Learning From Dogs

When a new foster dog comes to my house, he takes a few days (or more) to settle in. It’s no surprise. By the time a dog comes to me, he’s left the home he knows, been processed at a shelter, and delivered to my door. That’s a lot of change for anyone, much less …

I like sharks. Probably because I’ve carefully avoided seeing Jaws, Sharknado, and anything on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. But is it smart to swim with them?     A Shark at the Dog Park When we take Honey to the dog park, I’m a very hands-on person. We don’t enter if we see dogs …

I have issues. About my femininity I mean. In my twenties, I wore dresses to work everyday with three-inch heels. When the transit system went on strike, I walked three miles each way in heels because sneakers and dresses looked tacky. I think I was trying to make up for the fact that I wasn’t …

Honey has made two new friends lately. Or rather, one new friend and one invisible one.     Her first new friend is a handsome and well socialized chocolate lab. They love to just hang out together or chase each other around the yard. Her second new friend is a sweet and equally well socialized …

Some women’s faces make me uncomfortable just looking at them. Let me show you what I mean. Martha Stewart is 71 years old. But her cheeks are shiny, her forehead is smooth, and she has no wrinkles in the corners of her eyes. Judi Dench is 78 years old. The skin around the corners of …

I was shocked. Mike yelled up the stairs to Honey, “Come.” She just stood there. Again, “Honey, come.” Nothing. Finally, I spoke up. “Honey, go find the Dad.” She went running down the stairs. Honey usually had a rock solid recall, especially in a distraction-free place like home.     What was going on? Why …

I hate Honey’s crate. When she first came home with us, it was in front of my dresser. When I wanted clothing, I’d have to move the crate, get what I wanted, and put the crate back in front of the drawers. Then my husband moved the crate in front of his dresser. Same problem. …

“No, don’t mind me.” “I’m fine climbing this snowy mountain in my socks. Really, you need the boots more. It must be cold riding in that sled.” “C’mon, Honey. Keep up.”     The only thing worse than my willingness to sacrifice myself so I don’t make someone else uncomfortable is when I drag my …

One phrase pisses me off—”I hate.” Someone once said to me, “I hate cheese.” How could a lactose-tolerant American reject a food product with thousands of varieties? Saying “I hate” closes us off. It stops us from seeing the good in something. I avoid saying it. And I’m glad Honey doesn’t say it either. Honey …

Unless you’re talking about kibble, taste is the least important thing ever. So why did I ever make such a big deal about it? Honey Has Good Taste in Dogs It probably wouldn’t surprise you that Honey is attracted to Golden Retrievers. If she spots one in a crowd or on the street, she wants …