(re-run) When my pup was just over a year old, the Ghost Ship Fire happened in Oakland (2016). 36 young people died in a warehouse that had been converted into an artist co-op with an illegal dance club on the second floor. When the fire started, the young people dancing upstairs were trapped, and they… Continue reading The Dog Crate Disaster
Category: animal adoption
The Bonus Daisy Post
(re-run from 2018) Normally I write about my rescue dog on a monthly basis, on her adoption anniversary date, the 26th of December. Consider this a bonus post, since she has been making news these past two days. Every morning I get into the hot tub with my cup of black tea, and Daisy perches… Continue reading The Bonus Daisy Post
Daisy Gets a Rap Sheet
(re-run) Jack Russell Terriers get a bad rap for being hyper, alpha, and prey driven. Sometimes the reputation is earned. The last two weeks have been anything but easy. Two friends and a neighbor died. I hosted a party, lost a crown, had a $1300 dentist bill, took one dog to the vet for chewing… Continue reading Daisy Gets a Rap Sheet
The Story of my Rescue Puppy, Pepper
I laughed out loud. I had joked about a getting a pit bull, and the universe had dropped two of them in my path.
You Know It’s Fall when . . .
(re-run from 2020) The summer concerts have ended, except for one. The sleeveless cotton dresses are packed away, along with pairs of shorts and sandals. It’s jeans and long sleeves now, with the occasional hot afternoon where I strip down to my undershirt. Fall has arrived, not so much with leaves changing colors. We don’t… Continue reading You Know It’s Fall when . . .
My Greatly-damaged Rescue Dog
(re-run) It’s been eighteen months since I adopted Daisy. The day after Christmas, 2017, I went out and got my dog Pepper a dog. Pepper has looked at me sideways many times since that fateful decision. Why did you get a Jack Russell? Why did you get this Jack Russell? Why does she growl at… Continue reading My Greatly-damaged Rescue Dog
The Dog Whisperer
(re-run) My son moved in with me. He’s managed to get the super anxious, high-strung Jack Russell terrier to roll over onto her back when she sees him coming. She allows belly rubs to happen. This is huge. I’ve been massaging Daisy Dog ever since pandemic life went online with Zoom. She knows to sit… Continue reading The Dog Whisperer
Doggy Drama
(re-run) When Violet, the Chihuahua, moved in along with my son, I was worried about how she’d get along with my two bigger dogs. Daisy, the Russell Terrier, is 20+ pounds, and Pepper, the lab mix, is 55 pounds. We have a system. Violet enjoys the added wing of the house with a child gate… Continue reading Doggy Drama
How to Teach your Puppy or Rescue to Play Ball
(re-run) Put on a pair of pants with pockets. Fill your pockets with yummy treats torn into tiny pieces. You can use cooked chicken, pieces of cheese, or beef strips from Costco. Take your ball launcher or strong throwing arm and two balls. Take your puppy to the yard, park or green belt. Walk him… Continue reading How to Teach your Puppy or Rescue to Play Ball
Getting Away from all the No, No, No’s
(re-run) My mother, bless her heart, had to keep five children in line, mostly by herself. She did it by keeping everyone in his or her place, as in, “No, you can’t do that!” I just found out that my younger sister also wanted to play clarinet in the band, like I did. But I… Continue reading Getting Away from all the No, No, No’s
