A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
It's been more years than I care to count since I raised a puppy. That's why I relied on research, trainers, and dog-loving friends to help me navigate life with the three-month-old mixed-breed pup I adopted from the animal shelter in late 2024, four months after we lost our beloved Sasha. I confess those first …
Continue reading The Adolescent Dog
My thanks to everyone who has stayed with this blog through an unplanned hiatus due to major surgery and subsequent rehab. As my recovery of mobility, skills, (and wits!) allows, I plan to continue blogging about dogs, cats, writing, books, and life as it happens. I'll also share reviews and information about books and authors …
Continue reading The Road Ahead
In-depth research is a habit of mine, carried over from my years in academia to my work writing the Waterside Kennels mystery fiction. That's why I spend a lot of time online and face-to-face with kennel owners, dog trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and rescue groups. Now, after adopting a 14-week-old puppy from the local animal shelter, …
Continue reading Puppy Chronicles
In the four months since losing our beloved Sasha, I haven't wanted to think about bringing another dog into the family. That hasn't stopped folks from sharing photos and stories about dogs they're confident would be "perfect" for us--from Chihuahuas to Golden Retrievers and just about every breed and size in between. As much as …
Continue reading Adding to the Family
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, emergency response teams, utility crews, National Guard units, and K9 search teams from across the country deployed to Tennessee and North Carolina in support of local, state, and federal agencies. Among those were members of the Legacy K9 Search Team, a self-funded, all-volunteer nonprofit organization who responded to an …
Continue reading When Devastation Strikes