Author: authorpolk

I live in the suburbs of Washington, DC with my dog, husband, and two sons. I teach environmental education and am a librarian. I also write children's books and hope to be published one day. In the meantime, I blog about the crazy things my dog Pettigrew does.

All is White; It Snowed Last Night

Cold. Wet. White. Wonderful, wonderful snow! Pettigrew zips in tight circles around our snow-filled yard. Bounds through drifts. Stops on our walks to mark every snow pile from a cleared off sidewalk or driveway. Is it the joy of discovering a world transformed? Something new to enliven the old? Today he led me on a … Continue reading All is White; It Snowed Last Night →

Neighborhood Watch or Busybody?

As someone who loves language, words, and a good story, I have long been aware that there is often a positive and negative way to describe an event. Or maybe it dates back to when, as a little girl, my mother told me that what we know about someone else is only part of the … Continue reading Neighborhood Watch or Busybody? →

In My Own Voice #11: The Land of the Sideways Trees

Have you noticed? Something is definitely wrong out there. I have several walking routes. I make the circuit of all of them every week to ensure my territory stays clearly marked. I know the location of every tree, bush, shrub, fire hydrant, telephone pole, and street sign. It’s my business to know these things. And, … Continue reading In My Own Voice #11: The Land of the Sideways Trees →

The Weather Outside is Frightful…*

It was close to an ultimatum. One minute I was curled up on the couch, talking to one of my oldest friends curled up opposite me. Between us, Pettigrew lounged. The next minute I was contemplating the ending of a friendship that had spanned decades. How had this happened? Weren’t we just catching up after … Continue reading The Weather Outside is Frightful…* →

Know When to Hold, Know When to Fold

The list of Pettigrew’s triggers  (see What's a Trigger) has blissfully shrunken. FedEx? UPS? They now pass by unremarked and unmolested. Pettigrew saves his ire for the mail carrier. Yes, those foolish, foolish USPS workers wear the same, easily identifiable uniform. Plus, there are still some of the old trucks rumbling on the roads and causing us … Continue reading Know When to Hold, Know When to Fold →

Thank You USPS

Dear USPS, I never thought I’d be writing you a thank you note. While I appreciate that your carriers deliver our mail, my gratitude for this service has been tempered by the extreme reaction of my dog to your visits. Whenever we see you--your personnel or trucks--my lovable guy becomes a raging animal(!), ready tear … Continue reading Thank You USPS →

Wrapped Around A Furry Paw

Betrayed! In the Doghouse! After Pettigrew’s deplorable actions yesterday, these were the headers I was contemplating for my blog post. Yesterday, craving something sweet, jelly donuts preferably, I stopped in at a local bakery that caters to the large, Central American population in our neighborhood. I had been interested in it for years, but never … Continue reading Wrapped Around A Furry Paw →

Ask Not What Pettigrew Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For Pettigrew

Ask not what Pettigrew can do for you, but what you can do for Pettigrew. I imagine this question is in Pettigrew’s mind whenever we ask/command/have an expectation of him. Needless-to-say, this is not what I expected when he joined our home. My father trained the dog with whom I grew up. She obeyed us … Continue reading Ask Not What Pettigrew Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For Pettigrew →

The Inuits Have at Least 53 Words for Snow*: Which Words Are Central to Your Life?

I was contemplating this question and realized that while it used to be nicknames for Pettigrew (A Much Loved Dog Has Many Names) that I had in multiples, now it is something else to do with my fine furry friend. Warning: this post may get graphic. I will try to stay within conventional norms and … Continue reading The Inuits Have at Least 53 Words for Snow*: Which Words Are Central to Your Life? →

The Allure of Novelty

In one of our local parks there is a water fountain that includes a doggie bowl. Yes, I had never seen one of these before either, but we live in a very pet-friendly neighborhood. Likewise Pettigrew was ignorant of the fountain’s use and showed no curiosity as we walked by it. Truthfully, I wasn’t in … Continue reading The Allure of Novelty →