Every time I take Arrow for a walk, I stuff a random number of small biscuits into my pocket. This is mostly for backup in case we encounter something really exciting (like a jogger or a biker flying past), and I want to be able to quickly grab his attention without grabbing his collar or cinching the leash. Also, as we walk, I like to randomly reward him with food (and always with praise) for looking back and checking in … Read More
I recently had a reader ask if it was a good idea to shave Aussies in hot weather. Let me quickly get to the short answer for those who don’t have time to read. NO! Do not shave your Aussie!
Read on to learn why.
Natural Temperature Regulation System
Double-coated dogs like Australian Shepherds have a sophisticated natural cooling system that consists of two layers:
Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it? That’s because it’s delicious— to non-vegetarians and dogs alike. They’ll come running every time they catch a whiff.
The struggle is real… You need to get a pill down your dog who’s not having it. You’ve tried every pill pocket on the market, only to have your dog spit them out. You’ve given up and resorted to the dreaded “shove it down the … Read More
I have a fool-proof thunderstorm detector — more accurate than the local weather Doppler system. And he’s sitting right here on my lap (which makes typing a bit of a challenge). So I know a thunderstorm will be hitting here before too long.
Arrow never used to be bothered by thunderstorms, but for the last year, they’ve turned him into a quivering mess, courtesy of Lyme disease. (Lyme can affect neurological functioning in all kinds of weird ways, this being … Read More
There’s something extraordinary about getting to share my little patch of earth with the wild creatures who also call it home. I especially love the wide variety of birds that appear. Each day brings something new. Recently, I had two uncommon encounters that are out of character for here.
Today, it was a huge bald eagle that was gazing at me while enjoying his breakfast snatched from our pond.
Early morning coffee on the deck is often rewarded with something … Read More
Having been away for a few days on a business trip, I walked into the house to my happily leaping dogs. Riley came rushing up the chair in front of me and used it like a springboard to catapult himself up into my arms. Arrow, wanting to lick my face, had trampoline feet, he was jumping so high.
Finally, I brushed them both off so I could sit on the floor, so my littlest, Kenzie, could join in. Then, and … Read More
Arrow will try anything to get Riley to play with him. ANYTHING. Riley’s not having it today.… Read More
Having lived with dogs all my life—I feel uniquely qualified to warn you about the perils of dog ownership. Sure, they look adorable in those Instagram posts, but here’s the unfiltered truth about why you might want to reconsider that trip to the shelter.
Remember when you bought that fancy vacuum and thought, “This will last for years”? Yeah. No. Your new full-time … Read More
