Hi! I’m Haley Young.
I’m a writer, creature nerd, and full-time van lifer. My first book, THE DOG LOVER’S BUCKET LIST (Quarto May 2026) encourages readers to make memories with their dogs through a mix of education, inspiration, and journal prompts.
Early in my career I interned at an elephant sanctuary before leaning into my passion for canids on the Paws and Reflect blog, growing it to 30K followers. Today I write for pet brands like Sniffspot and Juniper while contributing to Business Insider, Kinship, and more. I also read creative nonfiction for Months to Years, copy edit for The Lit Nerds, and help facilitate Off Assignment courses.
I’m currently focused on a hybrid memoir with emotional realizations, training insights, and core values from seven years helping my fearful dog handle—and more importantly, enjoy—our shared life. I was accepted to the 2026 Incubator intensive to work on this project!
Me and Scout Finch, the dog I owe so very much, in our favorite place at our favorite time.
My word affair goes way back.
Wrote my first "novel"
2006 | My childhood home
In the 4th grade I drafted a 300-page (double-spaced, don't worry) novel on my family's desktop. Cyber was about a lost husky finding his way home. "Writing meets dogs" is an accurate origin story.
Couldn't stop writing about canines
2019 | Thanks to a shy rescue dog
When I adopted my blue heeler, I started a social media blog called Paws and Reflect. Today it holds hundreds of reflections on dog training, van life, and other assorted whims—and has inspired a book-length project.
Went full-time freelance
2021 | Async on the road
Most of my content marketing clients found me through Paws and Reflect. I love the pet space! I also increasingly pitch editors to write about more than dogs.
Published my first book
2026 | Epic Ink at Quarto
Last summer, Quarto's senior acquisitions editor asked if I'd be interested in writing a work of illustrated nonfiction about my favorite pets. You bet I said yes! The Dog Lover's Bucket List hit shelves in May.
I do some things besides write, too.
Design social media and website graphics
My graphic design minor left me with a soft spot for minimalism.
Implement technical search optimizations
Great content comes first—but words can't do SEO all alone.
Develop with Wordpress and front-end code
I designed and coded the website you're looking at from scratch.