Stories about my dogs, the pet therapy work they do, and anything else dog-related that inspires me to write
The story behind the story. In my latest essay published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, I share the story of my 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Hope, the unexpected way she came into my life, and the many ways she’s lived up to her name. You can read my essay, “A Sweet Ray of Hope,” in […]
Honoring My Sweet Ray of Hope Read More »
This story was originally published on The ManifestStation. Across the river, I catch a glimpse of High Falls peeking through the trees, all one-hundred-and-fifty magnificent feet of her. White water cascades down her granite face before crashing into the pool at her feet. The water settles as it makes its way downstream to meet up
Hiking with Sugar Face Read More »
Why I didn’t follow the “gold standard of treatment”–TPLO surgery–for my dog’s torn CCL, and how she’s doing despite going against the vet’s recommendations. “Uh-oh,” my husband said, as Faith came in from her morning potty break. “What?” I replied. “She’s limping, again,” he said. We’d only been home one week from a trip to
I Decided Against Surgery for My Dog’s Torn CCL Read More »
What I learned from a dog who was a whole lot smarter than me. I got my first dog as an adult in the summer of 1988. I was twenty-six years old and my husband and I had just purchased our first house. It was a tiny, 700-square-foot bungalow on an oversized lot — a lot so
What a Little Rescue Pup Taught Me About Pet Parenting, Life, and Love Read More »
I walk downstairs and into the kitchen. My husband is sitting at the table with his laptop open and a big smile on his face. As I enter the room, he swings the computer around. A cherubic golden face fills the screen. “Oh my God,” I say. “It’s Hope!” My husband looks at me, puzzled.
I Found Hope on the Internet. She’s been my refuge ever since. Read More »
A heartwarming story about my therapy dog Faith, and her visits with Hospice patients. I’ve been a pet therapy volunteer for eight years. I actually have two certified therapy dogs, both golden retrievers. Hope is ten years old, Faith is eight. Hope has always been my steady, reliable, zen therapy dog. With a perpetual smile
My Therapy Dog Faith Brings Light to Death’s Door Read More »
We often encounter deer on our morning walks and today was no different. What was different was their response. She stomped her foot as she stared at me from the hill above the road. Her eyes met mine and never waivered. I noticed a flicker of white out of the corner of my eye as
I Talk to Deer and Sometimes They Talk Back Read More »
I was inspired to write this piece after visiting Hospice patients with my certified therapy dog Faith. I don’t know if it qualifies as memoir, but it’s writing about my life and that’s why it’s here. She bounded in the front door with the exuberance of an excited toddler. It’s this particular trait that always
Pet Therapy Magic: Hospice and Faith Read More »