The Nicholberry Dispatch

The book news you've been waiting for!

BOOK NEWS

Mark your calendars for January 11^th - it is happening! It’s been almost exactly two years since I signed a contract with Celadon Books and on January 11^th, you’ll finally have the chance to pre-order what we’ve been diligently working on. What began as my Instagram account in book form evolved into a practical guide about raising an emotionally resilient dog, including peer-reviewed content on everything from potty training to therapy dogs to spay and neuter decisions. 

I can’t wait to share the title and cover with you, as I absolutely love it. Today’s Something to Love picture (below) is an outtake from the cover photo shoot and gives you some idea of the cuteness that’s heading your way. Look for details in your inbox on the 11^th!

SOMETHING TO LEARN

Rick Rubin on Accessing Creativity

What makes a creative endeavor successful? This is a question I’m pondering a lot right now. Legendary music producer Rick Rubin has really helped me in evaluating the answer to that question, particularly as it relates to the creative act (such as writing a book!). I promise I’ll link podcasts other than Huberman Lab, but this one is what’s resonating with me the most right now. 

At minute 48, Rubin has a fantastic conversation with Huberman about the red herring of outcomes. Here’s his response to the question of “how does one convince oneself that what they’re working on is worth it?”

“The question of ‘worth it’ is reliant on an outcome - we don’t make these things for outcome. It’s not the mindset to make something great. The outcome happens when you’re making the best thing you can make. It’s a devotional practice. Whatever happens after that, happens. And that part … is completely out of your control … your work is to make the best thing you can.”

SOMETHING TO READ

Creating a Healthy Gut Microbiome

As is often the case, something I’m learning about puppies informs the way I live as a human, and vice versa. In the case of the gut microbiome, it started with my anecdotal observations on how Metronidazole (a commonly prescribed antibiotic) seemed to adversely affect a puppy’s GI system. Then I discovered Dr. B (Will Bulsiewicz), a human gastroenterologist who helped put some major pieces of the puzzle together for me. His explanations about the recently discovered links between a healthy microbiome and immunity sent me down a rabbit hole on gut health. 

I’ve discovered startling similarities between humans and canines. The article above reviews the importance of a healthy gut microbiome: what it actually is, how it develops in young animals, and things we can do to support a healthy microbiome during the critical first year of life. While written for veterinarians, it’s extremely useful to any dog owner. 

“This connection between the microbiome and long-term wellness arises because the gut microbiome and immune system are intricately linked; it’s estimated that approximately 80% of immune regulation occurs in the gut.”

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

“Be the person your dog thinks you are.” - C.J. Frick

SOMETHING TO LOVE

Let’s keep changing the world, one dog at a time.

Hugs,

Kerry