My dogs hate the heat. All three of them struggle all summer long to find the coolest spots. If there’s a fan, there’s a dog underneath it. If there’s a cross breeze, a dog is lying in it. If there is a tile floor, yep, careful not to step on another dog. You get the idea.
I’ve tried several “cooling mats/blankets,” including this gel mat (27″x43″), but it’s oddly heavy and has to be hand-washed. And this Cooling Blanket for … Read More
The cherries are ripe and ready for picking in the food forest, each one a small burst of sweetness and color. The mulberries are not far behind, still blushing their way toward deep purple perfection. Overhead, sunlight streams through slow-moving clouds.
This is the gentle unfolding of summer. Not a sudden arrival, but a gradual opening. A quiet reminder to savor what ripens in its own time.
Ripe—Cherries
Almost Ripe—Mulberries (with raspberries not far behind)
Magical—Summer Light… Read More
There have been some interesting shifts up and down on this year’s list. For instance, the Yorkshire Terrier has moved up a couple spots and the Bulldog has dropped a few. No surprise, Aussies and Cavaliers make it into the Top 15. Miniature American Shepherds (mini Aussies) are also rising quickly. Always, when a dog breed becomes popular, it’s super important to find reputable breeders who have dogs with good health.
Every time I take Arrow for a walk, I stuff a random number of small biscuits into my pocket. This is mostly for backup in case we encounter something really exciting (like a jogger or a biker flying past), and I want to be able to quickly grab his attention without grabbing his collar or cinching the leash. Also, as we walk, I like to randomly reward him with food (and always with praise) for looking back and checking in … Read More
I recently had a reader ask if it was a good idea to shave Aussies in hot weather. Let me quickly get to the short answer for those who don’t have time to read. NO! Do not shave your Aussie!
Read on to learn why.
Natural Temperature Regulation System
Double-coated dogs like Australian Shepherds have a sophisticated natural cooling system that consists of two layers:
Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it? That’s because it’s delicious— to non-vegetarians and dogs alike. They’ll come running every time they catch a whiff.
The struggle is real… You need to get a pill down your dog who’s not having it. You’ve tried every pill pocket on the market, only to have your dog spit them out. You’ve given up and resorted to the dreaded “shove it down the … Read More
I have a fool-proof thunderstorm detector — more accurate than the local weather Doppler system. And he’s sitting right here on my lap (which makes typing a bit of a challenge). So I know a thunderstorm will be hitting here before too long.
Arrow never used to be bothered by thunderstorms, but for the last year, they’ve turned him into a quivering mess, courtesy of Lyme disease. (Lyme can affect neurological functioning in all kinds of weird ways, this being … Read More
There’s something extraordinary about getting to share my little patch of earth with the wild creatures who also call it home. I especially love the wide variety of birds that appear. Each day brings something new. Recently, I had two uncommon encounters that are out of character for here.
Today, it was a huge bald eagle that was gazing at me while enjoying his breakfast snatched from our pond.
Early morning coffee on the deck is often rewarded with something … Read More
