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My Dogs and Me

Kiera, Graidy, Wink and Me

My New Dog

beagle Meet Bob. My new dog.

He’s a pound puppy. Well, actually a pound old man; he’s around 8 years old. And he’s sweet as can be.

I know I said I was going to wait at least a year but…

Well…

I sort of am still waiting.

Bob is a dear friend’s dog that we’re dog-sitting for. Her usual standby wasn’t available and she had a terrible experience trying someone on Rover.com. (Not all Rover experiences turn out poorly. You … Read More

Wonder How Long…

…it will take before seeing an open gate will no longer trigger a reflexive heart-clutching moment?

open gate

It’s been 3 months since Wink joined the rest of our animal family on the other side.

When they were all here, if I’d come upon a gate left open like this, I’d have somebody’s head for being so unconscious. That’s after I’d have spent the next few hours chasing dogs down the street while screaming at cars to slow down, and running through … Read More

Memory Lane Can be a Mixed Bag

Spring cleaning turned up this photo from a long-forgotten box tucked far back in a closet. Two of my favorite girls in the world.

Cait and Kiera

Hard to believe that one left the planet almost a decade ago. It seems like just yesterday we were running around a field chasing sheep. Me, in fits of laughter. She, annoyed that I wasn’t being more serious about holding up my end of the job. She was so good, there was really nothing for me … Read More

Five Facts You Need to Know Before Choosing an Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Updated May 9, 2022

She’s beautiful, isn’t she?

She’s also smart, athletic, a snap to train, devoted, telepathic, and my right-hand girl. In fact, she’s everything you could want in a dog — and more.

It’s the “more” part that gets most people into trouble. The truth is — for as beautiful and brainy as Australian Shepherds are — they aren’t for everyone.

The question is: Are they for you?

Let me walk you through a few key points … Read More

What Do People Do When They Don’t Have Bark Alarms?

boxes They Buy Home Security Systems

In all my years on the planet, 90% of them have been spent living with animals. Mostly dogs. I’m still figuring out how to find my way without four-footeds always by my side. It’s weird. So very weird.

I promised Andrew that I would try to make it a year. There’s some traveling he’d like to do where we both get to go together. What a concept! But I’m not sure how long I’ll last. … Read More

The Embodiment of Pure Love

Wink

May 11, 2008 – April 15, 2022

Blenheim Cavalier Spaniel

There has been no other dog filled with as much love and happiness as this little guy. He came by way of a dog for Cait, but as life often has other plans, it wasn’t long before he attached himself fully and completely to me. He and I have been inseparable ever since he made that decision. Literally, in 14 years we’ve rarely been out of each other’s sight. One of the … Read More

When You Become Your Dog’s Seeing Eye Person

I’d be lying if I said we’re not struggling to keep going. The days—and nights—keep taking their toll.

Now along with Wink needing me to always be within sight inside (or he cries nonstop until I am back in view), we’re at the point where, even though we have a huge fenced yard and dog door that he’s used since he was a puppy, he won’t go outside anymore unless he’s tethered to me. So all potty breaks are now … Read More

The Gang’s All Here

In our family, it’s a tradition. Unless your present makes the present receiver cry, you didn’t find the perfect gift. Cait nailed this. She even had the artist include a dragonfly on Wink’s ear (which has special meaning for me). I blubbered like a baby.

To see the details close up, click on the photo.

Seriously, I think this might be the best, most thoughtful present I’ve ever received. I love the way the artist has combined nature into the … Read More

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