Nine years ago I adopted three Eastern Box Turtles from a friend at the zoo. She had hatched them for her children, but some of her other turtles started bullying, attacking them, causing shell damage, and she thought it would be best to find them a new home. When she asked if I wanted to adopt them, the…Read more Turtle Time
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Volunteer Work: the Best Medicine
When my illness forced me to stop working the first time, in 1999, I felt lost and useless. Not having somewhere to go every day was really depressing. I had to find something to distract me from self-pity, but my weak body and fragile mind limited my choices. I explored volunteer options and discovered a class offered by…Read more Volunteer Work: the Best Medicine
I’m a healthy little guy!
Martha took me to a vet yesterday who said I was "a healthy little guy who had a few lumps removed." Then he said I should eat more meals during the day. Say no more! I liked this guy, even though he was tall and wore big shoes. When he scratched my left ear in…Read more I’m a healthy little guy!
The Blossoming of My Tiny Emotional Support Animals
When Bobbie White hatched on June 25, and Berry followed on June 26, I was delighted. Watching each of them briefly stumble around, then get on their little feet and start pecking demonstrated an undeniable will to live. Within an hour of hatching, Bobbie started chirping at the top of her(?) lungs, and I prayed…Read more The Blossoming of My Tiny Emotional Support Animals
Advice from Henry
Enough of this being sick crap, let's live!" Henry said after he got his staples/stitches out on Saturday. Then he suggested I stop worrying about him so much and focus on the finishing touches and promotion of my upcoming book, Giving Paws, which is all about him! My publisher, and I completed the Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of my…Read more Advice from Henry
My Plucky Pup
Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating in the glandular and epithelial tissue (the lining of the internal organs). This type of malignant tumor growth can take place in many parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal system of dogs. It may invade any part of the gastrointestinal system, including the stomach, the small and large…Read more My Plucky Pup
Healing Henry
Henry let out an anguished screech as I tried to move him into a good position on the couch. I was hoping he'd let me apply a warm compress to the bandaged surgery incision on his tummy. “I’m sorry Henry,” I said, gently scratching him behind the ear. His crying sent a shock of empathy pain through…Read more Healing Henry
Updates on Henry…
First the good news: Henry and I are excited to share that my publisher has put two cover designs on their website for people to vote on. We would be ever so grateful for your opinion. If you have a moment, please visit: http://www.koehlerbooks.com/cover-polls/giving-paws/ Click on the one you like. Many thanks! And the not-so-good news: For those of you who know…Read more Updates on Henry…
Dixie Dog
Dixie Dog Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton, Old times there are not forgotten. Look away, look away, look away Dixie Dog! I wish I was with Dixie, Hooray! Hooray! With Dixie Dog I'll take my stand, to live and die with Dixie. Away, away, away back home with Dixie!…Read more Dixie Dog
Flight of Fancy
In my twenties and thirties, I loved flying. Going to the airport meant I was going on an adventure. It didn’t matter if I was headed to Appleton, Wisconsin or Konya, Turkey, I got the same rush of excitement. I loved the hubbub of the airports and was sure everyone else was feeling the same…Read more Flight of Fancy
Dogged Hope 