Leash Tugs and Empty Mugs

Culture

I can’t be the only one… ever wish that you could live off the grid for a couple of hours or a weekend or, heck, even a week? Well, this may not be entirely off the grid but could almost feel like it. How about living in a town where your commute is literally a walk across your own front yard? Now we’re talking. Welcome to Monowi, Nebraska—arid plains, zero traffic, and exactly one neighbor: you (the best neighbor one could hope for).

As of the 2010 and 2020 consuses, Monowi officially has a population of one! Her name is Elsie. Seriously, no census shenanigans, no missing neighbors - just Elsie. What would one do in this setting? Well, Elsie wears every hat as you might imagine - mayor, bartender, librarian, treasurer, etc. You name it. She even issues her own liquor license and files taxes … get this… to herself!

The cozy tavern she runs includes burger, beer, and barstool. The one-room library she maintains honors her late husband, Rudy, with approximately 5,000 books (pretty solid for one person). Every year, Elsie draws top the town’s road plan, renews funding for a handful of streetlights, and pays herself taxes (my favorite part).

You obviously won’t get the tea on neighborly gossip here, but you could swing by to snap up some pics, grab that classic burger, and look left and right at the singular town. Monowi encapsulates a charm that bigger towns can’t deliver: peace, personality, and (some might say) a dash of absurdity. It’s a live case study of civic duty, DIY governance, and the world’s smallest mayoral staff.

From $3,500 to remove a chew toy, to $7,000 for a hip replacement, keeping your pets healthy is getting more and more expensive. Fortunately, pet insurance can help offset these rising costs. Pet insurance can cover eligible accidents and illnesses with up to 90% reimbursement. Get your buddy covered today with plans starting at just $10 a month.

PROTECT YOUR PET

Thought-provoking: Surprisingly, I’ve never pondered this
How to respond?: My dog is so logical
Monday morning face: Is this a mirror?

What’s Wrong With Your Dog

Leash reactivity is one of those things that turns a pleasant walk into an embarrassing street performance (my dog surely wins the Emmy). One second, you're strolling the block with your pup, the next you're wrapped around a street sign while your dog is screaming at a squirrel like it owes him money.

But check it - leash reactivity isn't about your dog being aggressive or “bad.” It’s usually about two things: frustration and fear. The leash restricts your dog’s ability to move freely, and that can feel like being trapped with no options. So they bark, lunge, and act very extra to make the stress go away.

Here’s how to calm the chaos:

1. Change your proximity, not your power.
Instead of jerking the leash or trying to "alpha" your dog into submission (which doesn't work, by the way), try increasing the distance between your dog and their trigger—whether it’s another dog, a jogger, or a suspicious-looking trash can. The more space you give, the less pressure they feel to react.

2. Reward for noticing, not reacting.
The moment your dog spots a trigger and doesn’t go full Cujo, reward them. Quiet praise, a treat, or even letting them sniff something interesting can reinforce the idea that calm gets them good things.

3. Use your leash like a conversation, not a steering wheel.
A taut leash is like a tense text message in the sense that nobody's at their best. Use a slack leash, and guide your dog gently. If they start to fixate, call their name cheerfully and pivot. Movement breaks the trance.

4. Build in “safe zone” walks.
Not every walk has to be exposure therapy. Give your dog regular decompression walks where there are minimal triggers. It lowers their baseline stress and helps all the training stick.

This isn’t a quick fix, but it is fixable. You’re not walking a monster. You’re walking a dog who just doesn’t know how to feel safe yet. Teach them that safety comes from you, and you’ll both be walking easier soon (ok, let’s be real, soon-ish).

Want more training tips like this one? Subscribe to Fido Family and receive weekly health, training, and happiness stories lessons. You’ll be teaching other people in weeks.

Father’s Day

Need a Last-Minute Father’s Day Card? We’ve Got You (and Your Dog) Covered! 🐾

Father’s Day is this Sunday - don’t panic. Whether the thanks is coming from the kids, the dog, or the whole crew, we’ve made it easy (and adorable) to celebrate Dad.

Choose from four printable cards, ready for instant download. Just print, color, and personalize with a heartfelt message. It’s the fastest way to make Dad smile without a last-minute store run.

🎨 Options include:
– From the Dog
– From the Son
– From the Daughter
– From the Kids

Bonus: Coloring the card together makes it even more memorable (and yes, dogs can supervise).

Chuckle

The fib is C. Founded in 1903, Monowi peaked around 1930s population ~123–150.

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