A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
For seventeen years after losing my beloved spaniel Alix, I didn't believe I had enough heart left to offer another dog. Then a year ago, a volunteer sent me this photo of a dog surrendered to a rural county sheriff's office: I took one look at that sweet—and oh, so frightened—dog, and put everything on hold …
Continue reading One Joyful Year!
This morning dawned clear and sunny, enticing Sasha and I to head outside despite the freezing temperature. We had the neighborhood park all to ourselves, so I traded leash for the 30' long line and let her zigzag across the park in joyous abandon. (I've discovered that training time tends to be most productive when …
Continue reading Training Tales
Our neighborhood has some serious Halloween fans and the yard decorations get bigger (and some might say scarier) every year. In the past few weeks I've discovered that Sasha is no fan of skeletons rising from the ground, or ghostly wraiths swinging in the trees. She mutters past the tombstones propped in flower beds, skitters …
Continue reading Pet-Happy Halloween!
Chasing Dog Tales has a lovely poem, The Thankful Dog, written from Haley the dog's perspective: The Thankful Dog I’m thankful for the day you adopted me And your patience while I learned where to pee. Sorry for the time I pooped in the hall It was rough at first, but we got through it …
Continue reading Thanksgiving and Pets
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 …
Continue reading Fireworks & Fido: Reducing the Fear Factor