Michael Stark

Most know that Kira is a pretty independent dog. She doesn’t ask for much. She likes her space. But once a day or so, she reminds me that I’m her person. We connect eyes. And in those moments, all is well.

For the past few years, Alisha & I have done the same hike as the Aspens begin to glow. It’s one of my favorite days of the year. It never disappoints, and we were happy that John was here to join us this year. But Kira decided she was done hiking after 5 miles 😂

Happy Friday from a happy Hudson.

Long weekends in the mountains to camp & hike never get old.

Take me back to where Sundays aren’t scary and the impending doom of a day on Zoom doesn’t exist.

We went open sea kayaking today for 10 miles along Kauai’s Na Pali coast. Genuinely one of the most challenging physical activities I’ve ever done, and I may or may not have been terrified for my life the vast majority of it due to the sea conditions. Maybe the guide at the beginning saying “trauma makes good memories” should have been a sign 😬 Anyway, it was stunning. A pod of dolphins came right up to us. And more than anything, Alisha delighted in something she has always wanted to do.

Give us a blank canvas and we’ll paint. Today compared to a year ago.

All smiles for an abundance of sunshine & warmth. @alishameserve

This week I travelled across the country with my wife & friends to watch my Phillies play baseball games that didn’t matter while picnicking in the outfield. It was grand.

Weekend vibes when you’re snowed in by an arctic blast.

Hudson & Kira on Santa’s Good Dogs list confirmed.

Our sweet Cooper. We said goodbye last week, and our hearts are still broken. While Coop was getting older, we didn’t anticipate what occurred last Tuesday, which was our last day with our sweet boy. We’re believers that dogs are souls, and the connection & trust that exists between dogs and dog parents is real, and it’s deep. And there was no deeper connection than that shared between Alisha & Cooper. The way they cared for each other was one of the most special things to see and take part in. Cooper had an abundance of love for us and for so many others. Coop was only in my life for the last 4 years or so. But he was in Alisha’s life for over 13. He guided Alisha through so many seasons and changes. And what’s been so clear, especially in the last week, is just how many lives he touched, and how many people loved Cooper so much over these 13 years. Cooper was loyal. He was caring. And he was the most soulful being. When you looked into his eyes, you connected with him. Oh, and he would always eat holes in my lawn. Buddy boy, how I miss our lawn care battles. Don’t worry, you’re still the goodest boy. 13 years was far too few for this beautiful soul. We miss Cooper deeply and life won’t ever be the same without him. Alisha, Hudson, Kira, & I will remember him every day.