I’ve been wanting to do a 5K for quite some time but because of Post Traumatic Stress never found the courage to follow through until my friends Valari and Xandy inspired me. Over the years, I watched them collect money for the Dempsey Challenge 5K, talk about how the experience inspires them, and get their … More Dempsey Challenge 5K in Honor of My Late Father William R. Stowell (2015)
The White Mountain National Forest is located in the mountains of western Maine and New Hampshire. One of the entry points to the area is through Gilead, Maine about 20 miles from where we live. I spent a lot of my childhood in this area because this is where my mom grew up. I didn’t … More Camping with Onyx in the White Mountain National Forest (2014)
As I am gaining strength mentally, I am working on getting my body in the here and now as well. Thankfully because of my service dog, I can get over the paralyzing feeling of anxiety and get the heck up on out of my house. I look forward to having an excuse to leave the … More The Power of Service Dogs: Overcoming PTSD with Onyx
At thirty, you think you still have time. Time to ask more questions. Time to sit a little longer at the kitchen table. Time to notice the small things—like how your father always paused before answering, not because he didn’t know what to say, but because he wanted to say it right. You don’t expect … More Navigating Life After Losing a Parent: Jennifer, Lee, Onyx and Sarge Visit William R. Stowell’s Gravesite on the 12th Anniversary of Death (September 14, 2013)
Jennifer got Onyx in May 2013 at a program for veterans called K9s for Warriors. Not only was Onyx an awesome companion during some of the most difficult times in our lives but the woman who ran K9s for Warriors with her son was a loving person we all referred to as “mom.” She really … More A Quiet Lifeline: How Onyx Helped Us Survive Relentless Online Bullying; Jennifer, Lee and Onyx Go For a Jeep Ride in Western Maine (August 10, 2013)
Jennifer and Lee 