peace where you can.
•   Be kind. Dogs love those who speak gently, treat others with respect, and give without expectation.
•   Be honest. Our pups can sense when something’s off. So can your team, your kids, your spouse. Be real.

I know we all have full plates and swirling schedules. But we’re never too busy to be a little more present, patient, and positive. That’s what your dog loves about you. And that’s what the world needs more of right now.

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🐾 A Peek Into My Week

This week at the farm and beyond, we’ve got plenty of tail-wagging action happening:
•   I’m in full editing mode on our website, making sure the heart of our story shines through on every page.
•   We’re reviewing our Doodle Prep School students to see who needs updated photos and bios—because every puppy deserves their moment to shine.
•   We’re prepping the Chapel Barn for some extra-special Gotcha Day experiences—always one of our favorite moments when puppies meet their forever families.
•   This afternoon at 5:30 PM, we’re hosting our Doodle Social Club Happy Hour. If you’re not a subscriber on Facebook yet, now’s the perfect time to join us and be part of this warm, joyful community.
•   I’m deep in planning mode for our new pet boutique and grooming salon in Loxley—Fletch & Lo—and it’s coming together beautifully.
•   We’re preparing our guesthouse, Mon Sherri, so clients can begin reserving it for unforgettable Gotcha Day stays and experiences.
•   I’m finalizing a few new retirements for our parent dogs, which is always a big emotional decision. These amazing mamas and papas have given so much, and now it’s time to find them loving forever homes to enjoy their next season of life.
•   And of course, we’re putting the finishing touches on our new Doodle T-shirt design—because who doesn’t love a little branded cuteness?

It’s a full week, but every bit of it reminds me why I do what I do.

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💖 Final Thought

So, as we step into a new week together, here’s your gentle reminder:

You don’t need everyone to like you.
You just need to be a person who shows up with warmth, honesty, and a heart that’s safe to be around.

Be the kind of soul a dog would trust with their belly.
That’s the kind of soul the world is lucky to know.

Happy Monday. Let’s go love well, lead well, and wag more than we bark.
—Sherri 🐾