MY DOGS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE NEWSLETTER!

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PREVIEW: MORE THAN JUST A DOG

COVER REVEAL: MORE THAN JUST A DOG

NEW BOOK!

Arriving on Earth
August 15, 2017...

Three generations of independent women, 

driven in different directions by one man’s anger. 

Until his death reconnects them 

with their mystical Irish ancestors and 

wonders beyond this limited human existence.

The Collie Chronicles is a new book series I am writing 

that combines several of the passions in my life: 

Collies, of course! and other beings in the form of animals.

Growing to be self-sufficient.

A curiosity about things most people don't believe are possible.

The first book, MORE THAN JUST A DOG,

will be released on August 15, 2017.

And, yes, that is my beloved Tucker on the cover of this book.

MAJOR GROOMING DAY!

Saturday was a major grooming day for Tucker. After a couple weeks of summer weather, he is seriously shedding that woolly Collie undercoat--with my help. We usually do this in stages. Though Tucker is one of the sweetest and most patient dogs I've ever been around, he will only tolerate me grooming him for so long before he says that's enough!

We've done a couple other grooming sessions over the past few weeks and removed enough fur for a herd of Chihuahuas. However, yesterday Tucker knew I was focused on getting rid of excess fur and finding any trouble spots on his skin.

I don't use chemical flea treatments on my dogs. However, using natural repellants to keep insect critters off my dogs does take more time and attention. If I'm not vigilant, we'll be fine one day and the next seem overrun with the wee beasties. 

Over several hours, I brushed out the majority of Tucker's undercoat--enough for several dozen Chihuahuas this time! We took a break for dinner, then into the bathtub for the shampoo and rinse. 

When his fur dried, he was still fluffy, but seemed thinner. Wish I could look thinner just by having my hair trimmed and styled! 

Not from Tucker, but
from a grooming session
with my Cocker Spaniel.

GROOMING TIPS I'VE LEARNED FROM MY DOGS

~ Brushing can be fun! Especially in the butt area. :)

~ We don't mind if you forget to clean the ears. 

~ Ditto with nail trimming. 

~ Well, maybe a little if you tell me again what a good boy I am or how smart I am or what good kisses I give. 

~ In the bathtub? With water? Shouldn't water be in puddles or mixed with dirt?

~ Always finish a grooming session with tummy rubs or, even better, a full-body massage!

FUR AGAINST MY FACE

In case it's not obvious,
that's me on the left and Tucker on the right. :)

Fur against my face and the soft smell of a dog curled protectively around me existed before my first memories of this life. My mom used to tell stories of me as a toddler, sleeping with my head pillowed on our Collie’s belly...

"Collies will carry a special message for you...You will feel drawn to them, and they will appear at critical times to guide and support you." --Woofs of Wisdom from Tippy

Tippy was the first Collie to support me in this life. Then Duke came as a reminder that Collies were still watching over me. Duncan was a Collie mix. Ace was a Border Collie. Now I share my life with Tucker, another rough-coated Collie, same as my childhood doggie pillow and protector.