Following up on my last post: the dogs of Bequia and the people who love them have gone straight to my heart, courtesy of the gifted author Susan Toy in her novel One Woman’s Island.
“I must return to my boat,” she said, pointing out towards the water. “But why not come with me? I can make some tea and you could meet all my other little doggies.” She flashed me that same kind smile she had given the dog earlier, her eyes crinkling around the sides.
“Oh, no. I don’t want to put you out at all. We can make it another time.”
But Solfrid assured me she would enjoy having human company onboard her boat for a change.
She repacked her bag then said, “Come!” in a rather forceful command, almost as though I was one of her “little doggies.” So I heeled, following Solfrid to the jetty where she’d tied her dinghy.
We owe special thanks to artist Anna Landry for allowing us to see the dogs of Bequia. You can see several of her paintings and photos here. This is one of my favorites:
Last year, I was honored to be recognized by Susan Toy and included in her Reading Recommendations. As a result, I met some wonderful authors and found fabulous books for my own “must read” stack.
Susan M. Toy, Author & Publisher
I include Susan as one of those wonderful authors, and anyone who enjoys a good story set in an exotic locale will love her work, too. Here’s a mini-version of Susan’s bio:
Susan M. Toy is a Canadian author and publisher who shares her time between Canada and her Caribbean home on the island of Bequia. She has previously published Island in the Clouds, a mystery novel set on the island. One Woman’s Island is second in the Bequia Perspectives series and will be ePublished in 2015. Susan’s life has always been filled with cats, but she numbers many dog-lovers among her friends. (Read more about Susan and her literary journey here.)
I love this teaser forIsland in the Clouds: “Part travelogue, part mystery, Island in the Clouds takes a long, hard look at the reality of living in a place that seems perfect — from the outside, anyway.” Who can resist that sort of book? Even better, it’s the start of a series that will offer an up-close view of island living, with characters (both two- and four-legged) we’ll want to spend time with. (You can read the first chapter here.)
The second in the Bequia Perspectives series is One Woman’s Island, and Susan has generously sent along an excerpt for us to enjoy. (Find that at the end of this post.) As a reader, I love fiction that gives me the opportunity to learn about different places, customs, and traditions (even the not-so-happy ones). As a writer, I appreciate the authors willing to tackle those issues when they fit the story, as Susan has done so well in her work. I felt as though I’d been transported to that island, that boat, and wanted to bring those dogs home with me.
In addition to sharing this excerpt, Susan also sent along some fabulous work by the artist Anna Landry. She has this to say about Anna:
Anna Landry, Artist
Inspired by her parents’ interest in art and stimulated by a lifetime of travel, Canadian-born artist Anna Landry was painting and drawing from a very young age. In the mid-90’s, a two-week painting holiday in the sun resulted in nine years spent living, working and continuing to paint on the island of Bequia in the West Indies. Anna has most recently been busy sailing…discovering, photographing, collecting inspiration from the Windward and the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. Most of her paintings are created in her Bequia studio she has shared with many dogs over the years.
One of the truly great things about talking with artists (and I include writers, poets, painters, sculptors, and the like in that category) is the opportunity to hear the inspiration for their work. For both Susan and Anna, one source of inspiration was a Norwegian sailor named Mariann Palmborg. Susan tells me Mariann called Bequia home for several decades where she was a friend to many, “but especially to the numerous dogs and cats on the island. She was the inspiration for the character Solfrid (Mariann even named the character!) and the subject of one of Anna’s paintings. Mariann sadly passed away in 2009 and is still sorely missed by all her many two-and-four-footed friends.” Here’s Mariann, as painted by Anna:
In addition to sharing the image above, Susan scanned other paintings and photos by Anna, with an invitation to include as I wished. I couldn’t choose between them and so included them all in a slideshow. I hope you enjoy both the excerpt and the images as much as I did, and add Susan Toy to your own “must read” list!
As a kid, I loved fireworks celebrations. Loved the colors, the artistry, and the music that often accompanied the big events. I still enjoy the celebrations, although my appreciation is tempered by the effect fireworks may have on our furry companions. Some reports suggest dogs can be frightened by the fireworks and often escape the yard, winding up lost, injured, or worse.
If you’re likely to hear a barrage of fireworks as people celebrate the holiday weekend, consider how to make the experience a bit less scary for the pets in your family. At the end of this post you’ll find a terrific infographic from the American Kennel Club with important reminders for us all. To begin, here are some useful tips to help keep your dog safe, courtesy of the Such Good Dogs blog:
Have ID on your pet:
This is the number one most important thing! More pets run away on July 4th than any other day of the year. Be sure that your pet has proper identification tags with updated contact information. On the 4th, be sure to keep your pet on a leash and keep a close eye on him when out and about.
Preparation:
The best thing to do for a dog that gets nervous, anxious, or fearful during fireworks is to properly prepare BEFORE the day arrives.
Try Lavender Oil:
Lavender is a naturally calming scent for both humans and dogs. I have recommended lavender in the past for dogs with arthritis. To use lavender for your dog, take some time to give your dog a massage and give some good petting. Put just a little dab of lavender oil on your hands before massaging your dog and/or petting him in his favorite spots. Use nice, calm, slow strokes. Slowly massaging the outsides of the spine from the neck down is another proven approach. Be sure not to use a lot of lavender. A little dab will do just fine. You do not need a lot to get the smell, and we do not want to have dogs licking excessive amounts of oil off themselves. The point of this exercise is to associate the smell of lavender with a nice calm, relaxed state of mind. You should do this for a few days (or more) prior to the fireworks on July 4th. Your dog will build an association to the smell of lavender and being relaxed and calm. Before the fireworks begin, put your dog in his “safe place” with the scent of lavender.
Have a “Safe Place” for your dog:
For many dogs the thing that makes them feel best and most safe is to be able to get as far away from the sights and sounds as possible. Have a spot ready that your dog will enjoy and be comfortable in. Make it somewhere far away from outside walls and windows. This will make it easier for him to relax. The best thing would be a kennel or crate. Dogs generally enjoy den-like enclosures, and having your kennel or crate set up before the 4th will help them have a nice spot to go. It is also helpful to place sheets or towels over wire crates to help block sound and lights. Be sure to take the temperature into consideration. It is summer and things get hot quickly. Do not make your “safe place” uncomfortable for your dog by making it too hot. You are most looking for a den-like area for your dog to feel safe. If possible feed and/ or treat your dog in this area prior to the 4th. Make sure the area is lined with a bed or comfy blankets for your pup as well.
Also remember to try and give your dog something he enjoys to help occupy him such as a chew bone or Kong filled with some yummy treats or peanut butter. Communication & Energy:
If you will be around your dog during the fireworks, the best thing you can do for them is to remember to remain calm and feel like the fireworks are no big deal. Dogs react to energy. If your energy is telling your dog that you are calm and not at all worried about the sights and sounds, your dog will feel that it is okay for him to relax as well.
Exercise your Dog before Dusk:
A fantastic way to help your dog is to thoroughly exercise him before the fireworks begin. Be sure to get your evening walk in before it starts to get dark. The less energy your dog has, the less energy he has to put towards being fearful. A tired dog will be more comfortable and will be able to more easily ignore the sounds and sights of the night.
The American Kennel Club always has helpful information about canine care, and they’re put together a sensible list that’s worth keeping for year-round reference. (New Year’s Eve, for example, often ends in a frenzy of fireworks.) Find that here. And here’s a great graphic, courtesy of the AKC, that sums up the key points to help keep our beloved pets safe. Wishing everyone a happy and safe celebration!
