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.

“What could be more important than a little something to eat?” —Winnie the Pooh

“Now then, Piglet, let’s go home.”“But, Pooh,” cried Piglet, all excited “do you know the way?”“No,” said Pooh. “But there are twelve pots of honey in my cupboard and they’ve been calling to me for hours. I couldn’t hear them properly before, because Rabbit would talk, but if nobody says anything except those twelve pots, I think, Piglet, … Continue reading “What could be more important than a little something to eat?” —Winnie the Pooh →

In My Own Voice #33: We Need a Sofa Upstairs

A few good things have come from having my family around more: they added soft, comfy furniture to the porches and they took down the gate at the bottom of the stairs.  Checking out the new porch sofa. At night, I wait until the lights go out, then I climb the stairs and check to … Continue reading In My Own Voice #33: We Need a Sofa Upstairs →

Ahab Had the Whale

Ahab was obsessed with finding and killing Moby Dick. A whale. Leviathan of the sea. Photo credit: World Wildlife Fund I appear to be obsessed with a toilet. Somehow, it doesn’t have the same cache. One winter break when I was in college, I worked as a temporary secretary for an office at which just … Continue reading Ahab Had the Whale →

In My Own Voice #32: Tips for Training Your Human: The “2-P” Approach

Training your human can be a frustrating and discouraging endeavor, but, I assure you that you will have success if you follow my plan and never forget the two Ps: Perseverance and Patience. Whether you are teaching a new skill, or merely refreshing a skill that has been lost, it is best to start small, … Continue reading In My Own Voice #32: Tips for Training Your Human: The “2-P” Approach →

In My Own Voice #31: Making Sense of My Topsy Turvy World

The rules keep changing. For years we had a routine.  It was good. The people left in the morning. The youngsters came home in the afternoon. The older ones a bit later.  We ate breakfast together. We ate dinner together. While everyone was out, I had free reign of the downstairs. Well, actually, even when … Continue reading In My Own Voice #31: Making Sense of My Topsy Turvy World →

In My Own Voice #30: BATH is a Four-Letter Word

The other day I overheard one of my bros talking with the female about a bath....for ME. Now bath is not a word that gets bandied around with my name attached. The few times the two were linked were memorable. Is it possible they have forgotten what happened when they tied my leash to the … Continue reading In My Own Voice #30: BATH is a Four-Letter Word →

If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again

A companion piece to The Milano Effect Pettigrew has never been allowed into our bedrooms on the second floor. Occasionally, if the gate at the bottom of the stairs were left ajar, he would slip up.  A tempting space between the gate and the wall. Perhaps Pettigrew could slip through. Sometimes we would be in … Continue reading If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again →

In My Own voice # 29: I Forgive You

Do you not know me at all? After all these years? Asleep. Do you not notice that I am Sound Asleep on the sofa? Yes, yes, I heard you.  You’re not especially quiet. Collecting bags.  Jangling the leash. Opening the drawer and rummaging for the key. Go on, get distracted.  Go. Go.  Run up the stairs for … Continue reading In My Own voice # 29: I Forgive You →