Relationships & Family

Unexpected Friends

jbloustein — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:27:01 -0600

Just a few more things to do on the computer before bed. I glanced down at my feet, expecting to see Mocha, our chocolate Lab.

But the floor was empty. Mocha was gone.

For 12 years he’d been my constant companion. Although Mocha was “my dog,” Hazel, my wife, loved him just as much. Mocha and I played catch with a Frisbee and explored the woods near our rental house in Rockport, Massachusetts.

Letters from a Paw Pal

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:32:48 -0600

I had never felt so low-down, guilty and inadequate in my life.

It seemed as if my car were being dragged along in the wake of the ambulance I was following. It was taking my friend Alice to a nursing home she had begged me to keep her out of earlier that morning.

Even though I was a nurse, there was no way I could care for her in my home or hers. Now in her eighties, Alice needed around-the-clock specialized care. She was connected to a respirator by a tracheostomy tube and fed through a stomach tube.

A Friend for Micah

jbloustein — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:17:50 -0600

The back door banged open.

“Mommy, Mommy,” called our five-year-old daughter, Micah, coming in from running errands with her father, and racing toward the kitchen. “Daddy and I saw a lost dog!” she exclaimed.

“We already have a dog,” I wanted to say. As if on cue, Princess, our pug, came running.

Michael followed Micah into the kitchen. “I told Micah that dinner was waiting and if the dog didn’t have a home it would still be there when we finished.”

5 Ways to Help Animal Rescue Efforts

jbloustein — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:35:59 -0600

While my dog Kelly snoozed in her cozy little bed in the living room, I watched a television news report of the recent earthquake in Chile.

In addition to the tragic human suffering, my heart went out to the homeless dogs and other pets displaced after the disaster.

Fortunately, many hard working groups help animals following natural disasters. Here are some ways you can help, too.

1. Contribute to rescue efforts.

5 Great Presidential Pets

jbloustein — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:14:27 -0600

Bo relaxing in the Oval Office. Bo meeting the press. Bo playing in the snow.

5 Things You Need to Know About Portuguese Water Dogs

jbloustein — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:15:41 -0500

On Tuesday, April 14, First Pooch Bo made his official debut, met the press, and became a new pal for Malia and Sasha Obama. The six-month old Portuguese water dog (PWD) is a curly, adorable bundle of fun. No wonder we all want one now!

According to Stu Freemen, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the PWD is “a wonderful family pet,” but also encourages those considering adopting one to "do the proper research to ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle."

Peanut Butter & Me

jbloustein — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:41:29 -0600

My son Brandon wearily lifted the last box of his things from the back of his truck and carried it toward my house.

His marriage was over, and he was moving back home. Brandon’s forlorn expression said it all.

My eyes fell on the dog trailing after him. The year-old mixed breed was cute enough: her face a cross between a beagle and Chihuahua and her coat a creamy brown worthy of her name, Peanut Butter.

She turned to me—her big brown eyes pleading. For what, I wasn’t sure. I backed away, shooting her a warning look.

Faith in Action

admin — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:01:00 -0500

That afternoon there was the usual mid-week mayhem. My two daughters were making a ruckus in the living room. I was in the kitchen, taking a break from job hunting and rustling up dinner. The front door slammed. That meant Reuben, my 17-year-old, was home. "Mom!" he called.

Purrs, Licks and Cuddles

mcherkezian — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:02:42 -0600

Some pets are demonstrative with affection, while some are more reserved. Just like people. Yet we all like to know how much we mean to others. Here are some ways our pets show us love.

1. Hugs and Kisses
My dog Kelly plasters big sloppy licks on our lips. In the canine world, licking is a submissive social signal. But we often equate this with kissing.

Puppy Love: 'Mutts' and Patrick McDonnell

jbloustein — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:04:53 -0500

If you read the Sunday funny papers, you probably already know the lovable cat-and-dog team Mooch and Earl from Patrick McDonnell's comic strip Mutts.

In turns funny, poignant, beautiful and just plain wise, Mutts offers glimpses into how Mooch and Earl—and their many friends of all species—see the world. Along the way, it shows us a lot about human nature, too.

McDonnell credits his own pets with inspiration and material for the strip.