Information on living with, training, and loving Dogs
…it will take before seeing an open gate will no longer trigger a reflexive heart-clutching moment?
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
There’s a simple seven-second test to check whether the pavement is too hot for your pet’s paws. Just touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds.
If you can’t hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, then it’s also too hot for your dog’s paws. Same difference, if you walk barefoot and can’t tolerate the pavement heat, neither can your … Read More
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.
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
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
They Buy Home Security SystemsIn 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
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
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
Can’t tell you how many times over the decades and decades that I’ve lived with my animals that I wished there was a stop-gap measure before having to rush off to the Emergency Vet on nights or weekends. It would have saved me thousands of dollars.
Now there is an online service and app that may just do the trick. Fuzzy is a telehealth service for pet people with 24/7 access to customized pet care and product recommendations from vet … Read More
