Pettigrew is a social butterfly. I only wish he waited for us to join him before venturing out on his visits.
Trying Not to Think About Loss
Pettigrew has had a tough week. He’s still limping. His stomach is off. And the temperature has soared into the 90s. He’s not a stiff upper lip kind of dog, so I’ve had a hard week too. He’s kept me busy getting up early to take him out, boiling rice, and poaching chicken. He finished … Continue reading Trying Not to Think About Loss
Is Your Dog Limping? Or, What Pettigrew Taught Me About Physical Impairments
Why was it so hard for me to answer when people asked about Pettigrew's limp? I always felt defensive, like I wasn't a good caregiver.
Stormy Weather’s Coming
Pettigrew is my in-home weather detection system. Better than the meteorologists at accurately predicting bad weather.
When I’m feeling blue, Pettigrew Knows What to Do
When Pettigrew first joined our family he didn’t make a sound. For six weeks we never heard his bark. Now he barks and bays like a coonhound, but during those first, quiet weeks of our acquaintance, we learned a different way of communicating. Pettigrew was uncertain, nervous, and eager to establish himself in our good … Continue reading When I’m feeling blue, Pettigrew Knows What to Do
What’s a Trigger?
As I was meditating this morning, idly wondering what it would be fun to blog about next, Pettigrew, perceiving some dire threat to our home, started barking and tearing around the house. With my eyes closed, taking deep breaths, I could hear him growling, racing across the floor, scrambling as he fought for traction on … Continue reading What’s a Trigger?
What’s in a Name?
As an adult, I have gotten used to losing my given name. Following my marriage people began calling me Mrs. Shoham. Sorry, nope, still Ms. Polk; I kept my maiden name. With the birth of our first son, I suddenly found myself addressed as Aaron’s Mother. Son number two brought a similar, Ethan’s Mother to my … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
The Case of the Missing Cheese
This week I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about Pettigrew’s GI system. Thursday morning I awoke to an off smell in the house. It had been raining . . . for days . . . so I thought that there were possibly some damp towels in the bathroom. On autopilot I walked downstairs to … Continue reading The Case of the Missing Cheese
It’s Too Hot Out There for a Walk
Pettigrew goes on a minimum of three walks a day. One in the morning, one between noon and 5pm and one after 8pm. He knows it. I know it. It’s a routine that never changes. It’s not a choice. It’s a necessity. Pettigrew considers our yard an extension of the house. Therefore, he will only … Continue reading It’s Too Hot Out There for a Walk
A New Dog!
Doesn’t every family want a dog? A happy tail wagging when you come home? Someone to snuggle with when life has turned against you? Leisurely afternoons playing catch? OK, I’ll admit I was living in a fantasy world. All around us families were bringing home puppies so we decided to take the plunge. In … Continue reading A New Dog!
Ruth Polk 