Holly’s New Beginning (and Mine)

Welcome to Episode 5 of **Retired and Inspired**—the podcast that celebrates what’s possible after you leave the 9-to-5 behind.

In this episode, I share the story of bringing Holly home — a newly adopted rescue dog — and what those first few days really looked like. From quiet couch time to short walks, temporary separations, and managing my own expectations, this episode is about patience, trust, and letting a rescue dog set the pace.

Welcoming a rescue dog into your home isn’t about instant bonding or busy schedules — it’s about slowing down. In this episode, I talk through Holly’s first days at home: why doing “nothing” was actually the best choice, and introducing new environments gradually. This episode is for anyone who has adopted (or is thinking of adopting) a rescue dog and wonders if they’re doing enough — or maybe doing too much. It is also about learning through new chapters in life. Holly’s story is a reminder that progress often looks quiet.

Topics Covered:

• The emotional reality of the first days with a rescue dog

• • Why decompression time matters
• • Reading subtle signs of stress vs. readiness to engage
• • Couch time as a legitimate bonding activity
• • Short walks, routine, and predictability
• • Trust-building for both dog and human

• Key Takeaways:

• • Calm is productive
• • You don’t need to entertain a rescue dog
• • Small wins matter
• • Trust builds through consistency, not intensity

• Resources Mentioned:

• • Rescue dog “decompression period” concept
• • Crate/kennel as a safe space (not confinement)
• • Trusted friends as transitional caregivers

• (You can add links here if you want)

• Who This Episode Is For:

• • New rescue dog guardians
• • Anyone feeling anxious about ‘doing it right’
• • People navigating change, patience, and trust — with pets or in life