In honor of National Dog day: the winding, not-super-linear story of how Wren came into our lives. I've written tomes about Chara, but I'm not sure that I've ever told Wren's story. And it's a great one: full of love and hardship and challenges overcome. When I first met Wren, we weren't looking for a … Continue reading On three-legged dogs
(All photos are of real shelter pets from the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, taken during my year working there. These pets have long been adopted, but there are hundreds more adorable critters just like them looking for homes). What do you picture when you hear the word "kill shelter?" If you're like most people, you … Continue reading On Kill Shelters
May is drawing to a close, and as its last days near, temperatures soar. It feels like it's been weeks since our last rainfall, and every time I open my weather app, little suns stare back at me. The grass in our backyard is becoming crispy. My garden requires constant drenching with a hose. And … Continue reading On May shadows and sunshine
Working at a humane society, I often come across the notion that a large dog can’t live in a small apartment. “Oh, we certainly don’t have room for a dog that size,” the person will say, eyes roving disapprovingly over a Labrador mix of medium stature. Having personally housed a 90 lb Great Dane/Labrador/husky mix … Continue reading On Large Dogs in Small Apartments
Spring is wrapping up here in Mississippi. Now when I step onto the deck each morning with Chara, the air is as warm and soft as a second skin. The brilliant spring blooms have faded, and the garden is well established. And with these changes come other big life changes. About three weeks ago … Continue reading On Change
Last week we watched a friend's dog. And while I've met many dogs over the span of my twenty-four years, this old guy made me think twice about what it means to have a dog, and in return, what it means to be one. See, Sonny is all dog. He woke us up each morning with a thorough … Continue reading On What It Means to Be a Dog
A few weeks ago we took Chara to the Paw Pet Resort for some water therapy. The vet had recommended both the location and the activity to us to help strengthen her muscles and stabilize her joints, and so we wanted to make sure we followed through. (Now, a disclaimer before I get into this … Continue reading On Privilege and Pets
You came into this world a mess, with your insides all twisted, and your floppy paws too big for your body. When I talked to Amanda about you yesterday morning, she said all she remembered from your puppy hood was that stupid cone you always had to wear, so that you didn't eat your stitches. … Continue reading The Rosie, Golden Years
They're sitting there. Watching me. Three brown eyes and one electric blue eye. They know what my running shoes and beat up purse mean, and their tails wag with excitement. But I have a dilemma: I can only bring one dog. Rosie, our elderly golden retriever can hardly handle the heat in the house (even … Continue reading Dog Dilemma
