A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
When you share your life with a dog, some things are essential responsibilities. For me, the list starts with love and attention. Add in good nutrition, regular veterinary care, and frequent grooming. Obedience skills and good manners are on the list, as well; these provide terrific opportunities to bond with your dog. I'll add control …
Continue reading Taking control
One of the most common questions asked of writers: "Where do you get your ideas?" As a professor and research geek, I love this question. Maybe I'm genetically wired this way; my dad was brilliant with crossword puzzles and my mother excelled in finding creative solutions to vexing problems. That's as good a reason as any to …
Continue reading Dangerous Deeds
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
Our neighborhood has some serious Halloween fans and the yard decorations get bigger (and some might say scarier) every year. During our first year together, I discovered that Sasha was no fan of skeletons rising from the ground or ghostly wraiths swinging in the trees. She muttered past the tombstones propped in flower beds, skittered …
Continue reading Trick or Treat, Canine Style!
Does your own sweet dog turn into a Dogzilla when suffering from excess stimulation? Is the heat turning your routine activities into a stress test and making both of you miserable? Maybe it's time to give yourselves a break and relax. I'm talking about a staycation for you and your pooch. When the outside world gets too much, maybe …
Continue reading “Staycation” Canine Style