This month, we’re honored to feature a duo whose journey reflects unwavering patience, personal growth, and the deep love that drives meaningful transformation. Meet Laurie-Anne and Obi (short for Obi-Wan)—a powerhouse pair who have walked through frustration, fear, and uncertainty to arrive at something extraordinary: mutual trust.
When Laurie-Anne first adopted Obi in 2021, she quickly realized she had a spirited, complex pup on her hands. A rescue from Kentucky and a “COVID dog,” Obi was big, bouncy, and full of energy—too much, at times. Early days were marked by sleepless nights, separation anxiety, and serious doubts. Laurie-Anne admits she once felt she wasn’t the right guardian for him. But instead of giving up, she leaned in.
Over the years, this team has attended over 100 Golden Dog adventures together, learning how to navigate reactivity, overexcitement, and the overwhelm of daily life. Obi’s challenges—especially around triggers like trash trucks—once felt insurmountable. But in April 2025, something amazing happened: faced with a trash truck just feet away, Obi looked to Laurie-Anne, sat calmly, and stayed focused—no barking, no lunging, no panic. A milestone moment, years in the making.
Laurie-Anne’s growth has been just as profound. With the help of our reactive dog support network and behavior experts like Monica Allaire-McMahon of Barrington Barks & Behavior, she’s embraced the slow dog movement, enrichment-based routines, canine meditation, and even scatter feeding. Obi’s pain is now better managed, and his world has expanded to include playdates with dog friends Nora and Henry at local Sniffspots.
Perhaps most inspiring is Laurie-Anne’s honest self-reflection. She’s done the internal work to understand what Obi needs from her, not just what she needs from him. She’s learned to slow down, shift expectations, and create a lifestyle where Obi can thrive—and in doing so, she’s helped others in the Golden Dog community feel seen, supported, and encouraged to keep showing up, even on the hard days.
Laurie-Anne and Obi remind us that the journey with a reactive or misunderstood dog isn’t always easy—but with the right tools, community, and heart, it can be profoundly rewarding.
Congratulations to Laurie-Anne and Obi, our September Adventure Duo of the Month. Your story inspires us all!
