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
After this morning's backyard adventure, the four-legged family members opted to spend most of the day inside. Sasha seemed apprehensive when it came time for her mid-afternoon yard break, so I went out with her. This time, however, I was armed with a Plan of Action. The dogs visiting next door came straight to the …
Continue reading A Blue Ribbon Day!
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
If you've been following this site, you already know I'm a big fan of the Doodlebugged Mysteries and its award-winning author, Susan J. Kroupa. Doodlebugged is that rare sort of series that appeals to people of all ages and is truly a delight to read over and over. What you may not know is that …
Continue reading A Tribute to Shadow
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