Hi friends — this video is basically me catching you up on where I’ve been, because I know it’s been a minute. I used to post weekly, then I slowed down, and the last couple months I pretty much disappeared (minus my Halloween video). The main reason was work: I’m a full-time photographer, and wedding season (August to October) was absolutely insane, then November rolled straight into holidays, Christmas shoots, and catching up on editing. YouTube with Stella has always been my fun, free-time thing, so it had to take a back seat while photography was the priority. I also share a sad update and a really hopeful one. Daisy (my family dog who you’ve seen in videos/Instagram and in Hazel Hound photos) passed in November due to old age, and it was heartbreaking even though she had an amazing, happy life. But my parents are getting a new miniature long-haired dachshund puppy — and weirdly, the puppy was born the exact same day Daisy passed. Since I’ll be puppy sitting a lot, I’m planning to film tons of real-time puppy content (crate training, routines, and what I’m doing differently after learning with Stella). I also give a Hazel Hound Pet Wear update: I tried in-person holiday markets, learned they’re not for me, and I’m refocusing on online sales — plus I’m planning more videos on Stella’s barking/reactivity and some Christmas content (including a Sniffing Bark collar + bow I’m currently obsessed with).