Last night, we arrived back from our quick trip to Florida and went to pick up Dobby from the Smiths’ house, our forever friends who watched Dobby while we were away. They have two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Bingley and Charlie (boy and a girl), and they are also fostering a mutt named Coco whoContinue reading “Bounce Back”
Tag Archives: Dogs
Old Guy: “Old People Are the Worst”
Lauren’s father Leon used to sit down next to his grandkids and say, “Old people are the worst. Don’t hang out with them.” They would giggle and say, “You’re right.” “Fortunately, I never grew up, so you can hang with me,” he would say. And this was mostly true—in his eighties, he had the senseContinue reading “Old Guy: “Old People Are the Worst””
Satan Has a Lousy Job but Someone Has to Do It
For years, I’ve told people, “Be grateful for Satan—it’s a lousy job but someone has to do it.” In Latter-day Saint theology, opposition to righteousness is absolutely required: “For it must needs, that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). According to the prophet who said this, without opposition there can beContinue reading “Satan Has a Lousy Job but Someone Has to Do It”
Nimrod the Mighty Hunter
I am going hunting this week. This is a great source of mockery and fun for the kids. I have had a hunting license for probably twelve or thirteen years. I have an archery tag, turkey tag, and an antlerless deer tag (the license comes with two buck tags). I own no rifles or shotgunsContinue reading “Nimrod the Mighty Hunter”
We Need an Intervention
Periodically, at the absolute peak of his playfulness, Dobby attacks my shoes or pant legs, then breaks into a full-on zoomie (as seen in the video). If you’re not a dog person, a zoomie occurs when a dog begins racing around madly, often in a circle. The term zoomie is widespread on the Internet, andContinue reading “We Need an Intervention”
Days Like Today
I have exercised, eaten breakfast, and dropped Dobby at the groomer (he hates that). I am in the middle of an annual online training that is required at work. My pulse is ninety beats per minute—almost exactly that of my walking heart rate. (My resting heart rate is typically in the fifties.) My mind isContinue reading “Days Like Today”
A Towering Work of Staggering Genius
When Lindsay first found Dobby, she bought a bundle of treats and toys. One of those was a toy in which we could place a training treat, and Dobby would have to figure out how to get it out. According to Lindsay, dogs needed this sort of mental exercise as much as they needed physicalContinue reading “A Towering Work of Staggering Genius”
Origin Story of a Super Hero
They were in their room changing out of regular clothes into pajamas. “The Jensens asked us to watch their dog,” said Lauren, stepping into the closet. “Obviously, you said no,” the man said. “Actually, I didn’t.” “Come on. Seriously?” “She’s hypoallergenic. Maltipoo or something.” “Great, but it’s not like you like dogs.” “I know. ButContinue reading “Origin Story of a Super Hero”
I’m a Sailor Peg
They have just passed a parking lot on the Spotsylvania Battlefield history trail. There is a clear trail to the right just on the other side of the placards at this stop, so they follow it. It goes for a quarter mile and ends at a busy road. “This isn’t right,” says the man. “WeContinue reading “I’m a Sailor Peg”
It’s Only Hubris if I Fall
They got Susie as a puppy for Peanut to have a friend. She was part beagle and part terrier, and Dad was sort of hoping she would be like Freckles. She isn’t–she grows to be taller and bigger, lacks his intelligence and mischievous nature, and has a different temperament–but she is good-natured, and she adoresContinue reading “It’s Only Hubris if I Fall”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 