Celebrate National Dog Day 2023!

In celebration of National Dog Day, I’m sharing an article that highlights two of my passions: dogs and writing. The American Kennel Club (AKC) staff has compiled an inspiring list of quotes and images focused on dogs. Enjoy!

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You ever wonder what your dog is thinking? What he or she wants to say? We’d all love it if our dogs could talk — some of the time, at least. (If nothing else we’d be guaranteed some good dog quotes!) In lieu of that, we have some quotes about dogs, by the humans who love them. They’re like family to us, and why not celebrate it? Here are great quotes about man’s best friend.

“Everything I know I learned from dogs.” – Nora Roberts (author, The Search)

dog quote roberts

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”–Orhan Pamuk (author, My Name Is Red)

dog quote pamuk

“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” – Agnes Sligh Turnbull (author, The Wedding Bargain)

dog quote by turnbull

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras (photographer and writer)

dog quote 1 Roger Caras

 

Enjoy the entire article here:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-quotes/

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Of course, like so many  of us who share our homes and lives with dogs, every day brings a reason to celebrate the love of dogs!

 

A Cotswold Crimes Mystery Review

Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn Banner

August 14-25, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

The chance to unearth secrets of the past is a dream come true for American college student Maddie McGuire when she’s granted an internship at the ancient Roman Baths in England. Her visions of archeological discoveries are waylaid, though, by mysterious events, suspicious packages, and unfriendly co-workers who assign her mundane office chores far from the excavation site. Even as she longs for the chance to join the crew excavating at the ancient site, she becomes entangled in present-day challenges. While she’s eager to show off her archeological knowledge, her early progress is slowed by unfamiliar customs, inadvertent social blunders, and the unexpected vulnerability of being on her own thousands of miles away from anything or anyone familiar.

Determined to find her own way and prove her worth as an archeological intern, Maggie channels her youthful  energy and enthusiasm into succeeding in her first professional position. Her efforts are hindered, though, when trouble looms and Maggie inadvertently becomes the target of someone with deadly intentions. When a series of accidents and disappearances are followed by grisly discoveries, Maggie finds herself a suspect and must use all her skills to uncover the truth before she becomes a victim herself.

The setting and atmosphere provide a rich backdrop to the mystery and an eclectic cast of characters add to the charm of this cozy mystery. One of those characters is a longtime friend who serves as a connection, albeit virtual, between Maggie’s life in the States and her adventures abroad. It’s refreshing to watch the diverse relationships evolve as the plot unfolds, and there’s even a hint of romance to keep things interesting. 

Death Takes a Bath features a protagonist who is the youngest amateur sleuth I’ve read in a long time. Initially, Maggie has a tendency to overreact to all sorts of situations, and her habit of rushing into speech, in contrast to the reserved British norm, threatens to undermine her efforts to be seen as a serious professional. As the story unfolds, though, it’s most satisfying to watch her develop an increasingly mature outlook. Her self-confidence grows as she applies inventive solutions to save herself and others from a villain’s wicked plan.  

I look forward to seeing Maggie use her archeological skills in pursuit of new adventures!  

Praise for Death Takes a Bath:

“A whale of a read! Dip your toe into Death Takes a Bath, and you won’t come out until you’ve reached ‘the end.” A highly recommended page-turner with archaeology, intrigue, an intrepid heroine, a dishy policeman, and . . . a rabbit.” ~ Molly MacRae, Author: The Highland Bookshop Mystery Series

“An exciting page-turner! It captured my attention from the first line and kept me riveted until the final twist.” ~ Avanti Centrae, international bestselling author of Cleopatra’s Vendetta

Synopsis:

When Maddie McGuire lands an archeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, she assumes everything will go her way. But when this college sophomore discovers a severed human ear on her doorstep, she must solve its meaning before she becomes the next victim, or worse, gets deported. Her tentative friendship with young constable Edward and the beauty of the Bath Abbey are no comfort as her aristocratic coworker Simon sabotages her every move. And the danger only increases when she discovers a dead body, both ears intact.

 

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional Mystery/Cozy

Published by: Level Best Books

Publication Date:  December 6, 2022

Number of Pages: 350

ISBN: 978-1685122423 (ISBN-10: ‎1685122426)

Series: A Cotswold Crimes Mystery, Book 1

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Goodreads

 

Read an excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

The First Discovery
“What’s nine-one-one in England?” I squeaked at my cell. Black dots dancing before my eyes, I stabbed at the mic icon on the phone and repeated the question. “I found one number for emergency services in Great Britain,” the soothing electronic voice informed me. “Nine-nine-nine.” My fingers trembled, and the phone smacked to the ground. As I reached to retrieve it, Roddy, the cottage’s fluffy black-and-white rabbit, hopped to inspect the object. Jaw clenched in a death grip, my vision getting cloudy, I forced myself to stand still and count slowly to five. The world stopped spinning, allowing me to reach for the phone. “Don’t eat that,” I warned Roddy in a passing imitation of my mother. I scooped him up for comfort and maneuvered my cell so I could see the screen. “Okay. Here we go.” I pushed the numbers as I said them. “Nine, nine, nine.” “What service do you require?” a voice on the other end inquired. “Ambulance, police, fire, or Coast Guard?” “Um.” Coast Guard? My brain short-circuited on the unfamiliar option. If there was one thing you never needed in the Arizona desert, it was the Coast Guard. My body swayed unsteadily as I contemplated the question. “Are you able to speak?” the voice prompted. Emergency. I needed to tell them. “Ear,” I stuttered, unable to form a sentence around the horror of the situation. “You’re here, yes. If you are unable to speak, tap twice if you are in imminent danger.” The professional but concerned voice had its intended effect of calming me. Shaking my head, I changed tactics. Instead of discussing the details of what I’d found, I asked for the police. After a complicated exchange that gave me time to form my response, a male police officer asked my emergency. Shuddering, I said, “Hi. My name is Madeline McGuire. I’m an exchange student from America, and I found an ear.” The words tumbled from my mouth. “A human ear. A freshly severed human ear.” Saying it out loud made it real. Bunny in arm, I sunk to the floor, clinging to fluffy comfort. The image of the blood-stained ear spilling out of the salt-packed box loomed in my mind, stirring the acids in my stomach. The voice of the officer broke through my thoughts. “You did the right thing to call. Do you have the address of your location?” “Ash Tree cottage on Greenway Lane, Bath, England.” “I’ll stay on the line until a constable arrives,” he told me. Teeth chattering, I nodded robotically. “Miss?” “Yeah. Okay. I’ll be fine. Fine,” I said, not sounding even a little fine. “I’ll make coffee. This seems like a coffee moment.” “I’ve found that tea is quite soothing in difficult situations,” the officer offered. Ignoring the suggestion, I treaded into the kitchen, Roddy clutched to my chest, the phone pressed to my ear. “I could have done without your discovery, Roddy,” I muttered. When I brought the rabbit in from the pouring rain, I let him roam free long enough for him to chew a hole through the cardboard of a newly delivered package. “What was that, miss?” the policeman on the line asked. “Oh, sorry. Talking to my rabbit.” “Miss?” “Nothing. I’m fine.” I hadn’t blinked in a long time. A tremor rippled through me as I set the rabbit on the kitchen floor. With a weird detachment, I noted that Roddy’s black-and-white fur matched the checkerboard tile. The pattern became mesmerizing, a safe place for my mind until I collapsed against the counter. Catching myself, I said, “Coffee. Coffee is good.” Filling the electric kettle, I flickered the “On” switch, then retrieved the French press. A mostly empty bag of stale coffee sat behind the press. Dumping the ground beans into the glass cylinder, I filled the press with hot water. It was a mundane task that I had done hundreds of times. I wondered, could I make coffee without my ear? As I pushed the plunger to infuse the water with grounds, I almost shoved the contraption onto the floor. Catching it just in time, I shakily poured myself a cup. Ignoring the scalding heat, I gulped. Caffeine coursed through my system, making me jumpy as I thought about the consequences of receiving a body part. An ear in the mail would make a little sense back in Chicago, where I was getting my archeology degree. Mobsters still controlled parts of the city, and the paper always mentioned grizzly retribution crimes. As I took another sip, I imagined finding the package while at college. The dorm would buzz with gossip, wondering what the intended recipient had done. And I would know it wasn’t meant for me. I had only been in Bath for two days. I didn’t know anyone in England, especially not well enough to offend them. Did that mean the homeowners where I had a room were being warned? My stomach curdled at the thought. I hadn’t met them yet, but I considered them friends after the year of emails we exchanged. Bad people wouldn’t own a bunny, would they? Losing control, I hunched over, retching dry heaves. I leaned my back against the pantry door and slid to the floor. Roddy hopped in my lap, comforting me. “Miss?” I yelped, causing the rabbit to bound off of me, his powerful legs digging into my jeans. I’d forgotten the phone. “Hello?” “Constable Bailey is on your street. His collar number is 16941.” “There’s a pull chain to open the latch on the gate. The box is in the mudroom. Tell him to come in.” “Mudroom?” For the first time, my dispatcher sounded unsure. *** Excerpt from Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn. Copyright 2023 by Sharon Lynn. Reproduced with permission from Sharon Lynn. All rights reserved.

 

Author Bio:

Sharon Lynn

Sharon Lynn was raised in Arizona, but it was living in England as a teenager and every return trip since that inspired the setting of her Cotswold Crimes Mystery series. As a professor of theater, film, and writing she coaches and mentors aspiring artists. Her short stories can be found in anthologies from Malice Domestic and Desert Sleuths. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Please sign up for her newsletter at http://www.sharonlwrites.com and http://www.blackbirdwriters.com.

Catch Up With Sharon Lynn:

www.sharonlwrites.com               Goodreads

BookBub – @sharonlwrites          Instagram – @sharonlwrites

Twitter – @sharonlwrites           Facebook – @SharonLWrites AllAuthor.com

 

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Note: I received a courtesy copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saluting a Special Kind of Working Dog

Working dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, and provide essential support for individuals and agencies alike. One particular type of working dog is the explosive detection dog. These dogs are often referred to as bomb sniffing dogs or more simply as bomb dogs, and are trained to detect a variety of explosive materials. As the threat of terrorism and other violent crimes continues to increase around the world, there’s an ongoing need for these specially trained dogs and their handlers. As a 2013 article in The Smithsonian notes, these dogs are are trained “to sniff out danger” in varied environments. Conflict zones, airports, buildings, and vehicles are among the locations where you’ll find these dogs and their handlers searching for explosive materials.

According to the AKC’s Dection Dog Task Force FAQ page, some breeds are particularly well suited to the work:

Sporting breeds are the most popular breeds used in explosive detection work. Breeds that excel at this work include Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Vizslas and Golden Retrievers. Sporting breeds have been found to be less intimidating to the public, and their keen noses and hunting ability are easily transferred to the search for explosives. German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are still the preferred breeds for patrol work and dual-purpose patrol/detection dogs.

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You might be surprised to learn that here in the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has more than a thousand trained canine teams and their handlers. That number reflects the scope of TSA’s mission and the agency’s work in the United States and with other nations around the world. Within the United States, TSA’s scope includes commercial and general aviation, mass transit systems, freight and passenger rail, highways, pipelines and ports. Around the world, TSA-trained dogs and their handlers work with international partners to strengthen global aviation security. Here’s more from TSA regarding the long and intensive training of “TSA airport dogs” and their handlers:

The dogs work in a variety of environments, including mock aircraft and airport terminals. Trainers use classical conditioning to teach the dogs to search for odors from explosive materials. After six to eight weeks of training, the dogs are paired with a handler, whom they’ll finish the course and graduate with. Roughly 90% of all canine teams graduate from the course.

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If you’re wondering about the connection between the AKC and government agencies, consider this comment from AKC Board Member Dr. Carmen Battaglia, a longtime German Shepherd Dog fancier:

“AKC has always been a leader in purpose-bred, purebred dogs. And these purpose-bred, purebred dogs have the skills, ability, and breeding to produce the traits needed for detection dogs to successfully do their important jobs,” Battaglia said. “It is a natural role for AKC to assist in meeting this national need to protect our country.“

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Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Image from caninechronicle.com

With temps hovering stubbornly in the triple digits, it’s a good time for safety reminders and “stay cool” tips. Whether you live in an urban environment or the quiet countryside, there are some simple strategies that can help you and your dog enjoy your summer adventures.

Exercise early in the day. Getting Sasha out for a long walk means starting just after daybreak, before the sun climbs above the trees. Even then, days with high humidity tend to leave both of us guzzling water and taking multiple breaks along the way. The lure of dew-soaked grass usually proves irresistible, with Down-Stay her default comfort position every time we take a break.

Ozark Summer Highlands Sasha

Carry water with you. You don’t need anything fancy–just something you can easily carry. I keep two squeeze bottles on hand for Sasha that clip on my belt.  When she wants a drink, she’ll plop down on the grass and wait for me to flip the bottle and squeeze water into the drinking tray.

Use the 7-second rule. Asphalt, concrete, and brick–all commonly found in sidewalks, streets, and patios–quickly absorb and retain heat, making it dangerous for your pet’s paws. Test the heat by pressing your palm (or bare foot) against the pavement. If you can’t hold it for more than 7 seconds without discomfort, it’s too hot for paws! You could invest in booties or special paw wax, or just walk in the coolest part of the day. Whenever possible, stay off pavement by walking on the grass. And once you’re home again, check each paw carefully for raw spots and signs of swelling or burning. If you have questions or concerns, contact your vet for advice.

Never leave your pet in the car. Even if your vehicle has an efficient air conditioning system, remember that it’s almost always warmer toward the back of the vehicle. I drive a small SUV and even with the rear seats down and tinted rear windows, Sasha could easily overheat. If we absolutely have to travel during the heat of the day, I use the travel crate with mesh on three sides and position it so Sasha enjoys the cool air streaming from the vents. Fresh water and a battery-operated fan help keep her comfortable, too.

Here’s a quick list of suggestions from PetFinders.com:

Watch out for health hazards. Ticks, fleas, bee stings, snake bites, poisons, stagnant water (full of bacteria and parasites) and heat stress–any and all of these can turn a carefree summer outing into a bad situation without warning. You can lower some of the risk by keeping your dog on regular flea and tick prevention, removing potentially poisonous materials from your yard, keeping fresh water readily available, providing cool shelter, and maintaining a basic first-aid kit for dogs. You can buy a pre-packaged kit or put one together yourself. The website Irresistible Pets has a great article complete with a list of all the essentials you should consider when compiling a kit for your own pets. Your vet might have kits available, too, so be sure to ask!

Recognize the danger of heat-related stress. Heat may be the most significant of all summertime hazards. Whether your pet is at home, in the car, or vacationing with you, know the signs of heatstroke and have a plan in place to deal with heat-related stress. Here’s a terrific infographic from Murdoch University’s Pets in Summer Series that’s definitely worth bookmarking or downloading for future reference. (Click to enlarge image.)

Take care of yourself, too.  Wear lightweight protective clothing–and that includes a hat. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, take frequent breaks if you must work outside, and whenever possible limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day.

According to the Red Cross, extreme heat kills more people than any other weather event.  You can download their Extreme Heat Preparedness Checklist here. (That’s available in multiple languages, by the way; see the language options here.) Scroll down that page and you’ll see a section on planning for emergencies and disasters “Preparation Tips for the Whole Family” including your pets.

With careful planning and attention to detail, you and your dog can enjoy the best of summer!

Photo from BarkATL Doggie Hotel

 Have a favorite keep-cool strategy? Post a comment and let us know!

The Border Collie of Scotland

Scottish Border Collie

© Richard J. Fisher (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Exploring the origins of dog breeds is an ongoing passion of mine. You may remember I’ve already shared some fascinating information about two breeds that originated in Scotland: Shetland Sheepdogs (aka Shelties) and Golden Retrievers. Of the fifteen Scottish breeds still in existence today, six were purposely bred to herd and drive livestock. One of these is the breed known as the Border Collie.

The origin of the Border Collie is, like many other Scottish breeds, a matter of debate. There is, however, some agreement that the Romans may have brought their drover dogs to this far-flung outpost of the Roman Empire, followed by Viking invaders with their smaller Spitz-like dogs. Cross-breeding the larger Roman dogs with the smaller Viking dogs resulted in medium-sized double-coated dogs who adapted well to the climate of the British Isles and the challenges of working in rough terrain. These dogs were agile, highly intelligent, and excelled at herding as well as other tasks.

Despite the speculation regarding the specific orgin of the breed, research suggests the modern-day Border Collie may be traced back to a single dog known in Scotland as Auld Hemp (Old Hemp in English). From the Border Collie Museum we learn that Old Hemp, having sired more than 200 pups in his short life, is considered the progenitor of the modern-day Border Collie breed.

Today, there are generally four recognizable ‘types’ of Border Collie: the Northumbrian; the Wiston Cap; the Nap, and Herdman’s Tommy. You can learn about each type’s individual characteristics and ancestry through a Google search for the specific type. You might also find it interesting to read books such as Sheila Grew’s Key Dogs from the Border Collie FamilyHere’s an excerpt from Grew’s frequently cited work:

A century ago many of the [working collies] were hard, powerful rather unfriendly dogs, difficult to control and rough with the stock, but their keen handling instinct, their concentration and great power over the sheep or cattle were such useful assets that it seemed worth trying to find a milder natured type of working collie to cross with these hard dogs.

One shepherd who took a keen interest in breeding and training sheepdogs was the Northumbrian, Adam Telfer, and he succeeded in finding the right blend of the two types of dog. The result was a canine genius called Hemp…who died in 1903 having sired over 200 puppies and founded the modern breed of Border Collie.

Whatever its origin, the Border Collie is now recognized by many as the ultimate herding dog with a natural instinct to herd using its “eye” to control livestock by staring at them in a silent and unwavering manner. No other breed appears to have this ability.

CC-BY-SA-4.0

In the 1940s, Britain’s Ministry of Information created The Pattern of Britain documentaries, and in 1944 one of those short films focused on the lives of Scottish crofters. (Crofting is a traditional social system, unique to the Scottish Highlands and islands, focused on small-scale food production in common working communities.) If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate this glimpse of the old traditions still practiced in this highland community. Dog lovers will appreciate the skills of the Border Collies and other working dogs who can be seen demonstrating their unique ability to collect the sheep scattered among the craggy mountains and drive them down to the crofts.

In this film, you can see those dogs in action beginning about the 7:00-minute mark of the presentation. As you’ll hear, this activity is repeated five times each year, with the men and their dogs travelling a distance of 30 miles or more, and climbing 3,000 feet to reach the higher peaks where the sheep can be found.

Today, Border Collies continue to serve as working dogs for farmers, crofters, and shepherds around the world. As the breed evolved, though, so too did their purpose. While some  types of the breed continue to herd and drive livestock, others have been bred for conformation, agility, and other athletic events. Still others serve as companion dogs and service animals. If you can provide the necessary physical and mental stimulation the breed requires, this intelligent, energetic dog might be the right one for you!