Welcome to our cozy corner of the internet! I’m Seda, dog mom, sociology PhD candidate, art and nature enthusiast, and the proud creator behind Cookie’s social media adventures. This blog is a heartfelt blend of mental health advocacy and dedicated dog parenting, forming a community grounded in empathy, understanding, and mutual growth.

My story began in the vibrant city of Istanbul. In 2020, my journey took me across the globe to Pittsburgh, where I started pursuing my doctorate in sociology, exploring politics, academia, and social change. It was during this pivotal chapter of my life that Cookie entered the picture and quickly became my most cherished companion.

Cookie was not your typical puppy; she joined my life carrying a mysterious past and plenty of anxiety and reactivity. As a first-time dog parent, I quickly realized our path would be filled with unique challenges. Early days were tough as I navigated this unfamiliar territory, unintentionally intensifying her anxieties by taking her to dog parks and introducing her to unfamiliar situations without proper preparation. Every mistake, though difficult, became a powerful learning experience.

Our journey eventually found direction through patience, education, and determination. Compassionate trainers, positive reinforcement techniques, and even medication played crucial roles in our progress. Yet, life with a reactive dog is anything but straightforward; it’s an ongoing journey of highs, lows, and valuable lessons.

I created this blog to share these experiences authentically—the challenges, triumphs, setbacks, and personal growth moments that come with raising a reactive and anxious dog. You’ll find genuine stories about our everyday life, emotional discoveries, and the many lessons we’ve learned along the way. Additionally, I’ll share honest reviews about dog gear, supplements, and foods that have significantly helped Cookie, alongside insightful recommendations of books, studies, and articles that enrich our training strategies and overall approach.

Mental health is deeply interwoven into our story. Navigating my own anxiety and stress while caring for a reactive dog has profoundly impacted my emotional journey. This blog is a space for open conversations about the intertwined mental wellness of humans and their dogs. I’m not an expert; I’m simply committed to honest and vulnerable dialogue.

Cookie is truly the heart of our adventures. She’s fiercely loyal, playful, energetic, and happiest when close to me. Her favorite treats include peanut butter and blueberries, though pumpkin-flavored snacks are firmly off-limits! Her boundless joy reminds me daily of the incredible resilience and unconditional love dogs bring into our lives.

If you’re a fellow reactive dog parent who is also passionate about mental health, or simply interested in connecting within a supportive community, this space welcomes you warmly. Together, we’ll celebrate every small victory, support each other through tough times, and grow stronger through shared experiences.

Thank you for being here and joining us on this remarkable, heartfelt journey!

Seda & Cookie