Urban Animal features Humphrey Was Here

Urban Animal, an Australian magazine for animal lovers, has an excerpt of my dog memoir, Humphrey Was Here, in their latest issue. It's in two parts, which you can view here: Part One | Part Two. Humphrey Was Here can be purchased online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The book is also available at any bookseller.

Photographic Talent

One of the great things about the Internet is it instantly erases geographical boundaries. With the click of a mouse you can be connected to a great artist in another place. In this case Ottawa, Canada and the work of photographer Liz Bradley. She also has a great blog: Ottawa Dog Blog. Be sure to check them both out!

Just a Dog

Saw this on a friend's Facebook page and echoed how I feel today.

Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me,
"Lighten up, it's just a dog," or,
"That's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have
come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only
company was "just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been
brought about by "just a dog," and,
in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and
reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog,"
then you will probably understand
phases like "just a friend,"
"just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life
the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion
and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me,
it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment
of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past
and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's
good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand
that it's not "just a dog" but the thing
that gives me humanity and keeps
me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase
"just a dog." just smile....because they "just don't understand."

- Anonymous

The Beauty of the Beast

Learned of this video from my friend Jerri and had to post. Beautifully shot video. I looked into the cost of the camera used and it took a bit of digging but finally found it...$2,500. I love the expression on the bulldog's face the best.

Law and Order?

Not with these pooches! Apparently many dogs get a bit out of control when they hear the opening music to the TV show Law and Order. A lab, a pomeranian, a springer spaniel, a collie, a poodle...they all seem to react to the show's theme. My dog, Payton, is not a howler, so he looked at me like I was crazy while playing this clip.

Remember The Golden Rules

Every now and then it never hurts to be reminded of how best to live. Who better than a group of beautiful golden retrievers to remind us of the golden rules? That's the focus of a new collection of images I've created especially for my Etsy Shop.