Several years ago our neighbor Leah recruited Pettigrew for her middle school science project. Given that treats were central to the study design, Pettigrew was all in. On the agreed upon day, she came to our house and set up her experiment: a treat stashed under the sofa. She then observed which paw Pettigrew used … Continue reading Answering the Questions You Didn’t Think to Ask: Do Dogs Have a Paw Preference?
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.
In the Eye of the Beholder
Do dogs feel disgust? My friend thinks so. And I am hard-pressed to come up with an alternative explanation. Stella, a past guest blogger (In Her Own Voice: Stella Is this Week’s Guest Blogger), is an adorable golden retriever and Pettigrew’s best gal pal. However, she has an alarming habit of eating trash when we … Continue reading In the Eye of the Beholder
Unconditional Love
My family gets the kookiest ideas about love. They have the audacity to question my love for them just because I bark and nudge when they neglect to open the backyard door so I can go outside for a spell; they are slow to take me for a walk; or they refuse to give me … Continue reading Unconditional Love
In My Own Voice #19: Two Roads Diverged in a Wood and I, I Took the One Less Traveled By*
My female walking companion gets into ruts. Always walking the same way. Down the alley, turn right; past the playground turn right again, and so on. If we meet up with friends—my buddies Stella, Zadie, Flash, Calie, and Sheva all bring their people out with them--my walking budding seems amenable to trying new routes. However, … Continue reading In My Own Voice #19: Two Roads Diverged in a Wood and I, I Took the One Less Traveled By*
Greetings Earthlings
Given his druthers, Pettigrew greets all mammals he meets. For some, this is a warm welcome, for others (think mail carriers, cats, people on skateboards, the list is long) his greeting is decidedly unfriendly. And then there’s the group in between, the ones for whom he reserves judgment. There are days when I am happy … Continue reading Greetings Earthlings
The Art of Gifting
Does Pettigrew need a winter coat? Would he enjoy one? Growing up, I don’t recall ever seeing a dog with a coat. Now they are everywhere. It makes me self-conscious when we’re out for a walk. Am I adequately providing for his needs? Am I exposing myself as a neglectful caregiver? He is a short-haired … Continue reading The Art of Gifting
In My Own Voice #18: Unintended Consequences
At long last, they got rid of the rug. I didn’t want to rain on their fashion sense, but really, the thing was an embarrassment. Holes. Loose threads. The stuff would tangle in my claws and I wouldn’t be able to shake it off. Day after day I would track the movements of the mail … Continue reading In My Own Voice #18: Unintended Consequences
In My Own Voice # 17: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
If only this could go on forever. Perfect Weather. I wake, cuddled on the sofa, with the hum from the basement signaling warmth is on its way. Savoring the heat, I hear the click, click, click and then whoosh as the burners light in the kitchen. The high-pitch whistle of the teakettle. I know this … Continue reading In My Own Voice # 17: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Cancel Culture
Chester cancelled Pettigrew. I know that’s harsh to say; but, unfortunately, it’s true. And, like so many of these types of situations, it all started with a simple misunderstanding. When we used to run into each other on our jaunts about town, the two dogs would happily greet each other. Tails wagging vigorously. Busy circling … Continue reading Cancel Culture
Choosing Life, Choosing Joy
When I was younger, I didn’t understand the proactive role we must play to find joy. Joy and happiness seemed like magic. Wonderful things could happen over which I didn’t have control. In elementary school I was stunned when my new sneakers didn’t propel me safely to first base. I remember looking at them in … Continue reading Choosing Life, Choosing Joy
