Labels Lie: How Our Bulldog Showed Us the Power of Reinvention

Listen to an expanded conversation around this newsletter:

We unearthed an old video of us chatting about our unforgettable bulldog, Dozer—and wow, the memories it brought back! Dozer was a 110-pound white bulldog with a personality that could melt anyone’s heart. At first glance, his size might have seemed intimidating, but he was the embodiment of calm. On our walks, he’d lazily saunter by people and other dogs without a care in the world. Even when other dogs barked and lunged, trying to rile him up, Dozer would literally ignore them like the zen master he was. His bursts of energy were hilarious but brief—5 or 10 minutes of playful chaos before he was ready to snooze the day away. He wasn’t an outdoorsy guy either; if he ventured out, he’d soon be pawing at the door to get back inside. To us, he was our big, sweet, slightly lazy house companion.

What Labels are You Wearing?

Dozer’s transformation got us thinking about the labels we slap on ourselves—often without even realizing it. How many of us are walking through life boxed in by labels like “shy,” “not creative,” “too old,” or “not athletic”? These labels can trap us, keeping us from discovering what we’re truly capable of.

But here’s the thing: what if there’s an untapped, passionate side of you just waiting to be unleashed? What if you’re one new experience away from a revelation about who you really are?

So, here’s your challenge: this weekend, step out of your comfort zone. Try something you’ve been hesitant about. Say yes to an opportunity that scares you a little. Let go of the labels and see where it takes you. Who knows? You might just find your own inner cow dog—and surprise yourself in the best way possible!

Life Updates:

• Bart spent the week roping in Wickenburg, AZ and one day in Vegas. They got outside of Kingman, AZ and heard a noise outside the horse trailer. They couldn’t find it, so they got to Wickenburg and pulled off both tires that had a squeal in them. They found out it was on the opposite side… so off to the tire shop they went. A spring had to be replaced inside the brake. THEN he borrowed a trailer from his buddy… the second time he used it he pulled into the roping and one of the tires came off the spindle. The tire rolled past a guy that was having a cup of coffee and he just kept rolling it right on over to them. Bart was worried they were going to have to go find a tire… but there it was! Back to the tire shop they went! When you borrow something, you fix it! He got it fixed and went back, loaded up horses, went over to a friend’s house and roped a set of steers. Off to Vegas they went! It was dark when they got there; James (Bart’s traveling companion) went to back the trailer. As he was pulling forward, he failed to see a small metal dumpster that he ran right into on the side of the trailer. Ooooo! Got up the next morning, went to another roping, and drove home. Bart competed extremely well, had a ton of fun, but didn’t bring home the money this time!

• Sunny spent the week at home just keeping up on candle orders, keeping Xander fed and off to school, and of course working on the business! Xander and Sunny also went to play some pickleball and went out to dinner together 🙂 

• Other than that, we’re back for the week and looking forward to all the things each new day brings!

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