A year earlier… These photos, taken by my friend John Peterson, were sent to me with this information only: “My neighbor’s dogs, peering out on the world from under their gate.” The first two were taken a few weeks ago, in November, the last two a year earlier. Suggestions for titles, anyone? Hidden huskies, crouching…
It’s Baaack: The Pet Blogger Challenge!
Heads up! Many of you will remember an event that Amy Burkert of GoPetFriendly.com and I co-hosted: The Pet Blogger Challenge. It’s hard to believe, but a year has passed, and we’re in the season for retrospectives again. The Backstory It all started when Amy posted a declaration of freedom from writing tyranny called Bullied…
Pet Adoption Videos That Don’t Make Me Want to Kill Myself: Outtakes
In my quest to find upbeat pet adoption videos, I’ve come across some that have been sitting in my “Drafts” file because I’m just not sure about them. But maybe I’m being too critical. What do you think? From the Arizona Humane Society: I like the idea, but wish there were more pets, fewer people.…
Give the Gift of Dog Savvy: Am I Boring My Dog?
I had lunch yesterday with a group of writer friends. When we went around the table to discuss our accomplishments and ask each other for help with writely issues, I explained that I had several copies of my dog book that I wanted to sell on my blog but didn’t quite know how to go…
Pet Travel Book Club: Following Atticus
It’s here! The second official meeting of the best — possibly only — online Pet Travel Book Club. I’m very excited because: We’re going to be discussing a terrific book, Following Atticus by Tom Ryan. The write ups — yes, plural — and questions are by a terrific reviewer, my friend Rebecca Boren, a freelance…
Coping with Holiday Frenzy: Sounds to Soothe the Canine Soul
I’ve been called a grinch for grumbling about this time of year, its sentimentality and sensory overload. Fine. But I contend that I don’t steal the spirit of the holiday season so much as provide a respite from it for those who need one — and that includes your dog. That’s right. Even if you,…
Spay & Neuter with a Smile: Kathryn Heigl Hates Balls
My alert Facebook pal Karen Lifshey-Shapiro called this public service announcement to my attention. It reminded me a lot of my first foray into spay and neuter territory, a video I worried might be offensive to men. Compared to this, that one was tame! Katherine Heigl Hates Balls from Katherine Heigl So… have I offended…
Spam Saturday: Amazing Products, Thrilling Occasions, Thanks-a-Mundo!
If you’re like most bloggers, you make a quick dip into your spam filter to see if any real people’s comments are trapped there, and then delete the rest without paying much attention. Don’t be so hasty. You’re missing out on some powerful mood lifters. It’s not just the amusingly mangled language, generated, I would…
Pet Travel Thursday: Passports and Pooches with Purpose
Every now and then I hear people on TV disparaging bloggers as losers who sit in their parents’ basements, typing away in their pajamas. My experience with pet bloggers has been dramatically different. Our shared concerns — and our shared traffic — have accomplished amazing things, from getting food donated to shelters to getting individual…