Archive for October, 2007

I heard a news report the other day about how climate change is precipitating a burst of mass wildlife extinction. That’s hardly surprisingly and not really even news any more. And those who prefer to remain in denial about any modern human contribution to this can rightfully claim that such mass extinctions have happened before.
What […]

It’s been rightfully, albeit jokingly, pointed out to me by my best bud in whole world, Ann Firestone, that I did not acknowledge her role in bringing BeeBee into my life. It was Ann who immediately thought of me when she and Mary Taylor saw the pup and Ann who broached the subject of me taking […]

BeeBee has taken to barking–a loud, shrill bark–for no apparent reason that I can discern. When hearing dogs do this, I assume they’re reacting to some sound I can’t hear. This raises the question: what is she barking at? Accepting that I have no idea and that the bark is very annoying, including to the […]

Last day to sign up for the New England Federation of Humane Societies’ panel discussion on behavior assessments at the University of New Hampshire is Tuesday, October 23rd. I looking forward being part of the panel and exploring the many facets of this complex subject. 
For a registration form or if you have any questions, contact Stephanie Frommer at stephanief@humanecommunity.org or […]

I’m a big fan of Oliver Sacks and when I was watching Fric and BeeBee tear around the yard, I couldn’t help but think of his book, A Leg to Stand On. In it he describes how people who have lost function of a limb may use it normally if placed in conditions that cause […]

Does the phrase “frozen zoo” conjure up as many images for you as it did for me when I first heard it? If it makes you think about wildlife on the north and south pole, you’re indirectly right in that the future on those species may very well depend on the zoo–even though it’s located […]

Although a certain lip-service is paid to health and temperament, for a fair number of people an animal’s looks are the primary concern. If a breed, such as a corgi, is known for its erect ears, then these become the immediate focus of attention. Such people would look BeeBee’s drooping right ear and think […]

A friend stopped in unannounced yesterday and was taken aback to the point of appalled that I’d taken on a dog like BeeBee. His comments’ effect on me surprised me for two quite opposite reasons. My immediate response was to lash out at him for his anti-canine comments because Bee and her problems have become such a […]

Previously I mentioned that BeeBee appears to have learned to bark in a “normal” way from observing my other two dogs. In addition to using this bark when she joins in greeting visitors, she also uses it when she greets and wants to play with other dogs. Unfortunately, the latter yields less successful results than […]

This morning as part of my morning ritual I draped myself upside down on my exercise ball on my yoga mat next to the woodstove with my head touching the floor and my eyes closed. Frica and BeeBee were doing their usual post-breakfast carousing while Watson napped on the dog couch and Whitman, the cat, […]