Do dogs even like flying? — Yes, guide dogs are allowed to travel with their handler on planes. Cooper would be excellent in airports; the busier the environment, the more he loves it. I have not had him on a plane yet. Here’s a checklist of things to do before traveling by plane with a dog: The destination …

One of the most loved stories in children’s literature — A few weeks ago I decided to re-read my childhood favorites, and I wondered if I’d feel the same magic today as I did when I read them for the first time. A Little Princess was a joy to read then and now, and the lessons in the story are…

Some ups and downs and a few highlights from a year’s worth of stories … — Nearly a year ago I felt that I was ready, it was time to write my stories and document things that I did not want to risk losing. Even if I would only be doing it for my future self, I needed to record the milestones as well as the…

Refreshing my memories of the classics — Thanks to my 60s parents, my head was in books before I was in school. I remember bargaining with myself when I didn’t want to close a book — just one more page… ok one more chapter… I don’t need to sleep. I had to know what happened next. So…

Can you even take a service dog on a ship… — Yes, service dogs can accompany their handler on ships. Booking the trip I would advise the service rep when booking my voyage, that I’m bringing my guide dog on board. I’d have Cooper’s license, proof that he is a certified guide dog, with me at all times. I may…

Is there an incentive for service dogs to do the jobs they do? — If you already know Cooper from our stories, you know that he’s a happy dog. Cooper would likely do most of the things he does with little compensation, but he’s a lab, and labs are motivated by food. They also love it if we notice, and let them know that…

What’s That on Your Nightstand Mommy? — I was elementary school age, and I remember seeing a little blue tube on my mom’s nightstand. I asked her what it was, and she said it was for when you feel dried-up and want to smooth things over. The trouble with menopause My mom was always fine with answering my questions in her…

For example: — I’m having a difficult time landing a job. If I could get my foot in the door, I know they’d appreciate the skills I’d bring to the table. Anyway, let me explain. Last week in an interview the hiring manager asked me, “Pat, what do you see as your biggest…

I couldn’t imagine a second disgruntled guide dog… — When the school took my first guide dog, Walker, back¹ I almost gave up on the idea of a guide dog. But Dale persuaded me to stick with it, not all dogs are the same. Also, I had already completed the application process, and chances were good that I wouldn’t…