Get off the Couch
New Dog, World Cup, Summer Thoughts, Books, Music
Get off the Couch
Last week, my husband and I adopted a puppy, a sweet little mix of a Golden Retriever and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with maybe something else thrown in. This mix is known as a Golden Cavalier and that is great canine branding. We named him Finn. We hope he’ll be a sweet, midsized, baby -friendly addition to the family for all generations, from our grandson Felix to my 90-year-old father-in-law. So far, so good. Unanimous enthusiasm from all for Finn.
Mainly, we took the plunge on another dog because we needed to get off the couch. Well, I speak for myself, but the after-dinner walk is good for all. We lost our German shepherd Steffi in December 2024, then a couple of my regular walking pals moved out of town, and I have to say, my walking mileage dropped for the first time in decades. Honestly, I just feel stupid walking around by myself. I know many people manage to get their 10,000 steps listening to podcasts and walking alone. But I bailed early, skipped walks all together or sat glued to the couch after dinner, letting Netflix and doomscrolling envelope me.
I sought advice.
And now every Instagram post in my algorithm is geared towards women over 60 who apparently need more protein, more strength training, more steps and something called creatine. These experts remind me that the after-dinner passiagiato, as the Italians say, is essential to aging well. Socialization, especially casual contacts with random neighbors, is a medical magic potion, according to studies. And we all know that people with dogs live longer healthier lives because that is science.
I gotta get a dog, I thought.
Let’s get a puppy, my husband suggested.
And here we are with Finn. He’s already on the job, keeping me on my toes. I’m up early playing fetch with him while drinking my coffee. During work hours, I’m running him out the side door every 60 minutes, calling, “Potty, Potty, Potty.” After dinner, we’re in the back yard playing ‘Where’s Finn?” and training. He’s almost ready for his maiden evening walk around the neighborhood once his leash manners improve. I’m up off the couch and it feels good. Thanks, Finn.
Cheers,
Lian Dolan
Pasadena, California
This Week’s To Do List
Pick a team! The World Cup starts this week in America, Mexico and Canada. And an expanded draw this year means that it’s going to hard to get on top of every game in the group stage. At our house, we pick three teams to track and root for to get a handle on this month-long tournament. My teams this year: US, Norway, and Korean Republic. Find the complete draw here.
Make this salad tonight! Thanks, Kitchen 52 for the Tomato, Nectarine and Mozzarella Salad. I am. I love a stone fruit in a summer salad— peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines. Fruit + Goat Cheese + Basil = Delish.
Don’t forget Dad! Is it me or does Father’s Day sneak up on us every year? It’s the 21st— so there still time to order one or two of these titles from Father’s Day list for 2026.
Feels Like Summer!
You need summer lists? My list of lists:
Random Thoughts on Summer, Seinfeld and Lobster Sweaters
Best Beach Bag Books Summer 2026
Find the whole list here.
Fresh Summer Jammin’ Playlist from Spotify
By Request! Seriously.
What’s on your Summer playlist? Your Book list? Your To Do List? Let me know, Pep Talkers. Leave a comment, please.
Such a little cutie.
Thank you for the reminder to keep moving and after dinner is the best time, makes for better sleep