A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
January in the Ozarks brought an arctic blast and high winds howling through the hills, plunging temperatures toward zero with wind chills that can only be described as brutal. A treacherous layer of ice covered in snow convinced me to curtail Sasha's outdoor exercise time. For those who do venture out, it's worth reviewing the …
Continue reading Winter Fun & Safety
I live in a community that lights up the sky by setting off roman candles, skyrockets, and any other sort of firecrackers--legal or otherwise-- guaranteed to delight thrill-seekers. Everyone else, not so much. Buddy the Wonder Cat was a rescue who came to us at just three months of age, so we've had lots of …
Continue reading Pet Safety: Keep Calm And Carry On
Years ago, I was traveling with a group and we'd checked into a pet-friendly hotel. I left my spaniel, Alix, in the room while I retrieved the rest of the luggage. One member of the group--one of the few traveling without dogs of her own--wasn't paying attention and left the door open. My dog decided …
Continue reading Pet-Friendly Travels
Wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters can strike anywhere, anytime. Even if you're currently high, dry, and safe, it's important to have a clear action plan to get you and your pets to safety in times of trouble. Have a plan! This 2-page checklist from the CDC is one of the best I've seen; print a copy …
Continue reading Playing it safe
In the six months that Sasha has been with us, we've encountered dozens of dogs and their owners. (Hundreds, if you count the veritable sea of wagging tails at the Humane Society of the Ozarks' fundraising celebration in the park.) We've encountered them on neighborhood walks, along the trail system, in community parks. We've met them …
Continue reading “And I’d Do It Again”