Sometimes Starr gets restless indoors, and that really has to do with his genetics! Starr is an Australian Shepherd, and he’s built to herd. When he was a puppy, he would chase me inside the apartment we were living in. When I was researching which dog breeds would be best for my personality and future, I truly did about 2 months of work (probably short compared to families who’ve DREAMED of having a dog in the family). It was simple. Reading descriptions on Facebook groups, looking at pet websites, nothing fancy at all.

A little backstory: I had been attending therapy that was covered by my insurance somewhere between 2018- right around the Covid-19 pandemic (first one, mind you, because I had two others up until 2025). I had a hard time adjusting to live independently, and honestly this was the only way I could find help and relief. It didn’t solve everything, but it helped to have someone guide me through some tough transitions.

Anyway, I ended up getting some advice that it would be helpful to have some kind of pet. This was so hopeful for me! Everyone’s story is going to be different about their “why” in owning pets. So, she helped “validate” my need for support. I went home that week searching on a pet website. Initially I thought that with work, I’d only be able to manage handling a rabbit (like a bunny). I even messaged the organization that was holding adoptions, letting them know I was ready to adopt.

I totally skipped a step. Remembering that I had to make sure that my apartment was okay with animals, I double checked with my leasing contract, and with the office. It turns out that rabbits are listed as a “wild animal” and they were not allowed as pets (don’t come for me with the correct legal terms).

SO! This brings me to how Starr came to my life 😊 I found a Facebook group from Australian Shepherd breeders in California (SoCal). After looking at some photos, the breeder sent me a video (which I’ve shared on my Instagram stories). I’d say that almost everything in my life (and I’m not alone) is the outcome of hard work/not hard work/opportunities/lack of. Finding Starr was the PERFECT match. I can’t think of anything more meant to be.

Fast forward to our backyard bonding moment in 2026. He gets pretty restless indoors, so I do what I have to to spend time with him—walks, treat sessions, pets… Last weekend, I was feeling pretty sad about moving out of California. Starr instantly made my day with the bonding we did in the backyard.

He was so calm, sniffed around, and followed me as I took care of chores. He found a nice spot to settle down. These simple moments I get to spend time with him make me so thankful for his presence in my life! Overall, we had a peaceful time managing restlessness by going outdoors, spending time with what nature there was, and settling down.

-Dana