What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
This past year has been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, and some truly joyful milestones. As I sit down to reflect on everything, I can’t help but smile at how much life has changed—and how much I’ve learned along the way.
Two Books That Touched My Heart
One of the highlights of the year was writing and publishing Cooking for Your Pup and Pawrenting Guide.
• Cooking for Your Pup was inspired by my love for creating meals that bring joy to both pets and their humans. The idea of turning mealtime into a shared experience—a “dinner date” with your furry best friend—became the heart of this book. Writing it taught me how much food is more than just nourishment; it’s about connection, care, and love.
• Then came Pawrenting Guide For The New Pawrent: This book was my way of sharing the lessons I’ve learned from being a dog parent, from the chaotic to the heartwarming moments. From leashed mishaps to those little wins that make it all worthwhile, it’s been a joy to compile these stories into something that could help other pet parents navigate their own journeys.
Creating these books wasn’t just about the end result; it was about the process. The late-night writing sessions, the quiet moments of reflection, and, of course, the interruptions from my furry co-authors—all of it made the experience incredibly fulfilling.
Moving Sauli: From SF to Mumbai
Perhaps the most transformative event of the year was moving Sauli, my beloved companion, from San Francisco to Mumbai. It wasn’t just a logistical challenge; it was an emotional rollercoaster.
Sauli, with her sensitive nature, wasn’t thrilled about the idea of leaving the familiar streets of San Francisco. The first attempt to fly her out was, well, eventful. She managed to escape her crate (nearly giving everyone a heart attack in the process), which led to a weekend adventure where my friend Loretta took care of her while I figured out a better plan.
Ultimately, we made it happen. The journey involved countless hours of planning, consultations with pet relocation experts, and a lot of treats to reassure Sauli along the way. When we finally landed in Mumbai, it felt like a massive victory—not just because we’d made it, but because we’d done it together. Watching Sauli explore her new surroundings, slowly warming up to the new smells and sounds, reminded me of her resilience and adaptability.
Lessons from the Year
Looking back, I realize that every event—whether it was publishing books or moving continents with Sauli—taught me something valuable:
1. Resilience Pays Off
Whether it was editing manuscripts for the 10th time or navigating international pet relocation rules, persistence made all the difference. Every hurdle became a stepping stone to something greater.
2. Creativity Blossoms in Chaos
The funny thing about writing books while managing a move is that inspiration tends to strike in the strangest moments. Some of my best ideas for Pawrenting Guide came while trying to coax Sauli out of her crate or watching her cautiously sniff around our new home in Mumbai.
3. Love Knows No Boundaries
Moving Sauli to Mumbai wasn’t just about logistics—it was about ensuring she felt safe and loved, no matter where we were. That journey reaffirmed my belief that the love we share with our pets transcends borders and challenges.
Looking Ahead
As I think about the future, I feel a mix of excitement and gratitude. Writing has opened doors I didn’t know existed, and being a pet parent continues to teach me lessons I couldn’t learn anywhere else. I’m excited to see where the next year takes us—me, Sauli, and anyone who joins us along the way.
Here’s to another year of growth, joy, and maybe a few more books! And here’s to Sauli, my constant companion, who makes every adventure worth it.
Let Your Pawrenting Journey Begin 