What makes an old dog keep going? I pondered this as Pettigrew succumbed with his usual grace to yet another stomach ailment. At this point, he doesn’t even rouse himself from the sofa when I stumble downstairs in the predawn darkness, cautiously flipping on lights before I step into a room. I no longer risk … Continue reading A life lived in the moment
Category: walks
All is White; It Snowed Last Night
Cold. Wet. White. Wonderful, wonderful snow! Pettigrew zips in tight circles around our snow-filled yard. Bounds through drifts. Stops on our walks to mark every snow pile from a cleared off sidewalk or driveway. Is it the joy of discovering a world transformed? Something new to enliven the old? Today he led me on a … Continue reading All is White; It Snowed Last Night
Neighborhood Watch or Busybody?
As someone who loves language, words, and a good story, I have long been aware that there is often a positive and negative way to describe an event. Or maybe it dates back to when, as a little girl, my mother told me that what we know about someone else is only part of the … Continue reading Neighborhood Watch or Busybody?
In My Own Voice #11: The Land of the Sideways Trees
Have you noticed? Something is definitely wrong out there. I have several walking routes. I make the circuit of all of them every week to ensure my territory stays clearly marked. I know the location of every tree, bush, shrub, fire hydrant, telephone pole, and street sign. It’s my business to know these things. And, … Continue reading In My Own Voice #11: The Land of the Sideways Trees
The Weather Outside is Frightful…*
It was close to an ultimatum. One minute I was curled up on the couch, talking to one of my oldest friends curled up opposite me. Between us, Pettigrew lounged. The next minute I was contemplating the ending of a friendship that had spanned decades. How had this happened? Weren’t we just catching up after … Continue reading The Weather Outside is Frightful…*
Thank You USPS
Dear USPS, I never thought I’d be writing you a thank you note. While I appreciate that your carriers deliver our mail, my gratitude for this service has been tempered by the extreme reaction of my dog to your visits. Whenever we see you--your personnel or trucks--my lovable guy becomes a raging animal(!), ready tear … Continue reading Thank You USPS
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?
The Allure of Novelty
In one of our local parks there is a water fountain that includes a doggie bowl. Yes, I had never seen one of these before either, but we live in a very pet-friendly neighborhood. Likewise Pettigrew was ignorant of the fountain’s use and showed no curiosity as we walked by it. Truthfully, I wasn’t in … Continue reading The Allure of Novelty
PAWZ: A community-based navigation app for you and your pooch
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to ensure a stress-free walk? One during which you encountered none of your dog’s triggers? Snap on the leash. Walk out the door. Relax and enjoy the day. No need to scan the surroundings for potential hazards or engage in tactical evasive maneuvers. Can I make … Continue reading PAWZ: A community-based navigation app for you and your pooch
In My Own Voice #11: A Classic Case of Bait and Switch
I have learned that the female in my family was not completely honest when, some eight years ago, I was conducting interviews to choose my forever family. What can I say, I was young, naĂŻve, and trusting. After they picked me up at the hostel where I had been staying, I took them across the … Continue reading In My Own Voice #11: A Classic Case of Bait and Switch
Ruth Polk 