A virtual friend drove downtown with her golden doodle to spend the afternoon exploring with me and Casey, my rescue mutt. I introduced her to my favorite places in this undervisited part of Toronto, which teems with history, murals and public art. Together we looked up at the biggest, oldest maple tree in these parts, worth a visit in itself. We talked about writing, dogs and life as we walked the route that inspired my tribute to the doggish life. Iām a fair bit older than my new friend, so my adolescence coincides with her infancy. I was able to clarify a point about those years as they figure in her own writing. What a joyful expedition we shared. We must do this again.
We are just back from two miraculous weeks in Uganda, where it was beyond moving to see beautiful chimps, gorillas, zebras, elephants and dozens of others free and happy in their natural habitats! The tour was led by a friend, Richard Wrangham, evolutionary sociologist and primatologist, who explained behavioral patterns and fascinating social/sexual habits. It was like "walking with the Gods" as someone put it. I posted lots of photos (baby baboons, baby gorillas etc) on FB/Insta if anyone is curious. A once-in-a lifetime trip.
Wrangham's wife, Dr. Elizabeth Ross, founded a school in 1997, the Kasiisi Project n 1997, founded Fast forward 26 years, 10,000 Ugandan girls and boys each year are being educated thanks to this project, which couples conservation education with primary school support. Ross and her husband Richard Wrangham were honored in a day-long program that brought all 16 schools togetherāand brought us to tears. This amazing wildlife tour we were on uses a large part of its proceeds towards this school program. Wrangham made a poignant speech to the children about how they must make sure to continue to protect the animals and land and to continue the work they are doing. A trip to remember.
Like yourself and so many, I am grateful for my animals. I have been rescuing dogs for the past 20 years or so, since settling in Australia. We have always had 2 at any one time. Just recently our boy Cody passed away and we now have just little Ellie (Belly Boo). I am grateful for her every day, for the comfort she gave me when Cody passed away, for her funny little ways, for her soft snoring at night and for her unconditional love. I love you sweet girl.
This is such a lovely piece, I really enjoyed hearing about your pets.
Iām so grateful for my dog, he has so much personality and brings the whole family so much joy.
Iām also grateful that the weather has improved and we able to sit outside for drinks on Saturday night. All the terraces are now set up in Paris and I love the festive atmosphere it brings to the city!
As I read this, it's a stormy Monday morning here in Auckland and I'm sitting by the fire with Tigerlily - my playful, mischievous younger cat - purring loudly in my lap. My older kitty has ventured out in the rain to do his rounds and guard his patch. I fully resonate with how heart-expanding it is to share your life with animals. Those who know, know. And you're making me think about writing a post on this topic myself š
I love this! My writing partners are two cats we got from a market in one of the parks in Mexico City. Scout, the Siamese, was only two months old when I asked if I could just hold her...and then I couldnāt put her down. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) surprised the hell out of me saying we should take her home. I hadnāt known you could do that, just decide to get a cat!
As I was new to the city, Scout really helped me in my low moments. We later got Clouseau, the little orange menace, the same way. Scout is still there for me, but Clous is the cat is my heart (funny how insidiously loving these orange weirdos are) and every day is a little more bearable for them being in my life. Yes, you can live without animals, but why would you?
Iām at my parents and cheating on my two girls with their cousins, a beautiful gray stripe and my brothersās black panther. Every time I visit, the two cats get more affectionate with me. As I was reading this, one was making love to my foot. It feels like benediction to be loved by anotherās baby. Acceptance on a massive scale. (Also incredible grateful that my father had a successful heart surgery Friday. I canāt pet and fuss over him so the cats have volunteered as tributes.)
After 30 years as a video editor and feeling burned out beyond belief, I made a career change. For the past two years I've been a dog walker! I've had dog companions continuously for as long as I can remember, and knowing I preferred their presence far more than humans, and knowing I needed more exercise, made the big change and haven't looked back. My current dog Bernie is a lovable AmStaff/Am Bulldog mix who gets along great with my doggie clients. And Bernie also is the subject of many of my Substack earworm newsletters.
Here's one post that tells the story of my becoming a dog walker. And the history of one of the biggest one-hit-wonders of all time.
As I read this, my two dogs are beside me in bed. One has just completed chemo and is expected to be fine for years to come. The other, spooned against my back, just took a deep breath and nestled her head against my spine. My husband, 48-hours out of surgery that went well is stirring in the next room. I have an essay to finish that is calling my name. Life is good. Thank you for the opportunity to feel and to express a bit of joy this morning.
A virtual friend drove downtown with her golden doodle to spend the afternoon exploring with me and Casey, my rescue mutt. I introduced her to my favorite places in this undervisited part of Toronto, which teems with history, murals and public art. Together we looked up at the biggest, oldest maple tree in these parts, worth a visit in itself. We talked about writing, dogs and life as we walked the route that inspired my tribute to the doggish life. Iām a fair bit older than my new friend, so my adolescence coincides with her infancy. I was able to clarify a point about those years as they figure in her own writing. What a joyful expedition we shared. We must do this again.
Hi Jane!
We are just back from two miraculous weeks in Uganda, where it was beyond moving to see beautiful chimps, gorillas, zebras, elephants and dozens of others free and happy in their natural habitats! The tour was led by a friend, Richard Wrangham, evolutionary sociologist and primatologist, who explained behavioral patterns and fascinating social/sexual habits. It was like "walking with the Gods" as someone put it. I posted lots of photos (baby baboons, baby gorillas etc) on FB/Insta if anyone is curious. A once-in-a lifetime trip.
Wrangham's wife, Dr. Elizabeth Ross, founded a school in 1997, the Kasiisi Project n 1997, founded Fast forward 26 years, 10,000 Ugandan girls and boys each year are being educated thanks to this project, which couples conservation education with primary school support. Ross and her husband Richard Wrangham were honored in a day-long program that brought all 16 schools togetherāand brought us to tears. This amazing wildlife tour we were on uses a large part of its proceeds towards this school program. Wrangham made a poignant speech to the children about how they must make sure to continue to protect the animals and land and to continue the work they are doing. A trip to remember.
Love all these photos! It took me until I was 32 to finally get a cat. Best decision ever!!
Love seeing your sweet pets Jane!
Like yourself and so many, I am grateful for my animals. I have been rescuing dogs for the past 20 years or so, since settling in Australia. We have always had 2 at any one time. Just recently our boy Cody passed away and we now have just little Ellie (Belly Boo). I am grateful for her every day, for the comfort she gave me when Cody passed away, for her funny little ways, for her soft snoring at night and for her unconditional love. I love you sweet girl.
This is such a lovely piece, I really enjoyed hearing about your pets.
Iām so grateful for my dog, he has so much personality and brings the whole family so much joy.
Iām also grateful that the weather has improved and we able to sit outside for drinks on Saturday night. All the terraces are now set up in Paris and I love the festive atmosphere it brings to the city!
My dogs definitely help me live my best life. Always grateful for them. This week also grateful I was able to afford a much needed massage.
I am grateful for starting physical therapy this week for my hip pain. I appreciate reading about your connections with animals. Thanks for sharing!
As I read this, it's a stormy Monday morning here in Auckland and I'm sitting by the fire with Tigerlily - my playful, mischievous younger cat - purring loudly in my lap. My older kitty has ventured out in the rain to do his rounds and guard his patch. I fully resonate with how heart-expanding it is to share your life with animals. Those who know, know. And you're making me think about writing a post on this topic myself š
I love this! My writing partners are two cats we got from a market in one of the parks in Mexico City. Scout, the Siamese, was only two months old when I asked if I could just hold her...and then I couldnāt put her down. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) surprised the hell out of me saying we should take her home. I hadnāt known you could do that, just decide to get a cat!
As I was new to the city, Scout really helped me in my low moments. We later got Clouseau, the little orange menace, the same way. Scout is still there for me, but Clous is the cat is my heart (funny how insidiously loving these orange weirdos are) and every day is a little more bearable for them being in my life. Yes, you can live without animals, but why would you?
Iām at my parents and cheating on my two girls with their cousins, a beautiful gray stripe and my brothersās black panther. Every time I visit, the two cats get more affectionate with me. As I was reading this, one was making love to my foot. It feels like benediction to be loved by anotherās baby. Acceptance on a massive scale. (Also incredible grateful that my father had a successful heart surgery Friday. I canāt pet and fuss over him so the cats have volunteered as tributes.)
After 30 years as a video editor and feeling burned out beyond belief, I made a career change. For the past two years I've been a dog walker! I've had dog companions continuously for as long as I can remember, and knowing I preferred their presence far more than humans, and knowing I needed more exercise, made the big change and haven't looked back. My current dog Bernie is a lovable AmStaff/Am Bulldog mix who gets along great with my doggie clients. And Bernie also is the subject of many of my Substack earworm newsletters.
Here's one post that tells the story of my becoming a dog walker. And the history of one of the biggest one-hit-wonders of all time.
https://earworm.substack.com/p/who-let-the-dogs-out
Also - not sure how to add a photo to comments. Drag and drop didn't work and there's no plus buttons here.
As I read this, my two dogs are beside me in bed. One has just completed chemo and is expected to be fine for years to come. The other, spooned against my back, just took a deep breath and nestled her head against my spine. My husband, 48-hours out of surgery that went well is stirring in the next room. I have an essay to finish that is calling my name. Life is good. Thank you for the opportunity to feel and to express a bit of joy this morning.