The snowy winter and saturating spring of NE Ohio is behind us and summer is here at last. The sound of wind humming in the leaves of our dear Forest City lulls me late at night as I star gaze and the antics of my dogs and visiting dogs entertains me during the day. Now [...]

I am in dead-of-winter-purge-the-extra-crap-out-of-my-life mode. And so I finally attacked a large dusty box of papers needing my attention (easier than the emotional crap that also needs weeding) — would they live another season tucked in a file cabinet or go the way of the recycling fairies? And as I weeded through I found a [...]

As the year wanes we purge out the old — decaying Christmas Trees, piles of collected trash, etc. — in hopes that the new year will bring us health, happiness, hopefulness and good cheer. When ringing it in, don’t forget that, like Independence Day Celebrations, loud noises of good cheer can scare your beloved dog(s). [...]

“Is the boogy man coming to take my pumpkin?” “What’s in those pumpkins over there?” Halloween is around the corner. I know my kids are getting excited for that annual adventure of dressing up, knocking on doors and being given candy. They are finally at an age where they don’t wonder why you can’t just [...]

You care for them, feed them, help nurture them from helpless orphans and they start to take off on their own. Little Anna Heather, the orphaned kitten who came at the tender age of 3 weeks has been here almost half her life. From the scraggly little 6.1 oz critter she has gained more than [...]

As an ancillary part of dog training I often help with rescue efforts — mostly to rehome unwanted dogs and cats, sometimes to help someone find a new dog or cat for their home. I’m often riddled with phone calls and emails asking me to take in an unwanted animal and most of the time [...]

Exactly two months have passed since the garden was planted and things are certainly blooming under hot, sunny, and watery conditions. The corn is as high as an elephant’s eye and the teepee is producing zucchini, beans, peas and shade. The squash, peppers, corn,tomatoes and other stuff are coming soon. I always have trouble remembering [...]

Extended family get togethers are often fraught with highs and lows and can revolve around events (weddings, funerals, graduations, anniversaries) or just time to visit the hometown for the far flung. When out of towners bring their dogs in tow it’s always hoped there is a welcome place for the canines to visit too. Prepare [...]