Category Archives: Musings

Jock stared intently at his frisbee. His front feet shuffled restlessly on the edge of the bank as he tried to reach for it. It was balanced precariously on a branch just above the running river below. He made a jump for it and fell short. His lanky legs flailed in the air before droppingContinue reading “Failure inflates Fearlessness”

Willow tugged at his lead. His guardian was trying to lead him to the field for a walk but he wanted to explore the woods instead. He looked at his guardian as though saying, “I am a woodlands dog, not a grass walking mutt! There are no trees and shrubs for me to shove myContinue reading “Never be a puppet”

Jack leapt up for the fifteenth time, his jaw snapping into empty air. He readjusted and jumped again. He has been trying to get to the treat that his guardian had held up for him. It was a little bit out of reach. However, Jack being Jack, does not give up. He barks at it.Continue reading “M.I.A.”

Tim was heaving, keeping his head above water.  All four legs were paddling vigorously. A mild current in the river meant that he had to work harder than just swimming in a still river. Tim kept swimming towards his floating toy. He was determined to retrieve it as he had always done. It was important.Continue reading “Resistance is essential”

There was a light wind in the air. The morning thrush is singing its song. There was a trace of frost on the grass blades. Sapphire (‘Saffy’ for short) ran into the middle of the field and stood still. You could see no movement apart from the raising and relaxation of her chest as sheContinue reading “Being Present”

Colin, a little 6-month-old Jack Russell puppy approach the 12-year-old grumpy resident Persian cat. The cat is not impressed that her pet guardian had gotten a new inquisitive bouncy pup. The pup has his eye on the cushion that the cat is lying on. He cajoles, he crawls and he makes little whimpering noises, asContinue reading “The Real Power of ‘And’”

Armitage’s guardian walked into the living room and stopped. She saw the wet puddle on the floor. Armitage peered by the corner of the room. He knew he had to wee and could not hold it in anymore, hence the puddle. His guardian pointed to Shanks, his brother from another mother, and said, “Did youContinue reading “Honesty”

The winter air was crisp. The stream flowed down the valley, swelling in places, making a gushing sound. There were patches of grass exposed in the mud and snow. Archie was on a walk with his guardian. He held his favourite tug of war toy between his jaw. When his guardian had found a placeContinue reading “Control”

The living room was warm. The crackling of the burning log could be heard and the smell of Sunday Roast could be smelt. Chaska, a ten-year-old German Short-haired Pointer bared his teeth at the younger five-month-old German Wire-haired Pointer, Nika, as she took his favourite toy away. He lunged at her, snarling as she turnedContinue reading “Step by step”

Cole, a 12-year-old Labrador, was lying by his food bowl. There was still a bit of food in it. He had eaten his fill and could not finish the rest. This is not his usual resting place. The laminated floor was hard and cold. It was not painful or dire, however, it was not comfortableContinue reading “The Life Scale”