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💧 Tears, Triumph, and Togetherness: Lessons from the Southeastern Newfoundland Club Weekend

  • Oct 14
  • 3 min read

Human Dog Harmony isn’t just a space for the dog sports community — it’s for everyone who wants to build a stronger, more understanding relationship with their dog. Whether you’re training for titles, working through behavior challenges, or simply learning to communicate better, we all share the same goal: connection.

That’s why I’d like to share my reflections on the close of the 2025 water training season; a weekend that captured both the joy and heartbreak that come with loving and working alongside our dogs.


I traveled to South Carolina with my dear friends Dr. Kara Miller, Jenn Hawk, and Meghan Barnard, along with Kara’s incredible dogs; Newfoundlands Barklee and Denali, and her beautiful Stabyhoun Peake. I brought my own Ada, a devoted Newfoundland partner, and Isabel, one of my tiny but mighty Chihuahuas. Both Denali and Isabel joined us because their health required extra care and attention, but their spirits were as bright as ever.


💩 A Weekend of Joy

Sunday was one of those unforgettable moments that remind you why we train, travel, and pour our hearts into this work. We watched Peake earn her WRDX title, the highest level in water rescue training. The teamwork, trust, and quiet communication between dog and handler were breathtaking. It was pure harmony, the kind that can only come from a relationship built on patience, consistency, and love.


🌈 A Goodbye Filled with Love

But the same day also brought sorrow. Sweet Denali, who had spent Saturday swimming, being loved on, and basking in the attention of her people, suddenly took a turn for the worse. That evening, surrounded by those who loved her most, she peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It was a day of contrasts — joy and grief intertwined — a reflection of what it means to share your life so fully with animals. Their time with us is never long enough, but every moment leaves a mark on who we are.


đŸ«¶ Gratitude and Reflection

As the 2025 water training season came to a close, I found myself filled with gratitude — for the friendships that make these journeys possible, for the dogs who teach us more than we could ever teach them, and for the community that lifts each other up in both celebration and loss.


A special thank-you to Cassie Iken for sharing not only her training wisdom but also her comforting perspective on loss. Her words reminded us that grief is simply love with nowhere to go — and that the connection between human and dog doesn’t end when a body fails. It continues in every ripple, every memory, every act of care we carry forward.


đŸŸ Looking Ahead

Next year, we’ll gather again — to train, to laugh, to support one another, and to continue deepening our relationships with these remarkable dogs. Because at the heart of it all, Human Dog Harmony is about that: learning from them, loving them fully, and honoring

every chapter of our shared story — joy, loss, and everything in between.

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FAQ Section

Q: What is Human Dog Harmony?A: Human Dog Harmony is a resource and community dedicated to helping people build stronger, more empathetic relationships with their dogs through science-based training, mindful care, and real stories of connection.

Q: Do I have to participate in dog sports to benefit from Human Dog Harmony?A: Not at all. While some stories feature working or sporting dogs, Human Dog Harmony is for everyone who wants to understand their dog better, communicate with compassion, and nurture a lasting bond.

Q: What is WRDX in water rescue training?A: WRDX (Water Rescue Dog Excellent) is the highest level of water work certification for Newfoundland dogs, demonstrating advanced teamwork and rescue skills.

Q: How can I cope with the loss of a beloved dog?A: Grieving a dog is deeply personal. Surround yourself with understanding people, honor your dog’s memory, and remember that love doesn’t end with loss — it transforms into gratitude.

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