Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the pace of life. I’m reading “Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy” by Matthew Kelly, and its message is resonating deeply. Summer gives us permission to pause, to step out of the whirlwind and reconnect with ourselves and the people who matter most. When we stop rushing, we see more clearly, feel more deeply, and realize how much of our “busy stuff” is just noise.

The truth is, so much of what happens at Pawfectly Delicious takes place behind the scenes. It’s the kind of work few people ever see — the planning, the coordination, the paperwork, the logistics, the constant troubleshooting, and the endless details that keep our mission moving. It’s meaningful work, but it’s also time‑consuming, demanding, and often invisible. And when all that stacks up, it can quietly pull the joy right out from under you.

I’ll be honest: I’m tired — and I suppose I’m saying the quiet part out loud. It’s the “good” kind of tired that comes from caring deeply and running hard for a long time. And with big, exciting developments ahead for Pawfectly Delicious, I know I need to slow down now so I can show up fully later.

With that in mind, our team, staff and volunteers will be taking a summer hiatus from August 31 through September 11, 2026. During this time, orders placed will still be fulfilled, though at a slower pace as we allow ourselves the space to rest and recharge.

Our break also gives us the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. Thanks to a generous grant from the John J. Pohanka Family Foundation, we can cover the costs for a deep cleaning of the St. Luke’s church kitchen, our way of paying it forward and showing our gratitude for the parish community’s generous gifting of this space to us. Being good stewards of what we’ve been entrusted with matters deeply, and this is one small way we can honor that partnership.

When we return, we’ll be refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace new adventures, a joyful fall season and a meaningful, bustling holiday stretch. So, enjoy the remainder of these last few weeks of summer and I’ll leave you with this parting sentiment: “In the quiet moments, we rediscover why our work matters, and that’s where joy begins.”

See you in September!

Anne