Issue #007: My Dog, the Supermodel
Lucky never knew she was “just a dog.”
She moved through the world confident, friendly, and utterly convinced that people were good and connection was inevitable. Wherever she went, she expected warmth, and usually got it.
She was happy. She was curious. And she was always right where the people were.
Some of you know this already, but one of my favorite ideas from Dr. Ned Hallowell is that Connection is "the other Vitamin C."
Not optional. Not a bonus. A core nutrient for mental health.
We don’t just need one source of connection — we need many:
- People who see us
- Animals who regulate us
- Places where our nervous system can exhale
- Shared interests that bring us together naturally
Lucky was a walking source of the other Vitamin C.
This photo of our bathtub delivery for a bathroom remodel still makes me smile.
Connection doesn’t have to be fancy.
It just has to be real.
Over the years, Lucky connected us to neighbors, friends, trails, rivers, and long conversations we might not have had otherwise. Including our dear friends who used to live next door — the ones who invented the Chuckit ball launcher in their garage, now available everywhere.
We became dear friends. Lucky tested prototypes. And somehow… she ended up on the cover. A true supermodel!
As we move through this quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s, I’ve been thinking about how powerful it can be to do a gentle connection audit — not a life overhaul, just a noticing.
You might ask yourself:
- Who helps my nervous system settle?
- Who do I laugh easily with?
- Where do I feel most like myself?
- What kinds of connection do I want more of in 2026?
One of my favorite reminders is this:
Everyone deserves a good friend — and a spare.
No single person can be everything. We’re wired for community.
It can also help to get specific.
Try describing your ideal friend — not to force anything, but so you recognize them when they appear. Most often, we meet our people through shared strengths and interests, not effort or hustle.
Lucky grew up alongside our boys.
So many seasons. So much steady presence.
And finally, this one — calm, grounded, fully herself.
Lucky brought us years of joy, regulation, and quiet companionship — without ever trying.
We’re deeply grateful. We’re going to miss you Lucky girl!
(Lucky passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family).
All my best,
Debbie Steinberg, LMFT