Jolene Goes to Work

We just got back from a clinic in Wyoming, a place where the weather controls the landscape and there are more animals than people. It was heaven. And they gave us a special welcome. This was Jolene’s first work trip. It’s not a simple job for a pro like Mister, so it’s a big ask … Read more

Trailer Training Jolene

We are camping in the yard lately. Did you do it when you were a kid? I’m hooked. Evenings are my favorite time on my farm. A prairie breeze cools the air. The thunderstorms have scared the clouds from the sky, and we all settle in to wait for the sunset. Well, not all of … Read more

The Heart Horse, The Best Dog, and Our Jolene

Mister has been studying Edgar Rice Burro, our farm’s moral compass, these last years. He recognizes the donkey’s buddha-like wisdom and believes himself to be the canine equivalent. Mister says he has the ears for it. And he’s a deep thinker. It only looks like he’s napping, but his belly is sticking out, which is … Read more

Jolene’s Makeover Challenge for Animal Professionals

This week was our last appointment for puppy shots. My vet has a bustling office with three people at the front desk and a few vet techs always circling through. We’re only part way in when a chorus of voices calls her name, some singing the chorus of her song. They are loud and happy, … Read more

Valligators in the Trenches of Puppyland

When was the last time you tried to get an electrified dog collar, the kind with poison pins facing inward, on a puppy? It’s disguised to look like a normal collar, but puppies have wild imagination. I pick it up and Jolene runs at full speed, slamming the dog door behind her. Mister, the Cardigan … Read more

Bitey-Face and the Secret Passageway

We turn into the driveway and the umpire flings his arms wide and yells, “Safe!” It’s the feeling I get passing my mailbox. Mister and I went to Texas on a blind date to meet Jolene. She said yes. After three days in a truck cab by day, a tiny camper at night, we became … Read more

Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. JOLEEENE!

Sometimes, change sneaks up behind you when you least expect it, knocks you down, and drags you off, kicking and screaming. Jolene careened into our lives like a bowling ball toward a triangle of pins. We saw her coming and stood still, waiting. Monday: When we left off, I was all mushed up about Jolene. … Read more

The Passion to Punish

First, last, and always, this is the truth about communication with animals: Punishment is the lowest form of expression. A photo of this foster dog snuck out and a couple folks asked me about him. Okay, I’ll tell you, but if you’re expecting one of my clever posts about Corgi hijinks, you’ll be disappointed. This biggest feeling … Read more

Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved

Baby Howdy says: I want to chase horses. I solved it by going under the gate and she put me in the muck cart. Now it must be re-solved. Anna Blake, Infinity Farm. WordPress Photo Challenge is a weekly prompt to share a photo- I enjoy twisting these macro prompts to share our micro life … Read more