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
Category: dog
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
Small Moments
The language of love fascinates me and I have written about it before [Just Love, The Fur’s Flying in My Language of Love, Unconditional Love, A Much Loved Dog Has Many Names]. I think it’s because something that seems self-evident, universal, and easy, isn’t. The person who loves hearing soft words won’t necessarily feel loved by the one … Continue reading Small Moments
Can’t Nothing Hold Me Down
Pettigrew epitomizes the can do attitude. As an elder statesman, well into his double digits, Pettigrew is slowing down. But for the things that matter most, he finds a way. As a pup, Pettigrew was all grace as he leapt on top of walls, cleared logs that had fallen across the trail, and bounded onto … Continue reading Can’t Nothing Hold Me Down
To the Manor Born
A red velvet-covered dog pillow onto which a tired body could sink, the feather stuffing settling to create a cozy nest. A hand, heavy with rings dangling over an armrest to lazily stroke a furry back. Stolen from under the cook’s nose, a bone with meat scraps clinging to its surface. Or, surreptitiously passed under … Continue reading To the Manor Born
Unconditional Love
It’s me. I know; it must be me. Perhaps my breath is bad? Or maybe it’s my pants? Yes, my pants are not soft enough. How else can I explain what happened the other day? Curling up on the sofa to watch a movie, I found myself alone; hubby and the kids were not interested … Continue reading Unconditional Love
A Question of Science
Pettigrew has proven to be a willing participant in my forays into scientific research. Part of it may be because food figures prominently in my study design. For information about our first study together see Food Glorious Food. The last few years there has been conflicting information about healthy eating. Fat is good; sugar is … Continue reading A Question of Science
Ruth Polk 