service dogs

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…

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

A Chick Named Bob

  As I lay awake early this morning, thinking worrying about Henry’s appointment with the surgeon, I heard a little “chirp.” My radar is on high these days, listening for strange noises that Steve the Norway rat might make, but this little chirp didn’t sound like a rat. Steve is more likely to squeak, I…Read more A Chick Named Bob

I’ll be Henry’s Service Person

  Early this morning I took Henry in for his ultrasound. I had the privilege to be in the room the entire time. I even got to hold Henry in place as the doctor did the test. I’ll call him Dr. Kindheart, since he was very welcoming and  communicative. He explained everything as he explored…Read more I’ll be Henry’s Service Person

My heart is aching. For the past several weeks, Henry, my service dog, has been waking up between 3 and 5am, jumping off the bed and vomiting. He goes straight to my side of the bed, rounds his back and starts heaving. Some mornings he lets out a little whimper, like he’s trying to tell…Read more

Advice from my service dog

    (Provisionary cover design) During the recent rat-chasing hubbub in our home, Henry, my service dog and guest blogger, reminded me that I should update my readers on the status of my book Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability, due in October, 2017 from Koehler Books. He's made it clear that…Read more Advice from my service dog

An Unwelcome Visitor

My eyes are always scanning the floors of our little home, mostly because we have three dogs who make all kinds of messes. A couple of days ago, in the early morning light, I noticed a spot near the front door that looked like a puddle of something. When I looked closer, I found it was…Read more An Unwelcome Visitor

Dixie Dog

Hey everybody! Henry here. Here’s something Martha wrote about my sister Dixie, who is very sick. Please keep in mind that I’m keeping an eye on both of them.    Dixie   In December of 2005, I was introduced to three-month old puppy named Dixie. A friend who was working at a veterinary hospital witnessed…Read more Dixie Dog