The Dr. Becker's Bites Blog

Welcome to our little corner of the world—where family, food, fur, and feathers come together in harmony. Our blogs are intended to be a celebration of the Becker family’s values and the small, meaningful choices that create a life well-lived. Whether it’s sharing a meal made from real, nourishing ingredients, nurturing relationships that ground and uplift us, or noticing the beauty and astonishment of a little roadrunner at our back door, we believe joy is found in the everyday. Our goal is to create our own “Blue Zone” right where we are—prioritizing health, connection, and purpose at every age and stage of life. And we want to share our journey with you!

Here, you’ll find stories, tips, and reflections on everything from backyard wildlife and pet antics to heartfelt communication, family rituals, and the power of community. We’ll talk about what it means to truly support one another, why sharing matters, and how slowing down, with focus and intention, can lead to deeper fulfillment. Whether we’re offering a healthy recipe, showing you how to make DIY pet toys, or simply telling a story about something that moved us, to tears or laughter, this space is about living with purpose and loving fully.

We’re so glad you’re here, thank you for joining us.

Pet Health & Education

PEYTON’S STORY

PEYTON’S STORY

For sensitive readers: this blog contains photos of John’s deceased dog at the vet Before I share Peyton’s story, I want you to meet our son, John. Many of you may...

PEYTON’S STORY

For sensitive readers: this blog contains photos of John’s deceased dog at the vet Before I share Peyton’s story, I want you to meet our son, John. Many of you may...

When Time Stood Still: Homer's Stroke and the Road to Recovery

When Time Stood Still: Homer's Stroke and the R...

It was a quiet Friday afternoon, July 25, 2025—nothing out of the ordinary. Just a familiar walk around the neighborhood, the kind of routine that brings comfort. But halfway through,...

When Time Stood Still: Homer's Stroke and the R...

It was a quiet Friday afternoon, July 25, 2025—nothing out of the ordinary. Just a familiar walk around the neighborhood, the kind of routine that brings comfort. But halfway through,...

A Visit from David: When a Former Student Becomes a Messenger of Gratitude

A Visit from David: When a Former Student Becom...

Some days settle into your soul like warm sunlight through an old windowpane. Saturday, July 19, 2025, was one of those days for Jim and me. A rare kind of...

A Visit from David: When a Former Student Becom...

Some days settle into your soul like warm sunlight through an old windowpane. Saturday, July 19, 2025, was one of those days for Jim and me. A rare kind of...

The Magic of Black Cats: A Story of Love, Loss, and Second Chances

The Magic of Black Cats: A Story of Love, Loss,...

August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day, and my heart turns toward the beautiful black cats who’ve shared and shaped our family’s lives. Over the years, these sleek, shadowy companions...

The Magic of Black Cats: A Story of Love, Loss,...

August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day, and my heart turns toward the beautiful black cats who’ve shared and shaped our family’s lives. Over the years, these sleek, shadowy companions...

Gwen the Hen: A Basketful of Joy and a Heart Full of Purpose

Gwen the Hen: A Basketful of Joy and a Heart Fu...

After a tornado tore through our area, the local humane society—where Karen worked—was suddenly flooded with animals displaced by the storm. Among them was an unusual arrival that caught Karen’s...

Gwen the Hen: A Basketful of Joy and a Heart Fu...

After a tornado tore through our area, the local humane society—where Karen worked—was suddenly flooded with animals displaced by the storm. Among them was an unusual arrival that caught Karen’s...

Two Queens and One Big “NO!”

Two Queens and One Big “NO!”

Why Some Animals (and People) Just Aren’t Meant to Coexist—And That’s Okay There was no sugarcoating it. It wasn’t a gentle “no, thank you” or a subtle tail flick. It...

Two Queens and One Big “NO!”

Why Some Animals (and People) Just Aren’t Meant to Coexist—And That’s Okay There was no sugarcoating it. It wasn’t a gentle “no, thank you” or a subtle tail flick. It...