Category Archives: barking and lunging

These things (pinch collars)? Never useful.

When you have a strong belief about something controversial, and you know you’re unlikely to change someone’s mind, do you keep quiet or speak your mind? During a visit to a dog rescue, I found myself on the other end of an elaborate defense of pinch collars. “A lot of trainers are starting to realizeContinue reading “These things (pinch collars)? Never useful.”

Packing for BarkWorld. What to wear?

I am queen of the convention circuit this year. Whether for fun (Emerald City ComiCon, Power-Con), work (Tribal Habitat Conference), enhancing my craft (Wild Mountain Memoir Retreat), or a blend of market-strategizing and craft-enhancing (PNWA). Next up is the social petworking conference BarkWorld! Sadly, Mia and Leo will not be joining us, but based onContinue reading “Packing for BarkWorld. What to wear?”

My “normal” dog

The magic of Mia is that I can take her anywhere. Truly. She doesn’t even need a leash; she sticks right by me. Even on a leash, she doesn’t bark and lunge at any of the usual suspects. My original plan for the Festival of the River was to take Mia with me both days,Continue reading “My “normal” dog”

Leo wants to do fun things, too

I have a T-shirt from Dog is Good that reads: “To my dog, this I promise you: I will love you unconditionally; for who you are, not who I’d like you to be. I will protect you and keep you safe. Always.” I love this sentiment so much that I bought the shirt despite theContinue reading “Leo wants to do fun things, too”

I choose having dogs over having nice things

While Rob and I were in Seattle on Saturday, Leo and Mia committed unprecedented destruction. We were warned by Rob’s dad, Jerry, when I called to tell him we were on our way home. “You’ll never guess what your dogs did.” “Did they tear up the couch?” (This would not have surprised nor particularly troubledContinue reading “I choose having dogs over having nice things”

Someday my pit will come

The heart wants what the heart wants. My heart has decided it wants a blue pit bull. When I searched Google images for a picture of a blue pit, I found one named Isis! Pretty sure she belongs to someone. In 2009, when our Isis was still alive, before I had any plans to writeContinue reading “Someday my pit will come”

Companion piece to Bark and Lunge

Just finished Suspect, Robert Crais’ best work! Obviously, I’m biased, because it’s about a German shepherd. My mom introduced me to Crais’ Elvis Cole detective novels many moons ago. I’ve read them all and the standalones as well. They’re terrific. This one really spoke to me. Not just because it’s about a dog. I’ve readContinue reading “Companion piece to Bark and Lunge”

Thai meditation music, it’s not just for dogs

An excerpt from Bark and Lunge: The Isis Story, with accompanying soundtrack: The gentle strains of dulcimer music tinkled from the library. I had set a timer in the room where Isis hung out the most. Every day at noon, the CD player clicked on with meditation music I bought in Thailand. Isis never mentionedContinue reading “Thai meditation music, it’s not just for dogs”

My very own Rez Dog

Do you ever wonder if domestic dogs would be happier if they weren’t confined by our homes? I keep my dogs inside when we’re not home because I’m afraid of them escaping or getting kidnapped or digging under the fence or annoying the neighbors by barking. They’re safer inside. When we’re home, we let themContinue reading “My very own Rez Dog”