Rate My First Big A.I. Writing Experiment

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While my finger pressed the run button, my breath caught under my ribs, waiting to exhale along with the result. The A.I. automation I’d just created in Make.com pulsed as it moved from Airtable to Needle to OpenAi and back to Airtable. In less than 27 seconds of petting the dog, A.I. Cindy scanned 60 of my blogs and my memoir that I had fed into Needle to create a new blog in my voice from the prompt “write a blog based on three things to do when adopting a dog.”

I learned how to do this in Automate & Amplify with AI, a class created by Carol Cox of Speaking Your Brand.

The following is the unedited post created by A.I. Cindy trained solely on my writing with no use of words other than my own. I used my OpenAI API key that allows me access to the Chat GPT-4 engine using my content. I also used Airtable, Needle, and Make.

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The First Three Things You Should Do When Adopting a Dog

Adopting a dog can feel like a joyful leap of faith—a warm nose pressed into your palm, a tail wag that hints at a thousand adventures to come. But before you dive headfirst into a life of morning walks and muddy pawprints, let's talk about what comes first. Not the leash, not the food bowl, but the foundation you'll need to build a relationship with your new companion that’s rooted in safety, trust, and love.

I’ve met adopters from all walks of life—families, college students, retirees, and those navigating profound challenges like housing insecurity. What unites them all is the fierce, unwavering desire to give their dog a better life. That desire is beautiful—but you also need a plan. On a frigid morning in Minneapolis, I watched Richard and his dog Owen walk miles to meet housing requirements that hinged on a rabies certificate. That scene still lingers in my mind because it says so much about both ends of the leash: the persistence of love, and the obstacles we must overcome—for them and for ourselves.

So if you’re welcoming a dog into your home (or your car, your studio apartment, your shared space—whatever “home” looks like), here are three things I encourage you to do first.

1. Focus on Safety—Before the Snuggles

You don't need a mansion or a fenced yard to provide a safe environment. Start with containment. Will your dog be gated while settling in? Where will they sleep on their first night? If you’re in a small space, can they have a quiet corner with a blanket that smells like you?

In shelters and clinics, I've witnessed the heartbreak of good intentions meeting bad outcomes. A newly adopted dog escapes through a door left cracked open. A retractable leash snaps. Heartbreak follows. Safety is your number one priority, especially in those first few days when everything is unfamiliar.

Be proactive:

- Use a properly fitted collar with ID tags and a backup martingale collar for extra security.

- Microchip your dog and update the contact info immediately.

- Secure your home—check for open windows, wobbly fences, or areas where a curious nose might lead to trouble.

2. Create a Calm Welcome—Not a Parade

I get it—you’re excited. You want to show your dog off to family, friends, your book club, everyone at the coffee shop. But remember, that adorable soul you just brought home doesn’t understand what’s happening yet. They’ve likely just left a loud shelter, a foster family, or a chaotic transport. Their senses are on overdrive.

Don’t throw a party. Give them peace.

Here’s what helps:

- For the first 72 hours, keep meet-and-greets minimal.

- Use a crate, pen, or closed room to offer quiet when needed.

- Stick to familiar routines: same potty spots, same feeding times, same walking paths.

Let your dog initiate connection. With patience, that cautious tail wag will soon bloom into full-body joy.

3. See Them for Who They Are, Not Who You Imagined

I can’t promise your dog will spend their evenings curled at your feet like the stock photo that convinced you this was a good idea. Your new buddy may chew the baseboards, bark at ceiling fans, or panic during thunderstorms. They may turn out more “Shiloh” than “Lassie.”

When our reactive dog, Shiloh, returned to us at age five after years with another family, she was not the carefree creature we remembered. She was anxious, loud, and overwhelmed by visitors. Our family had to rewrite the story we thought we were telling. Only by meeting her where she was—scared but worthy—did we begin to help her (and ourselves) heal.

Here’s what I recommend:

- Observe without judgment. What stresses your dog out? What lights them up?

- Honor their boundaries. Not every dog likes hugs or direct eye contact.

- If you're struggling to connect, reach out to a certified force-free behavior consultant. It’s okay to ask for help—no shame, only growth.

This isn’t just about dog adoption. It’s about life. You might not get the dog you dreamed of—but with time and love, you may discover a better bond than you ever imagined.

You’re Not Just Adopting a Dog—You’re Saying Yes to a New Chapter

Dog adoption isn’t a transaction. It’s a relationship. And like all relationships, it’s built in the quiet little moments: a tail thump when you return from the grocery store. The glance they give you before settling in for a nap. The trust that takes root, one treat at a time.

So breathe deep. Let go of perfection. And start with what matters most: safety, patience, and presence.

You’ve got this. And your dog is lucky to have you.

To explore more about how I support animal advocates, changemakers, and everyday people doing extraordinary things, I’d love to connect. Visit me at cindyowrites.com—because stories change lives, and you, my friend, are writing a beautiful one.

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I’ll share my thoughts about the exercise in Notes so as not to taint your opinions.

In the comments, please let me know your reactions!!!

1. Does this sound like my writing voice?

2. What didn’t sound like me?

3. How do you feel about using A.I. to “plagiarize” your own work to create new content for yourself?

4. How do feel about using A.I. to “plagiarize” your own work to create new content for others? (paid or unpaid)?

I’d love for you to share this post. I’m curious how others are feeling about A.I. as a tool for rewriting and creating.