Do we allow data to inform our decisions or not? Pettigrew out on a walk. I had thought we were a data-driven family. As a scientist, researcher, and doctor, my husband has a healthy respect for data and its importance in developing a successful course of treatment. Or, so I thought. Apparently, his ability to … Continue reading The Battle Lines Are Drawn
Category: sickness
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
My Dog Food Collection
When I was younger, a friend decreed, to my surprise, that I collected elephants. Lo and behold, after a few birthday parties, I had amassed a respectable number of elephants and elephant accouterments. I even learned elephant lure. Did you know elephants with their trunks pointed up are good luck? Unfortunately, I already had a … Continue reading My Dog Food Collection
Optimization Run Amuck: Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
My grandmother was the queen of optimization. The person who, after successfully getting a group to agree on where to go for dinner, would, en route, suggest numerous other restaurants. No decision was final. Good could be made better and better could be made best. Unfortunately, good often became bad as the plan fell into … Continue reading Optimization Run Amuck: Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
Support Animals
A sloth. Yes, a sloth is Pettigrew’s support animal. Surprisingly it took me a long time to realize this. First there was the recognition that he was not shredding, but cuddling with his toy sloth. Then I noticed that when he is feeling strong emotion, he tracks down his sloth and tosses him around in … Continue reading Support Animals
Wrapped Around A Furry Paw
Betrayed! In the Doghouse! After Pettigrew’s deplorable actions yesterday, these were the headers I was contemplating for my blog post. Yesterday, craving something sweet, jelly donuts preferably, I stopped in at a local bakery that caters to the large, Central American population in our neighborhood. I had been interested in it for years, but never … Continue reading Wrapped Around A Furry Paw
The Inuits Have at Least 53 Words for Snow*: Which Words Are Central to Your Life?
I was contemplating this question and realized that while it used to be nicknames for Pettigrew (A Much Loved Dog Has Many Names) that I had in multiples, now it is something else to do with my fine furry friend. Warning: this post may get graphic. I will try to stay within conventional norms and … Continue reading The Inuits Have at Least 53 Words for Snow*: Which Words Are Central to Your Life?
Lemons or Is It Lemonade?
Pettigrew’s stomach is upset again. I made a ton of chicken and white rice and opened a can of pumpkin on the theory that with so much food at the ready, certainly his stomach would right itself quickly and I would’ve made too much. Like carrying your umbrella to prevent it from raining. It hasn’t … Continue reading Lemons or Is It Lemonade?
When He Was Good He Was Very Very Good, But When He Was Bad He Was Horrid*
Accidentally locked outside for a half hour on a rainy night, Pettigrew expressed his displeasure by chewing up a baseball glove. Does his chosen punishment fit our crime?
A Look, a Lick, & a Promise That All Will Be Well
Given that Pettigrew is a reactive dog, I never thought I would be catching calmness from him. Once again, he proved me wrong.