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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.

Paws That Speak by Life With Smokey
A gentle Q&A series answering common dog behavior questions through real experience with Smokey. These posts explore what dogs do, why they do it, and how to understand them with patience, love, and everyday observation.


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


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


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


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


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


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


Paws That Speak: Should I Buy from a Breeder or Adopt a Dog
Should you buy from a breeder or adopt? Learn the heartfelt truth behind both paths and how Smokey’s story reminds us that love, not money, defines where a dog truly belongs.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 3, 20253 min read


Paws That Speak: How Do I Choose the Right Dog for Me
Choosing the right dog starts long before you bring one home. Smokey taught us that the perfect match is not about the breed but about finding the soul that fits yours.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 3, 20253 min read


Paws That Speak: Before Getting a Dog What to Think About First
Before getting a dog, take time to think it through. It’s not just about having a pet. It’s about opening your heart to a lifetime of love and family.

Sheila Buffy
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Why Dogs Guard the Door A Shih Tzu’s Watchful Love
Smokey guards the door not out of fear but out of love. Why dogs guard the door is a story of loyalty, instinct, and devotion that keeps families safe and hearts at peace.

Sheila Buffy
Oct 17, 20253 min read


The Secret Behind a Dog’s Stare A Shih Tzu’s Silent Promise of Love
Smokey’s eyes hold more than words ever could. The secret behind a dog’s stare is love, loyalty, and healing, all reflected in the gaze of a faithful Shih Tzu.

Sheila Buffy
Oct 14, 20253 min read


Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads When You Talk The Shih Tzu Way
Smokey tilts his head when I speak, and every tilt feels like a conversation of love. Learn why dogs tilt their heads when you talk and how this simple gesture carries deep meaning.

Sheila Buffy
Oct 4, 20252 min read


Always By Your Side: Why Dogs Follow You Everywhere – A Sign of Love and Loyalty
Smokey follows me everywhere I go, and his paws are a reminder that loyalty is not measured in size but in love. Learn why dogs shadow their humans and how this devotion heals the heart.

Sheila Buffy
Sep 26, 20253 min read


The Little Guardian How Dogs Watch Over Their Families
Even the smallest dog can carry the heart of a guardian. Smokey, our little Shih Tzu, shows us that protection is not measured in size or strength but in love, devotion, and presence. His nightly patrols and gentle touch remind us that true guardianship begins with the heart.

Sheila Buffy
Sep 22, 20253 min read
Stories of life, healing, faith, and the quiet love of a little dog named Smokey.
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