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 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 →

In My Own Voice # 28: Stronger Together

Together. That seems to be the operational word these days. And, you know, it’s not all bad. I actually like my family. It gives me a lift to see them first thing in the morning.  Sometimes I greet them at the bottom of the stairs. Sometimes they come in before I’ve gotten off the sofa.  … Continue reading In My Own Voice # 28: Stronger Together →

In My Own Voice # 27: Expanding My Horizons

Resilience. Adaptability. Flexibility. These used to just be words to me. Now, I’m living their reality. With the family’s invasion of my floor, I’ve had to get creative about where to sleep. The sofa, one of my favs, is often occupied. Sometimes I’m OK with sharing, but sleeping is an intimate activity. There’s not much … Continue reading In My Own Voice # 27: Expanding My Horizons →

In My Own Voice #26: The Jig is Up

Wouldn’t you say you behave a bit differently depending on the situation and those present? Sometimes more relaxed, sometimes more formal? Well, I take different people out for a walk at different times of the day. They each have their own expectations. The oldest male has a route and he sticks to it no matter … Continue reading In My Own Voice #26: The Jig is Up →

In My Own Voice #25: Holding Out for the Good Stuff

As you know, I carefully monitor the deliveries to our home and, lately, we’ve been getting boxes and boxes of the good stuff. Can you believe, for countless years I accepted my fate and crunched my way through hard, dry pellets they called food! If I had known then what I know now, well, let … Continue reading In My Own Voice #25: Holding Out for the Good Stuff →

In My Own Voice #24: Come on People, Focus!

Everyone seems to be wandering around in la la land these days. Schedules out the window! Meals. Walks. There’s no rhyme or reason to when things will happen anymore! In truth, I am getting a bit concerned about my family. Last week there was that whole bit where they didn’t think I could make it … Continue reading In My Own Voice #24: Come on People, Focus! →