Because I Want to Know

Cover of the book Because I Want to Know, featuring an illustration of an open journal with a pen on cream parchment-style background. Subtitle reads: “A Memory Journal for You to Fill Out and Pass Down.”Because I Want to Know isn’t just a journal—it’s a way to hold on to the stories that make us who we are. A keepsake for parents, grandparents, and anyone whose wisdom you don’t want to lose.

The Questions I Didn’t Ask

One afternoon, Mom, Dad, Britni, and I were riding around when Dad started talking about Popaw—his dad. Popaw was witty, always quick with a funny saying. Dad shared one of them, and I laughed before asking, “Well, what did that even mean?”

Dad paused and admitted, “Ya know, I don’t know. I wish I had asked him.”

Popaw passed away in 2007. That moment left me wishing we had more of his stories, more of his wisdom—more of the everyday details that made him who he was.

Why Family Questions Matter

Since then, I’ve thought a lot about the random questions I ask my parents. Some are small and lighthearted—like their favorite meals growing up. Others go deeper—like how they met, where they got married, or what their favorite date nights were.

I also think about the questions I never asked my grandparents, great-grandparents, and other relatives. Those answers are gone now, and with them, parts of the bigger story of who we are and where we come from.

Rooted in Curiosity

The truth is, these questions do more than fill in family history. They ground us. They give us a sense of belonging. And sometimes, they even offer the kind of guidance we don’t realize we need until we hear it.

Why I Wrote Because I Want to Know

That’s why I created this book. It’s a place to capture those questions—and more importantly, the answers.

You can pass it along to someone you’d love to learn from, or fill it out yourself as a gift for your children and grandchildren. Either way, it’s about keeping stories alive instead of leaving them unsaid.

Because one day, someone will wish they had asked.

Get your copy here: Because I Want to Know

Baxter Wrote a Book!

If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know Baxter Huggins Montani — our curly-haired Cockapoo with way too much personality to stay in the background. He’s been our shop assistant, our travel buddy, and occasionally the reason I have paw prints on freshly mopped floors. And now… Baxter is the co-author of Paws and Reflect dog memory journal — a keepsake designed to capture the muddy-paw prints, tail wags, and heart-melting moments that make life with a dog unforgettable.

Baxter Huggins Montani, our Cockapoo and co-author of “Paws and Reflect: A Memory Journal Written by Your Dog,” posing with his family and book. A fun, heartfelt dog memory journal and keepsake gift for pet lovers, dog moms, and new puppy parents.

How It Happened

This whole idea started the way a lot of ours do — with a conversation that turned into a “what if?” Robbie and I were joking one night about how Baxter always seems to “narrate” his life through those looks he gives us. What if he actually could write things down? What would he want us to remember?

That thought grew into a journal — but not just any journal. Paws and Reflect dog memory journal is written as if your dog is telling their own story, with prompts, questions, and spaces for photos and memories. It’s goofy, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a little muddy-pawed — just like life with a dog.

Baxter Huggins Montani, our Cockapoo and co-author of “Paws and Reflect: A Memory Journal Written by Your Dog,” posing with his family and book. A fun, heartfelt dog memory journal and keepsake gift for pet lovers, dog moms, and new puppy parents.

Why I Love It

When we sat down to pull this book together, I didn’t want it to feel stiff or formal. I wanted it to be the kind of keepsake you’d pull out years from now and smile (or cry) over.  The spots for gotcha day, favorite toys, family members, and vet visits will help capture the facts, but Paws and Reflect dog memory journal shines brightest in the silly parts — like how your dog snores, or the tricks they refuse to learn.

It’s also become a little bittersweet for me. As I was working on the pages, I kept thinking about the dogs we’ve loved and lost. This would have been such a gift to have for them — a way to hold onto the ordinary magic of their lives.

Who It’s For

Paws and Reflect dog memory journal isn’t just for new puppy parents (though it’s perfect for that too). It’s for anyone who sees their dog as family. It’s for the dog moms and dads who want to document the daily details, and it’s also for those who may be grieving and want a gentle way to remember.  

From Baxter, with Love

Of course, Baxter insists that he deserves most of the credit. After all, he supplied the inspiration, the attitude, and the occasional bark to keep me on track. I just had the opposable thumbs to help him out.

So, from Baxter’s desk to yours — here’s Paws and Reflect–a little something to help you capture the story of your own four-legged best friend. You can take a closer look at Paws and Reflect here.

Baxter Huggins Montani, our Cockapoo and co-author of “Paws and Reflect: A Memory Journal Written by Your Dog,” posing with his family and book. A fun, heartfelt dog memory journal and keepsake gift for pet lovers, dog moms, and new puppy parents.
Baxter showing off his big debut: Paws and Reflect.

Because life with a dog isn’t just lived. It’s remembered. 🐾