dogs – Fscottwrites

The Warmth of Dogs

A few years ago while pet sitting for three dogs and three cats I was inspired to write an essay about my connection to pets from an early age. Marilyn, their owner, mentioned I probably wouldn’t see one of the kitties. Millie was very shy and spent most of her time in the basement.
Sitting on the couch a petite tabby cat waltzed up to me, put her paw on my knee asking to be pet. It was Millie! Quickly, I took a picture of her and texted it to Marilyn who replied, “you must be an animal whisper.”
It got me thinking that yes, there has not been a dog or cat that I didn’t connect with over the twenty plus years I’ve staying with pets in their homes.

I wrote about how it all began, my connection to dogs, and how pets continue to bring comfort.

After submitting the essay for a couple of years and several revisions then resubmitting, The Warmth of Dogs has been accepted and published today with Bright Flash Literary Review.

I dedicate this essay to Marilyn: for the seed she planted and her love of animals.

Thank you for reading. I hope you read The Warmth of Dogs (just click on the title)

Millie

Ollie

Dogs, Children and Healing

Summer is here and it’s filling up fast. Booked with pet sitting, baby sitting, cleaning my friend’s Airbnb for two weeks, some fun and a bit of travel. Not too many free days until September. That’s Ok, It’s great.

I’m OK with the fact that I’m not writing much. Writing has been such a friend through Covid, through grief and cancer. Writing has helped me see different perspectives, it’s helped me heal. And it’s always there. Through writing classes and groups I’ve made some invaluable friendships.

As I write, I am already thinking of what I need to do today and feel the urge to start doing them.

I did want to share an opportunity that came my way and will be helping with next Sunday. I am especially excited about it since it has three things I connect with; animals, children and healing. It’s organization to know about, maybe help where you can. The Arlee Rehabilitation Center, a sanctuary where animals heal people and people heal animals located in Pablo, MT.

ARC’s Pawsitively Healing Camp weeklong camp for Reservation children who have dealt with trauma is in need of volunteers with a dog of the right temperament to visit throughout the week. The dog I will be caring for is perfect and her owners love the idea. Don’t you love it when it all comes together with ease? A friend of mine, Kikki the dog and I will venture an hour north to Salish Kootenai College to bring some comfort to a child who needs it.

I do hope you enjoy these summer days. Thanks for reading.

Why I Pet Sit

I don’t want to get up
there’s one against my thigh
another at my feet
and something warm behind my knee

They follow me where ever I go
to the bathroom, definitely to the kitchen
my meals have a close audience of three
it’s never just me

I wouldn’t have it any other way
for the two weeks with this pack of three
and their two kitty housemates
this is why I do what I do

Dogs in Cars

In the midst of it all, I found the energy to put together the wall calendar I’ve dreamed of doing, something I could do from the comfort of my bed!
Dogs in Cars and More captures our furry friends along for the ride. Hope it puts a smile on your face.
I have a few favorites, February might be my most favorite.

2023 Dogs in Cars and More wall calendar

It’s Good to be Home

Last night I was back in my cozy, sweet room at the hotel. For the past month I’ve been pet sitting up near the local ski area, falling asleep and waking to the quiet of the mountains. The first sound I heard each morning was the trickling creek below as I opened the door for the dog to go see his neighbor friend.
This morning I wanted to give Buzz, the dog, a morning pat on the head as we ran upstairs, me opening the door for him then turning on the kettle for coffee. He’d come back in by the time my coffee was made, then we’d head back downstairs for writing time. We didn’t leave each other’s side much.
Yes, I’ll miss my furry friend, but I’ll be headed to care for a couple of labradors soon enough.
This past summer, I moved into a bigger room at the hotel. It has a sink, three windows that face east, a beautiful view of Hellgate Canyon, and one window that faces south and down at the alley below. I love the windows, but I don’t love the noise at night.
Lying in bed last night, as the sounds of the train, glass being thrown into the dumpster and a drunken couple arguing in the alley filled my room, I started a google search: how much to replace windows? These windows are probably the originals, sometimes hard to open and shut, single pane with no insulation. It would be a financial endeavor for sure. Next search: how to sound proof windows. Of course there are sound absorbing curtains. One search suggested quilted moving blankets. I already have curtains up. But, I have a vision now that I might try. Starting with one window, the one over the alley, using velcro I’ll attach a quilt at the top and inner frame of the window, sew ties at the top. It can be let down at night, rolled up during the day, like a window shade. I’ll let you know it goes.
The hotel is quiet in the mornings. Robert and I are the only early risers. I tiptoed downstairs to get oatmeal going for the two of us.
Sleepy eyed, Robert shuffled from his room, “oh, what a surprise to see you, it’s good to have you home.” My sleepy eyes smiled back at him, “it’s good to be home.”

Dogs in The White House Again!

Everything is lighter, more hopeful. Yes there is so much to be done. But for today I am mainly excited to have dogs back in the White House. So welcome Champ and Major Biden.
Champ and Major on twitter
Champ and Major on instagram

And a dog love song by Annie Heron

Upcoming post: artist to support with your holiday gift buying.