For many of us, our everyday lives have changed dramatically, suddenly, as the coronavirus pandemic has swept the world, crossing continents, invading communities large and small. Although there are hundreds of existing coronaviruses in humans and animals, this brand-new “novel” coronavirus has never been seen before and has proven to be highly contagious among humans. … Continue reading Coronavirus and your pet — what you need to know
Central Valley
Little Old Ladies
She was a little old lady, short and round as a dumpling. She energetically grabbed her dog from the exam table and tipped him onto his paws. You’d never have guessed her age except for the grey hair. Her dog found his footing and waited expectantly by her feet. “I’ve got to go”, she declared, … Continue reading Little Old Ladies
Stayner and Queenie (A Boy and His Dog)
On January 23, 2019 the Merced Sun Star newspaper printed a front page photo that showed both of the Stayner boys together in 1980, shortly after Steven Stayner had been reunited with his family. Steven’s story was remarkable. Steven disappeared when he was 7 years old, simply vanished from his neighborhood one day. It was … Continue reading Stayner and Queenie (A Boy and His Dog)
My Husband’s Hospital Vacation
My first indication that text messaging had gone too far in my household was the afternoon I checked my phone and discovered the following message : “Just wanted to let you know. I thought I might be having a heart attack so I checked myself into the hospital.” It had been sent from my husband’s … Continue reading My Husband’s Hospital Vacation
My Christmas-motif salad wreath emoji
My staff said they needed to speak with me this afternoon. Well, of course. Had we not just enjoyed a dinner and dancing together on Saturday to celebrate the holidays? I met their loved ones. We shared food together. There were contests and prizes and drinkable holiday cheer and overall it was quite the festive … Continue reading My Christmas-motif salad wreath emoji
Saying goodbye to Mac the Mountain Lion
Mac the Mountain Lion died Saturday night, October 13th. He was wearing spots when I first met him. One of two foundling cubs, Mac was the lucky one. The sibling he was cuddled against had already died. He barely weighed 5 pounds. At the Applegate Park Zoo, the little orphan was bottle fed by Donna, … Continue reading Saying goodbye to Mac the Mountain Lion
Well your cat doesn’t have lice, but…
It is remarkable what word associations may trip in your brain. Someone was talking about head lice in children the other day and I found myself mulling over my encounters with the louse, an ectoparsite (“ecto” pertaining to bugs found crawling around on the outside of the body, as opposed to those living in your … Continue reading Well your cat doesn’t have lice, but…
New Life for an Old Dog
She had been all black in her youth, but now at the age of 14 she is showing some gray around her muzzle. She used to jump and romp and play. Now she walks sedately across the yard, a faint weakness in her hindquarters. But always, Bella has class. Always, the gentle tail wag to … Continue reading New Life for an Old Dog
Starbucks Drama
Sometimes it is difficult to find the thread where it all began. Maybe this story started when I first stopped giving out my real name to people taking my order for pizza or coffee or things. People never seem to be able to spell my name. What with the influence on “finding yourself” and being … Continue reading Starbucks Drama
Summer Vacation / Hawaii 5 Days or Less
Well, I said helpfully, I just called up so you could yell at me. Complete silence for a moment, followed by protestations. They had never been upset with me. Everyone was so lovely at the clinic. Their pet had never been away from them before. Their dog boarded with us for a week. A joyous, … Continue reading Summer Vacation / Hawaii 5 Days or Less