Our family grew by one more member this week.

It's been 13 years since I said goodbye to my childhood pets and headed off to college, telling myself I'll get pets of my own once I graduate.

But life had other plans - international moves, degrees, adventures, burnout, starting coaching.

Our last childhood pet, the regal Brian the Cat, died earlier this year. He was the subject of my first blog post as a coach. It was cathartic and also insightful to reflect on how we can use "tech" well - in this case, the messages, video calls, and photos that supported my grieving process living so far away when he died (purposely-digital.com/g…).

And now, here he is - our new friend, a senior dog in need of a quiet home to "retire" to. Sleeping next to me as I write this, with a surprisingly loud snore for such a little (yet chunky) guy.

My heart is full. He's already supported me in slowing down, getting into nature, and living with more intention. He's shy. He needs patience, and as I give him more patience, I find myself also gifting myself some, too.

Here's to the beauty of pets to draw us into the world and experience it fully with them.

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Hello, I’m Sarah - a bubbly, neurodivergent, & beautifully sensitive human. I’m a trained AI ethicist and empowerment coach. Let’s reflect on being human in a datafied word together. :)