These hot muggy days really drag me down. No matter when we go out, the weather is dreary. The Woman is usually amenable to cutting our walks short if I’m just not up for it, but sometimes she resists. On those dreadful occasions, instead of following my lead when I turn, she forcibly drags my … Continue reading In My Own Voice #36: The Fake Out
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.
Goodnight, Sweet Dreams
Pettigrew has a firm sense of bedtime. Bedtime is, perforce, different than nap time. Nap time is a variable entity. Nap time happens whenever, wherever. It’s fluid. Nap time. The need for a nap could strike after breakfast, in the early afternoon, or the late afternoon. A delightful nap can be enjoyed under the dining … Continue reading Goodnight, Sweet Dreams
In My Own Voice #35: The Worst Night of My Life
It started, as these things often do, with something so deceptively wonderful that I was completely blindsided when everything went south. Typically, the Woman and I have a bit of a back and forth around when to eat dinner. Invariably, I have to remind her not once, not twice, but three or more times before … Continue reading In My Own Voice #35: The Worst Night of My Life
A Senior Moment
On a lovely evening sitting around the firepit with dear friends we found ourselves confronting some sobering truths about the future. We met when we were one-child families and have stayed friends as each of our families have grown to include a second child and, inevitably, a dog. In my friends’ cases, make that two … Continue reading A Senior Moment
The Color of Thread
When our sons were toddlers, I would invite them to select the color of thread to use for patching holes in their pants. I can picture the soft curls on their heads as they bent over the sewing basket in my lap, tiny hands rustling through the scissors, buttons, and pins before picking their chosen … Continue reading The Color of Thread
In My Own Voice #35: The Music’s Back!
Feeling frisky again! The weirdest thing happened after that infamous trip to the vet. My world went silent. OK, just so you don’t worry, I don’t really mean my world. I didn’t suddenly become deaf or anything. But I no longer made any sound as I moved around. It was eerie. Never before had I … Continue reading In My Own Voice #35: The Music’s Back!
In My Own Voice #34: You Never Know What Lies on the Other Side of a Door
When you get in a car, it’s a tricky thing. There is, of course, the pleasure of watching the world go by while you remain snug and warm and without any exertion. But when that door opens, well, you just don’t know where you’ll be when you step outside. Sometimes you are about to embark … Continue reading In My Own Voice #34: You Never Know What Lies on the Other Side of a Door
Things (May) Happen for a Reason
Do you believe that things happen for a reason? Personally, I go back and forth. Recently, what seemed to be a setback, proved to be a blessing in disguise. Due to covid-related supply chain issues, Pettigrew’s dog food is no longer available. With no expected return date. If you have been following this blog for … Continue reading Things (May) Happen for a Reason
Sometimes You’ve Gotta Do What You’ve Gotta Do
Pettigrew has been sporting a slow-growing benign melanoma for the past few years. We’ve been watching and hoping it would stop. But it just kept trucking along. Time for a little snuggle on the sofa. You can also see the melanoma if you are interested in that type of thing. It’s quite unsightly. We left … Continue reading Sometimes You’ve Gotta Do What You’ve Gotta Do
The Nose Doesn’t Always Know
Much has been made about a dog’s powerful sense of smell. This unique skill qualifies them to find bombs, drugs, and lost or trapped people. I actually looked up how a search and rescue dog operates. Yep, it’s by scent. Alas, Pettigrew’s schnoz is lacking. Although he thoroughly enjoys sampling the olfactory delights on his … Continue reading The Nose Doesn’t Always Know
Ruth Polk 