First things first! Lassie's party was a joy. Many of her friends came to talk, eat and belly rub, and Lassie proclaimed it good. Very good indeed. Lassie reveled in the attention, Willie got tons of petting too and we all ate ourselves silly. Only downside is that I forgot to take photos (camera out and at the ready on the counter...) of Lassie and all her friends. Big disappointment, I have a photo of my first Border collie Drift, at his 15th birthday party, and it means a lot to me to have it. He died 2 months later and I think that's part of what motivated me to have this one, and I'm so glad I did. However, I fully intend and expect to have a rip roaring 16th birthday party for Lassie next year, so I'll just get a photo next year. Here's a picture after the party of Lassie delving Read More
From Lassie
Tall Two Leg Female can't write today, because she is busy arranging for my very special birthday party. If it is anywhere around Is It Time for Dinner Yet? time, then I am getting the attention that I so deserve as you read this. I am sorry that Tall Two Leg Female and Tall Two Leg Fuzz Face Male did not ask all of you. I do not understand why not. I think you should be here to rub my belly. Here is what I sent out the Two Legs I was allowed to invite: Dear Two Leg: Please don't tell anyone I'm writing this but I turn fifteen years old on December 7th. I think everyone should come and pay attention to ME that day but Tall Two Leg Female and Tall Two Leg Fuzz Face Male are leaving AGAIN that weekend and I think they'd better be here to keep Willie in his place. I want you to come and Read More
Do Dogs Know When We’re Sick?
Boy is this going to be short. Stomach flu. Not good. Will spare you all details, but been sick (as a dog? where did that expression come from?) Been sick for 3 days, huge snow storm kept friends out, me in. Jim, my wonderful guy, just took the afternoon off to come out with saltine crackers and ginger ale for me. Heaven. Wanted to write about the seminar in Des Moines, the participants and hosts were so wonderful. Stay tuned, don't have much vertical time in me yet... BUT here's the question: All of Monday and Tuesday, when I was flat on my back, young BC Willie never once brought me a toy to throw for him. To say that's atypical is understating the matter. Oh sure, he'll stop when you say "Enough" but he'll try again in a half hour or so. But he never tried, ever for 2 1/2 days. Why? Read More
Canine Chiropractors. Larry Meiller’s Show
So much to say, so little time! First off, I thought I'd let the folks who get WPR daytime know that I'll be a guest on Larry Meiller's show tomorrow at 11:45. It'll be a hoot to see him. I'm feeling sort of smiley-silly about it, so watch out what you ask me if you call in! Second, here's a photo of Lassie with her canine chiropractor, Dr. Mark McCaan (spelling?). We go in every month (Willie every other), and there is simply no question that it helps her 15 year old body (almost, she'll be 15 in 3 weeks!). The effects are immediate and obvious. If I skip them she develops a significant limp originating in her right shoulder. If I stay on schedule she still clearly has some arthritis (treated in many ways, not just chiropractic). [Did I mention, that in spite of Dr. Mark's kindness Read More
Tales of Two Species, Essays on People and Dogs
It's a wonderful thing to hold a book you wrote in your hand, long after the writing and the editing and the discussions with the publishers about cover photos and who to ask for quotes on the back... My new book, Tales of Two Species: Loving and Living with Dogs just came from the printers, and I have to admit it feels good to see it. It's a collection of essays written over the years for Bark magazine, published by Dogwise (who I call the Amazon of dog books). Working with the editors of Bark has been a joy, and collaborating with the folks at Dogwise has been equally delightful (I presume you are not shocked to learn that this is not always the case between author and publisher? I have been exceptionally lucky with my national books, having wonderful editors at Ballantine who have Read More