Agility Training • Alex & Linley 🐾

May 30, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

In 2017 when I first rescued Linley, I knew I wanted to sign him up for training. Lin wasn’t a bad dog by any means, but he had a lot of anxiety and abandonment issues prior to finding his way to my heart. Plus I figured it’d be great bonding for us, because he was still figuring me out.

Proud boy

On Christmas last year, I wanted to do something special for Alex and Linley to give them the same experience. The founder of Linley’s dog hiking group, Two Chicks and a Pack, recommended Megan at Primed Instincts for dog agility training here in Atlanta. I signed the boys up right away, and they had the best time together!

And here’s some videos if you want to see the guys in action:

I was lucky enough to watch the last two weeks of the agility trainings, and seeing my two favorite fellas always melts my heart! It was cute to see Linley smiling through all the obstacles, and he’d get so serious when following Alex for a treat. And it was awesome to see Alex so serious too; it was like they were both in “work mode.”

Even an 11-year-old dog can learn new tricks, so never sell yourself short 😉

Media taken Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Walker Park in Atlanta, GA

Celebrating Alex in North Georgia

May 21, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Alex’s birthday was Saturday, and we had a great time in the mountains of North Georgia! We started our morning with a hike on Blood Mountain where we had stunning views all around us. It was a nice spot to rest, and we even saw a blue lizard scurry nearby.

After our hike, we grabbed lunch at a local spot in downtown Dahlonega that we love so much. We sat outside, enjoyed some sweet tea and seafood, and Linley got even more attention than our birthday boy.

After realizing that Linley had a tick on him in the car (we’re all good, thank goodness!), we enjoyed more stunning views at a winery Alex loves. I’m doing an alcohol-free year but I enjoyed a Sprite while Alex enjoyed a glass of red wine. All three of us were basking in the sun and enjoying the moment together.

Before we knew it, it was time to head home. We look forward to next time!

Photos taken Saturday, May 16, 2026

Finding community in adulthood

May 17, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

I started my own business this year because I once felt extremely lonely: lonely where I lived, lonely in my own family, lonely in my workplace and even lonely in some of my friendships. According to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, over half of adults in the United States feel lonely and isolated from others. I want to help others who feel how I used to just a handful of years ago. It’s incredibly important to find community whether you’re going through a major life change like relocation, a breakup or divorce, job loss (or like me: a combination of all three) and more.

I’m sharing who makes up part of my new community because it’s possible for anyone who feels lonely to feel supported and loved; I can promise you that! One year ago I was really wondering if my community was truly stable here – because my life is normally filled with instability and chaos – and it is as strong as it can be. And that’s what everyone deserves. 🫶

Linley and me at an Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club event

Celebrating with my Aunt, Uncle and pup cousin, Ellie!

Atlanta United game with our best friends

Hanging out with our friends Devin and Colin

Dinner with Joss, who is also part of the Atlanta dog mom group!

Happy birthday to my best friend! 💕

May 14, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Carolyn and I started as blind roommates in France, and we’ve been best friends ever since. Cheers to dozens and dozens more years of friendship and even more after that! 🥰

Loving spring in Atlanta 🌸

March 27, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Don’t get me wrong: I love our roadtrips and weekends away. But there’s something extra special about being home in Atlanta this time of year. It’s not nearly as drastic as Michigan’s winter-to-spring transition, but laying out in the sun, listening to soul music in the park nearby is something I don’t take for granted here.

The last couple weekends have been so much fun, and I know this weekend will be no exception. We’ve even stayed busy during the week, because there’s no point in living for the weekend (in my humble opinion 😉).

Here’s some highlights that have brought me sheer enjoyment and smiles from ear to ear:

Enjoying some beautiful sunrises and sunsets

An afternoon with Linley

My first Atlanta United game of the season

Another fun dog mom social club event (and checking out a new trail!)

Painting Linley at Piedmont Park

Seeing Linley after his Two Chicks and a Pack hike

I can’t wait for more fun, but enjoying these moments has been exactly what I’ve needed!

Photography taken March 2026

Hiking with the guys in North Carolina

March 5, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Something I always enjoyed doing with Linley was hiking, so the fact that I have a husband and friends who want to tag along is so much fun; the more the merrier! We found a hiking trail near our AirBnB last weekend and it was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Although it was warmer and a steeper slope than we expected, we had a ton of fun!

After a couple good meals for lunch and dinner, and LOTS of laughs, we enjoyed a cozy night in.

Next stop: Florida!

Media taken Saturday, February 28 in North Carolina

Foggy Sunrises

March 4, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

In my previous post, I talked about my appreciation for a good sunset nowadays. But if you’ve been following along for a while and remember some of my Chicago dog beach posts, y’all know how much I love a good sunrise! It’s a start of a new day, chapter or beginning in general. And sharing those quiet moments with Linley has meant the world to me over the course of these eight and a half years! Last weekend in North Carolina was no exception of that…

Saturday morning

Sunday morning

Media taken Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina 🌅

North Carolina Sunset

March 3, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

I used to love the sunrise because it symbolized more than a new day, but also a new beginning and a fresh start. Ever since I found more peace and healing from my past, I’ve grown to appreciate a sunset in the same way; I know something good isn’t ending for me and that it’s simply starting over.

I’m facing growing pains now: learning which friendships are ones I want to continue cultivating in this chapter, am starting my own business while joining a new company next week, and am seeing a new therapist to help me through current challenges. But for the most part, I’m in a happy and healed place, so it’s time to celebrate all the moments life has to offer post-“survival mode” like before.

Last weekend, Alex, Linley and two of our closest friends and I went to a small town called Murphy, North Carolina for a friend’s weekend. Our first night at the cabin was so much fun because we relaxed outside, enjoyed stunning views, and laughed in each other’s company. It was cute seeing Linley soak it all in, too!

I look forward to more adventures with the guys and am going to cherish all these moments as they come.

Media taken Friday, February 27, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina

Just a really great weekend

February 19, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Do you ever have those weekends where you wish every weekend were like that? That’s how I felt on Friday the 13th (a holiday I love to celebrate), Valentine’s Day (a day a hardly celebrate) and the day after.

I’m grateful that I’m starting to feel at home in Atlanta again, that I finally have a truer sense of community and that I’m continuing to meet new people, try new things and experience true joy.

Lin sleeping with one of his actual stuffies

I also had a lovely dinner with a dear friend, coffee with another friend and her daughter, a fun Lunar New Year concert with Alex and a great dance class this week. Although I love staying busy, I’m excited for a lazy weekend!

Media taken Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 🧧

Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club Event

February 9, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Today was Lau Lau’s service. Lots of tears were shed, laughs were had and hugs were given. It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Georgia and it was evident how loved Lau Lau and the entire Tracey/Shu family are. 💛

Uncle Ray taking Linley to visit Lau Lau last year

Although today was beautiful but sad, yesterday was full of love at a local bakery who hosted Linley’s and my first Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club event. I saw their sign on a family walk around the holidays, and I’m so glad I found them. The fact that there are other dog moms who love their dogs as much as I do is really special! And of course sharing these memories with Linley means the world to me. 🫶

Before we both moved to Atlanta, it used to be Linley and me against the world. So although we missed Alex, having these solo bonding moments with Lin brings me back to the times it was just us two. We’re two peas in a pod! 🫛

Linley loved all the attention, treats and fun that this event had to offer! He got a little overstimulated and hit a sugar crash about halfway through the event, but it was okay because I got to hold him while he fell asleep in my arms. 🥹 Lin was saying hi to every dog, owner and volunteer in hope for more treats and attention. He also tried really hard to find a girlfriend in time for Valentine’s Day, but he came on a little too strong, so looks like I’ll need to be his Valentine again this year. 😅

Linley and I can’t wait for the next event! 🥰

Media taken Sunday, February 8, 2026 🐾

The Laundry

February 5, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Anyone who knows me knows what The Laundry means to me. It’s a restaurant in my small Michigan hometown and has been a meeting place between me and high school best friends, family and more. The drinks are amazing, the food is delicious and the dessert always feels like a warm hug. I’ve cried there, laughed there, laughed til I’ve cried there… it’s always been a happy place, even during hard times.

Last weekend, I was finally able to share this experience with Alex. And ironically enough, I was at The Laundry when I told my parents I was moving to Atlanta and that I’d be joining a dating app, which led me to Alex in the first place. In recent years, my Friday dinners with my parents got me through some pretty dark times, so being back with my husband for the first time was extremely special.

It was my dad’s birthday the day after, so the staff brought him out a candle (even when he didn’t want dessert!)

And although Linley wasn’t there with us in person, he was there in spirit (and was living it up with our aunt, uncle and his cousin, Ellie!)

Media taken Thursday, January 29-Saturday, January 31

December 2025 Gratitude

January 1, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

As we enter a new year, I can’t help but reflect on all the ups and downs of 2025. From starting a new job and quickly dreading it due to verbal abuse, planning a casual wedding, getting married and going on the honeymoon roadtrip of a lifetime, and everything in between… I’m extremely grateful for all the greatness this year has brought me.

2026 will be all about letting go, healing and being more open and willing to receive the universe’s gifts, as opposed to wanting to control everything (my schedule, others’ emotions, etc.) Spontaneity is the name of the game for 2026 (aka: the year of the fire horse!)

But until we get into 2026, here’s some of my favorite moments from December. I may not stick with monthly gratitude journaling going into this year, but I’m extremely thankful for the community I have built – and am slowly rebuilding – here in Atlanta.

Moments between Alex and Linley