A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
Most holiday weekends, our neighborhood sees an influx of out-of-town guests who bring their pets along. For those of us whose dogs are wary of strangers, the new arrivals can add a new level of anxiety. While vigilance--and maintaining a safe distance--can often prevent a full-blown canine crisis, it pays to have a plan in …
Continue reading Keep Calm and Have a Plan
This morning's temperature hovered at zero and the wind chill of -7 or colder motivated Sasha to set a new speed record in the yard. With brutal cold predicted for days to come, I'm going to be smart and substitute indoor work for our daily neighborhood walks. Fortunately, Sasha enjoys any sort of training time. …
Continue reading Winter Fun and Games
Sasha's longest car trip (that we know of) was our first day together, when we drove hours through the Ozarks and across Oklahoma's tallgrass prairie to bring her home. For a rescue dog that had been handed off from one place to another, a long car journey with strangers was one stress too many. Since …
Continue reading Safe Travels, Everyone!
Monday morning walks can be a challenge, and today was no exception. Sasha was on high alert right from the start, with barks aplenty at anything and everything that moved. The incessant wind gusts didn't help, either; this is one dog who does not appreciate leaves and dust swirling around her face. She was already …
Continue reading A Day To Remember
From flat-buckle to martingale collars and beyond to harnesses of all sorts--choosing the right equipment for your dog can be a real challenge! Before you go shopping, it's a good idea to know that the dog's breed, temperament, and strength (think "pull power") should influence your decision. You'll find an ongoing debate in the dog …
Continue reading The Collar Challenge