Winter Through the Lens
Just a few photos today. I’ve recently returned from San Antonio, celebrating my amazing sister Dr. Wendy Barker, at the Festschrift put on in her honor by her colleagues at the University of Texas, San Antonio. She is the real writer in the family, and I wish that each of you could have been there to listen to her read some of her poems. I don’t think anyone moved the entire time that she was reading her poems; the entire room was enthralled. Engrossed. Captivated. It was a highlight of my life to listen to her colleagues and students acknowledge her contributions to creative writing. Her book, Nothing Between Us: The Berkley Years, is beyond brilliant. Yes, I know, she’s my sister, but seriously, she’s really, really good. And how fun is this: My other sister, Liza, is writing her own memoir right now. My new book (also a memoir) is with my agent, and going out for review to some other readers before we put it out to the publishing world. (Please cross all paws for me.) I wish our father, who loved books and writing, could see his three daughters now.
Here’s from a walk that Willie, Maggie and Nellie and I just took. We are just thawing out; it’s all of 8 degrees right now–a far sight warmer than the 15 degrees below zero of this morning.
Stay warm!
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About the Author
Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus is an applied animal behaviorist who has been working with, studying, and writing about dogs for over twenty-five years. She encourages your participation, believing that your voice adds greatly to its value. She enjoys reading every comment, and adds her own responses when she can.
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Patricia is known the world over for her clear and engaging books and DVDs on dog training and canine behavior problems. You can also “meet” Patricia in person on her seminar DVDs, from The Art & Science of Canine Behavior to Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.
Beautiful pictures. Colder where you live. Love reading your blog.
It was so easy to see the love in your description of your sisters and in your wish for your father. Your pictures are wonderful – especially the one of the cat ! It is no wonder that you have become such a well respected trainer of humans and their dog companions. Your joy in nature and your respect for others is embedded in your teaching. A good life you have woven. Thank you for sharing.
Wishing you all good things, gail
Beautiful post, Gail…
Wonderful family…your father was obviously a great influence to you and your sisters. Wonderful pictures as always.
I need to thaw after a very short walk in this freezing weather. I’m looking forward to some longer (calorie burning) walks when it warms up. ( 30 degrees might keep me out there a bit longer!).
Nellie doesn’t seem as enthralled by the snow as Willie and Maggie. Stay warm!
And if the publishers foolishly decline your work, please remember e-books.
Paws crossed though I suspect with your family’s DNA it won’t be necessary. 🙂 Stay warm.
Congrats to your sister Wendy! And best wishes for a happy and smooth writing road for you and your sister Liza. I love your photos, as usual, thank you for sharing so much with us!
You have been inspirational! Thank you. It’s -15 here in NH! What a winter indeed!
Hey Trish – I was one members of the SA Trainers Alliance that attended your talk here a couple of years ago. I didn’t know you had a sister in San Antonio – hope that is some extra incentive for your coming back to talk to us again soon! My son-in-law is on the medical school faculty at UTSA so we are a UTSA family. Also, have you ever had Texas pecan pie? You can order really good ones from Goode Co. BBQ in Houston by calling 713-529-1212
Umm, pecan pie, huh? Thanks for the reminder! You all know I love pie, but I have to admit my favorite feast in Texas is BBZQ. 🙂
Thanks for all your kind words, much appreciated. I’ll be doing more revisions (sigh) on the manuscript this summer; keep reminding me that stamina is the name of the game!
Thanks Trisha for the link to your sisters website, I love reading poetry! What a wonderfull family you are
Keep at it Trisha. Thousands of us are excited to read your memoir! Have you thought of self publishing?
The pictures are beautiful – the dogs look so content.
Your sister writes so beautifully. But I think you inherited the writing talent in equal measure as TOEOTL in particular is such a beautiful and moving read for us dog lovers. What does your other sister do?
These are great pictures! My dog Penny loves the snow and all this cold weather! I’m currently listening to your book For the Love of a Dog in my car and I’m really enjoying it. I’m a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, so I find the behavior stuff really interesting. (I work with kids with autism). I didn’t realize you lived in Wisconsin and taught at the UW, and since I live in Madison, I thought that was neat.
It just so happens that i was looking up shelters that with euthanize my dog. Ive though long and hard about this. I know that I cannot rehome my beautiful pitty. I know as a responsible pet owner what has to be done. I love him so much but can no long live in fear knowing that someone or that one of my smaller dogs could be injured or killed. This dog was so loving and adorable at first. I dont really know what happened but i know i can no take that risk. Thank you so much for ypur words. It made me understand more clearly what has to be done. It’s not fair to him either to have to be seperated from the pack and can no longer sleep with the other dogs. He doesnt understand what and why but I have to. Once again thank you for the perspective.