Loss: Words Without End

"Cloudy sky over Canandaigua Lake"

Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and … [Read more...]

There Are No Dishonest Dogs

Source: sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net via Michelle on Somewhere over the rainbow, there's a simple truth that says honesty reveals itself in body posture, tone of voice and steady eye contact. Why is it that humans are the only species that mess this up?   [gplus count="true" size="Medium" ]   … [Read more...]

A Rescue Dog’s Story Begins With You.

"terrier mix black dog laying in the sun"

"...when you look at a rescue dog for the first time, don't focus on the story of his or her past. Focus on the most important chapter. The chapter that begins with you."  - Lulu's Rescue blog This is Tessa and, no, she didn't (physically) come from Lulu's Rescue, although if we make a literal assumption - that Tessa represents "every rescue," at least for the length of this post, then, metaphorically symbolically, she could have come from Lulu. The chapter of Tessa's life that begins … [Read more...]

Sampson: More Than a Dog Show

"Sampson Dog Show Romulus New York"

Busy weekend with Saturday's road trip to Sampson State Park where, during the last weekend in September, everything literally goes to the dogs.  I don't know the history of this 4-day dog show, but, my experience as a spectator began almost 20 years ago. There were years when I attended all four days, arriving early in the morning and staying until well after 5PM. It was manna from heaven - an endless conversation about dogs. And, it was but one stop on the dog show circuit that … [Read more...]

Remembering An Honest Dog And An Alpha Queen

"German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound mix breed laying down"

I've been writing, rewriting and editing my story about Suzy and it's been a slow process. Each time I thought I had a sentence finished, I'd reread it and take out a few words, move others around and delete more. When I didn't think I'd ever get it done, words began rising to the surface and suddenly, I had the ending. Well, at least the ending for the essay that's going to be a part of my first ebook. Ten years of Suzy stories. After all of this time, I still miss her. I miss the problem … [Read more...]