Calm-er Chaos: A Memoir of Unexpected Discoveries and Unfurling Love
Life with dogs is a profound adventure, filled with unwavering loyalty and moments that shape who we are. But what happens when grief casts a long shadow, and a new, unpredictable presence steps in? “Calm-er Chaos” is an intimate memoir, inviting you into one family’s raw and honest journey through loss, the spirited arrival of a rescue dog, and the surprising truths revealed along the way.
As the book states: “This book is a work of creative nonfiction based on true events. This isn’t a manual. It’s not a behavior guide. And we’re not trainers. This is a story of loss, rescue, and how we learned what was missing—after everything familiar had shifted.”
Calm-er Chaos by L. Benga
Calm-er Chaos is available for download on Kindle or Paperback on Amazon.
Yenni bops you with his nose to say, I’m here.
Pay attention.
They said a second dog would help. But what happens when the calm one breaks first?
The Calm-er Chaos is a raw, observant memoir about what really happens after the adoption papers are signed—when two rescue dogs with opposite energies collide inside the same home.
Told with quiet humor, emotional honesty, and a deep respect for the dogs at its center, this is not a training manual or a how-to guide. It’s a story. A real one.
You’ll meet:
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Shelly, a steady, silent German Shepherd who had finally found her rhythm—until her world changed.
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Yenni, a tornado of a Shepherd-Husky-Malinois mix who didn’t just arrive—he detonated.
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And the people trying to hold it all together with grace, gear, and a lot of dog beds.
From grief to guilt, from flirt poles to frozen treats, this memoir captures the unpredictable path toward a home life that’s not perfect—but calmer. Realer. Possible.
If you’ve ever loved a rescue dog, lost your footing, or questioned what balance looks like in a multi-dog household, this story is for you.
Because what worked for us… might just work for you.
Navigating Grief and Embracing a New Chapter
Our home fell quiet after the loss of a beloved companion. Our steady German Shepherd, Shelly, deeply felt the void, and so did we. We hoped a new friend might mend the quiet sadness. “We knew she was depressed and grieving in her own way, and we hoped that bringing another dog into the family could help her.” That’s when Yenni, a high-drive shepherd/husky/Malinois mix, burst into our lives after six months in a shelter. “Yenni came into our lives like a mini tornado… full of intensity, instinct, and motion.”
The path was far from straight. Shelly was still adjusting to her profound loss, and integrating a spirited new dog brought its own set of challenges. “At first, we thought we were leaving calm behind. But the truth is, that calm household had become a little too quiet. It was missing something. With calm came chaos. And his name is Yenni.” This is our story of finding a new kind of balance, learning that “calm” isn’t always quiet.
The Unseen Lessons: A Family's Journey of Self-Discovery
“Calm-er Chaos” is a testament to resilience, the profound bond between humans and animals, and the surprising ways new companions can reveal parts of ourselves we never knew existed. Through the daily dance of integrating Yenni and helping Shelly rediscover joy, our family uncovered deeper insights than we ever anticipated. “He needs a softer, gentler approach. Yenni is a medium. And I had to learn what that meant.”
This memoir shares what truly worked for us as we transitioned from quiet to chaotic, finding a middle ground that felt real and authentic. “It’s not perfect. But it’s real. It worked for us. It might work for you too. This is our calm-er chaos.” You’ll find relatable moments of connection and understanding, like seeing “how a shy and withdrawn dog can overcome her grief with a new friend.” Our journey of learning and growing, one day at a time, continues with Yenni and Shelly by our side.
Who this memoir is for:
This is a book for anyone navigating the complex emotions of pet loss or considering rescue dog adoption. It speaks to families who have welcomed a new companion to a grieving dog, and to anyone who finds profound personal growth in their relationship with animals. If you’re seeking true dog stories that offer an honest look at life, love, and unexpected challenges, this family memoir is for you.
Step into a story that celebrates the messy, beautiful reality of life with dogs. If you’ve loved deeply, felt loss, or found unexpected joy in a rescued paw print, “Calm-er Chaos” offers a heartfelt reflection on healing, growth, and the enduring power of family, both human and canine.