Kiera, Graidy, Wink and Me
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 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
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
Arrow has a gorgeous coat! Soft as silk! We can’t go anywhere without people remarking. Even people driving by in cars will stop in the middle of the road to tell us! It’s really something.
But, like all Australian Shepherds, his coat didn’t get that way on its own. So what’s the secret? Regular brushing.
Australian Shepherds and other dogs with double coats require specific grooming tools to … Read More
Happy Birthday, Kenz! It’s been quite the two years!
First day home.
Still can’t tame the Betty Boop hair!
Ever on the look out—my sentry dog.
She who lives for walks…
And last but not least, another big brother.
Thank you for the endless laughter and joy.… Read More
Thinking of getting a weighted blanket? There are so many to choose from, but this is my recommendation.
This brand of weighted blanket is like a warm, cozy hug. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep quality, as it may increase serotonin and melatonin levels while reducing cortisol. The gentle pressure from these blankets can also help prepare your body for rest by calming your heart rate and breathing. This can make it easier to fall … Read More
If you’d just walked in on this scene unawares, you might think you were in the middle of a shootout at the O.K. Corral, with fallen bodies strewn about. Nope. Just another day of trying to feed my picky eaters.
I’ve written before about the joys of getting my dogs to eat. We’ve reached comical new heights. Like toddlers, these guys now also need to have their lovey toys join in on the fun. Riley, my very sensitive boy, … Read More
