You know when you catch a toe and you have a little stumble and try to right yourself. Suddenly, you’re taking giant steps, hunched forward, ready to brace with your arms, trying to catch yourself before falling. So now you’re at a dead run, refusing to fall. It would’ve been easier to just fall. Finally, … Read more
I have a too-cute collection of plush dog toys Jolene thinks are silly and beneath her. I understand; I didn’t play with dolls when I was little. Most of my dogs don’t play ball either. They know it’s a game that always ends the same way. Where is the fun in that? Call it splitting … Read more
Jolene is changing faster than the fall colors. It isn’t just that she’s grown lacey bloomers on her backside. Sometimes she’s elegant, alert, and just sizzling smart. Then she’s full-on tug-monster and bitey-face queen. Almost mature, with peaceful lap-sitting moments that exude Zen-like wisdom, and the next moment she’s running past you with the toilet … Read more
Jolene tilts her head when she listens. Like Nipper, the phonograph-listening RCA dog, she focuses with intense concentration, adjusting her pointy ears like antennas. Jolene is so tuned into her environment that it’s the farthest thing from a game. Maybe it’s a girl-dog thing. Mister, bless his heart, has slept through Texas tornadoes, but nothing … Read more
I don’t recognize this young dog of mine. She doesn’t care, except that I’m such an old fart. Here’s the catch-up: Two weeks ago, Jolene and I went to her first scentwork class. She listened to the instructor. The scent went into a steel bowl set in the middle of a space. She found it, … Read more
I’m fine. Two weeks ago, Jolene was in the emergency room, and this week it was my turn. But this is the deal. I’m not looking for sympathy. It’s Thursday, and I just want to tell a story. I’m a horse trainer who spent fifteen years writing about horses every Thursday night. Check my website … Read more
People said puppies are so much work. They said they were glad it was me and not them. Amen to that. I am glad it was me, too. I’m 70 and at the top of my training game. And by that, I mean I’ve finally figured out how to shut up while they figure things … Read more
Jolene is fine. But if I’m driving my truck and it’s midnight on a Saturday, it just means one thing. I’m taking a dog to the all-night emergency clinic. Usually on a holiday weekend because the wait is longer then. Let me start at the beginning. The week was going well. The dogs got their … Read more
In what most would consider the middle of the night, Jolene goes off like one of those alarm clocks with twin bell ringers on top. She wakes up early and with a hunger none of us can survive. Mister would never say no to a meal, but he does like to lounge a bit. Like … Read more
I do not know how long I will survive Jolene’s social life. She thinks I’m her chauffeur. Probably right. Last Friday, we went to Pub Dog Class. I put a clean shirt on and grabbed her harness. She was really fussy and even faux-limped. It was fine the day before when we went to test … Read more