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Healing Faith and the Love of a Little Shih Tzu
Smokey’s story and Sheila’s memoirs will warm your heart, lift your spirit,
and remind you that hope can return in gentle and unexpected ways.
New here? Start with Smokey's story.
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Paws That Speak: Why Does My Dog Lick the Floor
If you are wondering why does my dog lick the floor, the answer often lies in curiosity, scent exploration, and calm self soothing rather than bad behavior.

Sheila Buffy
Jan 33 min read
Why Dogs Sit Close When We’re Struggling
When someone we love is struggling, dogs often seem to know before words are spoken. Smokey’s quiet closeness has shown us how presence, not fixing, can bring comfort during difficult moments.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 31, 20251 min read


The Small Things Smokey Does That Make Everything Better
Smokey never tries to fix anything. He simply shows up. This gentle reflection explores the small things Smokey does every day that quietly bring comfort, calm, and a sense of peace into our lives.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Paws That Speak: Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much
Paws That Speak. Understanding dog behavior through quiet moments, trust, and connection.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 15, 20253 min read


Inside the Quiet World of PTSD and How Love Helps Us Heal
PTSD creates a quiet world most people never see. This heartfelt story shares what living with PTSD feels like inside, how love helps us heal, and how a small dog named Smokey brings comfort through the hardest moments.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 11, 20254 min read


Paws That Speak: Why does my dog stare at me
A dog’s stare is never just a stare. It is a quiet language of love. When your dog looks at you, they are not just watching you. They are choosing you.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 11, 20253 min read


Smokey Christmas Countdown Day 3 to Day 11 A Magical Week With My Family
Follow Smokey the Shih Tzu in the Smokey Christmas Countdown as he shares magical moments, heartwarming memories, and funny adorable adventures from Day 3 to Day 11.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 11, 20253 min read


Paws That Speak: Why Does My Dog Bark at Nothing
Dogs do not bark at nothing. They react to sounds and moments far beyond what we notice. Smokey’s little roars reminded me that protection is love, even when it comes from a tiny lion heart.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Smokey Christmas Countdown Day 1
This is my sixth Christmas with Mom and something magical is waking up in our home. She keeps smiling like she has a holiday secret and my little Shih Tzu heart can feel it. I know something joyful is coming and I am ready for our Christmas adventure to begin.

Sheila Buffy
Dec 1, 20252 min read


Smokey Thanksgiving Story: A Thanksgiving Chat About Mom Working and Love Still Happening
Thanksgiving looks different for us because Mom works, but love still fills our day. I wait for her with Dad, sometimes two hours early, because being close to where she is makes me feel safe. For me, Thanksgiving is every day. I am thankful to God the Father and His Son Jesus for creating me and giving me the best mom and dad. If you feel down, you are not alone. You got me.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Paws That Speak: How Often Should I Bathe My Dog by Coat Type
Learn how often to bathe your dog based on coat type with a gentle, personal look at Smokey’s grooming routine. A warm guide for caring dog owners who want the best for their pets.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 25, 20253 min read


Smokey’s Story: The Magic of Shih Tzu Ears
The Importance of Ears in a Shih Tzu's Life Hi beautiful people. It is me, Smokey the Shih Tzu. Today, I want to talk about something very special: my ears. Yes, these soft and fluffy Shih Tzu ears hear everything. And I mean everything. People think ears are just ears. But for dogs like me, especially Shih Tzus, ears are much more. My ears help me understand the world. They tell me when you are happy. They tell me when you are sad. They even tell me when cheese is being unw

Sheila Buffy
Nov 18, 20253 min read


Life With Smokey: The Little Dog That Saved Us and the Love That Never Let Go
The story of a Shih Tzu named Smokey who helped heal a family’s heart through love, faith, and hope.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 13, 20253 min read


Paws That Speak: What’s My Backup Plan If I Can’t Keep My Dog One Day
Life can be unpredictable. Having a backup plan for your dog ensures that no matter what happens one day, they’ll always be safe and loved.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 8, 20252 min read


Paws That Speak: Do I Plan to Have Kids and How a Dog Fits Into Your Life
Wondering how a dog fits into your future Whether you are building a family or creating a life full of love and purpose, dogs remind us that family is about heart, not structure.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 8, 20252 min read


The Beauty and Challenge of Shih Tzu Eye Care
Shih Tzu eyes are full of love, trust, and emotion, but their beauty comes with challenges. When Smokey faced an eye injury, I learned how delicate these little eyes can be and how important gentle and consistent care is. From tear stains to dry eyes, each moment reminded me that love means patience, attention, and faith in healing one blink at a time.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 6, 20254 min read


Paws That Speak: How to Choose Between a Male or Female Dog
Paws That Speak. Understanding dog behavior through quiet moments, trust, and connection. Smokey’s Story When we first decided to get a dog, I honestly didn’t know that choosing between a male or female mattered much. I wasn’t thinking about personality differences or training styles. I just wanted a little fur baby to love. The day we saw Smokey, that question didn’t even cross our minds. The moment I saw his little face and those shiny eyes, something in me said he was the

Sheila Buffy
Nov 4, 20252 min read


Paws That Speak: Is Your Home Dog Ready? Creating a Safe Space
Paws That Speak. Understanding dog behavior through quiet moments, trust, and connection. Smokey’s Story When we brought Smokey home after our Florida trip, we didn’t really prepare the house at all. We had no gates, no special setup, and no long checklist. We simply brought him home and figured we would learn as we go. It was strange because Smokey just seemed to know his place right away. He never chewed on wires or scraped his teeth on the wood chairs. He never tried to cl

Sheila Buffy
Nov 4, 20253 min read


Paws That Speak: Can You Really Afford a Dog? The Hidden Costs of Love
Before bringing home a dog, take a closer look at the real costs and the priceless joy that come with unconditional love

Sheila Buffy
Nov 4, 20253 min read


Caring for Shih Tzu Paws The Daily Ritual That Keeps Smokey Happy
Caring for Smokey’s paws is a daily act of love that keeps him healthy and reminds me how small moments build lasting bonds.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 3, 20253 min read
Stories of life, healing, faith, and the quiet love of a little dog named Smokey.
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