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Healing Faith and the Love of a Little Shih Tzu
Supporting Veteran and Corrections Families through Support Gap.
After my husband Dennis transitioned from the Air Force to a career in the State Prison system,
we found ourselves in the "Support Gap" of PTSD.
Smokey’s story and my memoirs offer hope, faith, and a path to healing for Veteran and Corrections families who feel left behind.
New here? Start with Smokey's story.
If you have ever loved, healed, held on,
or found strength in unexpected places… these stories are for you.


Begin with the story that has quietly touched readers’ hearts.
For those ready for a deeper journey of healing, faith, and resilience.
Written from lived experience, faith, healing, and the quiet love that changes us.
Stories of love, healing, resilience, and the quiet lessons dogs teach us.
The Story Collection
Where every story lives.


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 2, 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


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


A Love for a Four Legged Baby That Fills Our Hearts
Smokey is our four legged baby, our heart, and our life. He fills our days with love and joy and reminds us that true love comes with fur and paws.

Sheila Buffy
Oct 27, 20255 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


The Comfort of Sleeping Beside a Dog A Shih Tzu’s Nightly Gift of Love
Smokey’s nightly presence brings peace, safety, and healing. The comfort of sleeping beside a dog is more than warmth, it is love that carries you through the night.

Sheila Buffy
Oct 11, 20252 min read


The Healing Power of a Dog’s Touch
Smokey heals with every cuddle, paw, and gentle touch. The healing power of a dog’s touch is real, and this little Shih Tzu proves love can bring calm in the darkest moments.

Sheila Buffy
Oct 8, 20252 min read
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