Pets

Paws, Feathers, Hooves, and Heart: How Animals Sneak Into My Stories

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.

Readers sometimes ask if the pets in my books are based on animals from my own life. The answer is, no more than the people in my stories are based on the people in my life. Though sometimes they are composites – especially when it comes to the pets. But the truth is, I rarely plan for the pets in my stories. Most of the time, they wander onto the page on their own—just when a character needs them most.

Animals have a way of softening even the gruffest heroes and grounding the loneliest heroines. They can bring humor, heart, or a moment of quiet companionship. In historical stories, they also help paint a truer picture of daily life. But most of all, they fill an emotional space that words alone sometimes can’t.

That said, not all of my books feature pets. Some stories simply don’t call for them, and I try never to include an animal unless it feels completely organic to the character and plot. When a pet feels forced into the story without true purpose, it distracts from the heart of the tale and can strike a hollow note. But when I sense a bit of emptiness—a character who needs someone to listen, or a moment that needs something another human character can’t provide—the right creature usually trots in on its own.

Take Miss Fanny’s canary Sweetie Pie and Miss Adeline’s cat Othello in Whatever It Takes. Miss Fanny is a soft-hearted widow who loves everyone, while Miss Adeline is a retired actress who thrives on drama. Their pets reflect their personalities perfectly—Sweetie Pie, gentle and clueless, and Othello, mysterious and theatrical. Together they add humor, warmth, and the occasional feather-flying tension to their shared household.

In Something More, Elthia’s little Yorkie, Poppy, provides courage and comfort for a young woman traveling alone from “back East,” fleeing a forced engagement to take a governess position in Texas. Far from home and all that’s familiar, Elthia needs something to hold on to. Poppy, lively and devoted, is a small piece of home she can carry with her—a friend she can draw courage from and a reminder that she’s not truly alone.

Then there’s Nate Cooper’s dog, Beans, from Second Chance Hero. Nate adopts the stray partly because he feels like something of a stray himself—and partly because Beans reminds him of the dog his now-deceased sister once loved. Through that bond, Nate reconnects with the tenderness and loyalty he thought he’d lost.

One of my more unusual “pets” is Ivy’s mule, Jubal, in Lone Star Heiress. Ivy began the story on horseback, but the opening chapter felt too stiff. Since she was traveling alone, her thoughts were trapped inside her head, and the scene seemed flat. Then I decided to trade the horse for an ornery mule with plenty of attitude. The moment I gave him a name and a problem—a stone stuck in his hoof—the scene came alive. Ivy now had someone to fuss over and talk to, and Jubal became an important part of her journey.

Over time, I’ve realized that animals in my stories aren’t just companions—they’re catalysts. They can sense things about people that others might miss, often showing readers who can be trusted long before my characters figure it out for themselves. Animals also affect how I write a scene. They slow the pace just enough to let emotion breathe, add texture to quiet moments, or bring out tenderness I didn’t know was hiding there.

My newest example is Ruby and her cat, Patience, from Griff’s Journey Home. By the time the story opens, Patience has been part of Ruby’s life for a few months. Once a feral stray, she’s now Ruby’s confidant and only steady companion in a world that hasn’t given her many lasting ties. Griff, on the other hand, thinks pampered house pets are ridiculous—he’s far more comfortable around saddle horses and cattle dogs than creatures who nap in sunbeams. Patience, for her part, treats Griff with queenly disdain. But over time, as Ruby and Griff’s friendship deepens, that distance begins to fade. One evening, while they’re playing checkers, Patience rubs against Griff’s legs, and he reaches down to scratch her behind the ears without thinking. It’s a simple, quiet gesture, but it marks an important shift. When Patience finally accepts and trusts him, Ruby realizes she can, too.

I’ve learned never to underestimate what a small—or not so small—faithful creature can bring to a story—or to a heart.

So do you have a favorite fictional animal—or a real-life companion who’s dear to you? I’d love to hear about them. Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a signed copy of your choice of any of my available books!

If you’d like to meet Patience along with Ruby and Griff for yourself, you’ll find them in my newest release, Griff’s Journey Home, the third book in my Everharts of Texas series. It’s a story about second chances, finding home in unexpected places, and yes—the quiet wisdom of one very perceptive – and very independent – cat.

ORDER  LINK

A detour he hadn’t planned. A connection he never saw coming.
Rancher Griff Everhart doesn’t go looking for entanglements. Burned by love before, he’s content to live quietly and focus on his ranch. But when a young woman asks him to escort her to Tyler, Texas, he reluctantly agrees—expecting nothing more than an uneventful day on the trail.

Ruby Anne Tuggle is chasing a fresh start, determined to make it on her own. But when an unexpected illness changes their plans, Griff finds himself relying on Ruby in ways he never anticipated. Amid healing, shared laughter, and days spent together, friendship blooms into something neither of them saw coming.

As Thanksgiving draws near and a temporary detour turns into something far deeper, two guarded hearts must decide whether love is worth the risk… and whether the road ahead is one they’ll walk together.

Dog Companions Throughout Time

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Most people acquainted with me know that I’m an animal lover. And that love goes beyond dogs and cats and, of course, horses. Besides fish and hamsters and even a hermit crab once, my many pets over the years have included chickens, ducks, bunnies, goats, calves, and a pot-bellied pig.

But dogs still remain my number one, and the only time I was without a dog sharing my home was when I was away at college. Most of my canine companions were typical ranch dogs. Border collies (too many to count), Australian Cattle dogs (too many to count), and sporting breeds like retrievers and spaniels. Now, I know that we’ve talked about pets in the old west before here at P&P, but I’m going to focus just on dogs and go a little further back in time. Specifically, to the beginning.

I’ve heard that early humans and dogs first bonded sometime during the Palaeolithic or, as it’s more commonly called, the stone age. As both humans and dogs were hunters, perhaps somewhere along the way, they realized if they teamed up, they might enjoy more success in bringing down prey. And then affection grew. I mean, stone age puppies were probably pretty cute, right?

I also imagine as mankind developed, moving away from hunting and gathering and toward agriculture (raising crops and domesticated animals), the jobs of their dog companions changed accordingly. Humans used dogs’ natural instincts to guard and protect their crops and livestock from the threat of predators. Those dogs showing superior intelligence and a tendency to herd were trained to assist modern farmers with controlling and relocating their cattle, sheep, and goats. In the United States, as people moved westward in the 18th and 19th centuries, they took their four-legged companions with them and before long, dogs were mainstays on ranches, farms, and cattle drives.

I suspect the lives of dogs in the old west weren’t easy. No prepackaged, nutrition rich kibble from a bag or hearty stew from a can. No regular veterinarian care and vaccines against rabies. No comfy raised pet beds or special shoes to protect their feet from the rough ground. Old west dogs likely had to sleep outside regardless of the weather and eat scraps­—if they were lucky.

But it seems from old pictures and written accounts that dogs were valued and loved as much back then as they are today. I’m pretty sure if I lived during the old west, I’d have owned a dog just like today. And I probably would have had my picture taken with them, too.

Don’t forget to check out our P&P Facebook Reader’s group at:  P&P FB Readers Group

One of Cathy’s Most Favorite Things!

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Kind of a funny story. The other day I was wondering what to write about for my favorite things post as I was getting ready to walk my 14-year-old hairless terrier dog Nacho. Walks are something I do most days, barring inclement weather or an illness. I mean, really, there is nothing better for your physical and mental health. Walks relieve stress. Boost your mood. Lower your blood pressure. Elevate your feel good hormone dopamine and your endorphins. The exercise is good for your heart, your joint health, and your muscle tone. Sunshine innaturally infuses you with vitimin D. Socializing on your walk, either going with someone or chatting with people you meet, is one of the best ways to fight off dementia. For me, walks are a short mental vacation. They’re also great for working through a book plotting problem or listening to a writer’s workshop on my phone. Frankly, walks are just what the doctor ordered.

Which brings me back to putting on my shoes and getting ready to go out. I thought, why not write about walking Nacho? Not only is it something I do almost every day, it really is a favorite activity of mine. But I can’t just write about walking. That would be boring, right? Agreed. So, come join me in a typical walk with Nacho.  Oh, and yes, he’s wearing Haloween pajamas.

As you can see from this picture of Nacho, walks are one of his favorite things, too. All the physical and mental benefits that are good for people are also good for your canine friend.

One of our favorite places is the park by our house. There’s lots of green all year long and cool places to explore like this wash.

Sometimes we have to take a break. Both Nacho and I have arthritis and and get tired 🙂

 

 

Cathy McDavid’s Favorite Thing – Critter Cuddling

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Hi Everyone,

I’m so happy to be here today talking about my favorite things. It took me only about three seconds to come up with a topic, and I’m not kidding. One of my closest friends recently told me that she couldn’t imagine me without a pet in my home. She’s right. I don’t ever see myself without a four-footed best buddy, or two or three.

At times in my life, I’ve had dozens. Not all in the house, of course. Some lived in the barn or freely roamed the property like my 200-pound potbelly pig named Queenie. I’m what my mom called a critter person, and getting cuddles from those critters is absolutely one of my favorite things.

 

 

 

And you don’t have to limit yourself to cats and dogs. Why not an alpaca? Or an elephant? Or a parrot? Snakes? Maybe not for me, but to each their own, right?

Seriously, though. Not only is critter cuddling fun, it’s actually really good for your health, both physical and mental. Here are just some of the astounding benefits:

Benefits of cuddling animals

Lowers blood pressure

Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Reduces risk of heart attacks

Increases cognitive function

Mood elevator

Helps combat feelings of loneliness and depression

Relieves anxiety

Reduces stress

A coping mechanism for PTSD

Alleviates fear

But best of all, petting your pet, or any animal, puts a smile on your face and gives you a warm, cozy feeling. That’s what makes it a favorite thing of mine ?

 

 

Cover Reveal and a Giveaway!

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“Stone Landry stared into the green depth of her eyes and brushed a knuckle across Emma’s soft cheek. “One day.” He dragged air into his lungs. “One day I intend to court you, lady. That’s a promise. Hangman’s daughter or not.”

Courting Miss Emma, Book 2 of the Hangman’s Daughters series, will soon come your way and I want to share this gorgeous cover. The colors and fonts are really nice. I wish her skirt was a bit slimmer but maybe the wind got under it and ballooned it out. After all, we have a LOT of wind in Texas! I also love Emma’s hair and think it’s perfect. With sixteen orphans to keep track of, she wouldn’t have had a lot of time for her hair.

As with her sister Maura in Book 1, she’s never been courted, kissed, or even come close. At 26 years old, she would’ve been considered an old maid back in 1868. But when Stone Landry bought the property next door, Emma began to see herself as a woman with something left to give.

Stone gets her dander up right away after one of the orphan boys wanders over onto his property. He brings the kid back—along with a sharp rebuke for Emma to watch the children better. She sees red of course.

So, that’s how their relationship starts. They mix like oil and water. It isn’t that he doesn’t like kids, he was just never around any.

Add in a couple of adult camels and their baby and you get the idea. The kids weren’t going to stay on their side of the property line and that was that.

It’s a fun story with a group of unscrupulous bad guys trying to take both Emma’s and Stone’s land and shut down the orphanage. It leads to a land war with the couple fighting tooth and nail to stop them.

Wars have been fought over land since the beginning of time. Someone big and powerful always thinks they can take what they want and no one can stop them. It’s a familiar theme in westerns and it happens today all over the world. Sometimes the little guy wins.

This is a sweet romance with lots of action and a mix of humor thrown in. I think you’ll like this story that shows the depth of Emma’s and Stone’s hearts and their commitment to keeping Heaven’s Door open. No matter the cost.

Ever since I wrote Knight on the Texas Plains, I’ve always put children in my stories. They make the stories richer. Animals are another constant and I’ve had a variety—horses, dogs, cats, a monkey, a talking parrot, and now camels. You never know what’s coming next.

I’m giving away an ebook copy of the first book, Winning Maura’s Heart. To enter, tell me the one-word name of Maura’s love interest.

Pets in the Wild West: More Than Just Man’s Best Friend–by Laura Ashwood

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Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to be here as a guest blogger today. My name is Laura Ashwood, and I’m a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian historical western romance, small town contemporary romance and women’s fiction. I’ve always been fascinated by the rich tapestry of the past and how it intertwines with our present, including when it comes to our relationships with our beloved pets. I’m excited to share some insights with you today about the role of pets in the 19th century, inspired by my own heartwarming historical romance, A Groom for Violet.

Now, you might be thinking, “Pets? In the Wild West?” Yep, you heard that right. Back in the day, pets weren’t just for the aristocrats in their fancy houses. Nope, even in the rough and tumble world of the Wild West, folks found comfort and companionship in their furry friends.

In fact, it was during the Victorian era that people really started to see pets in a new light. Instead of just being useful for hunting or guarding the homestead, pets started to become part of the family. They were there to lend a listening ear after a long day, to provide a sense of comfort in times of hardship, and to teach kids about responsibility and care.

But let’s not sugarcoat it – being a pet parent back then was a different ballgame. There weren’t 24/7 vet clinics or pet wellness plans like we have today, and pet owners often had to rely on home remedies to treat their pets’ ailments if a veterinarian couldn’t be found. When Daisy, the beloved dog of our heroine in A Groom for Violet suffers an injury, Violet was lucky as a local veterinarian is available to come to come and assist. It’s a reminder that even in the rough and tumble world of the Wild West, there were folks dedicated to the care and well-being of animals. And that’s what love is all about, right?

And it wasn’t just dogs that were popular. From wild birds to rabbits, and even exotic pets like parrots and monkeys, Victorians had a wide range of pets. Each of these animals, in their own way, contributed to the rich tapestry of life in the 19th century.

Interestingly, pets also found their way into the literature of the time. In fact, there were even “diaries” that were written from the perspective of pets, providing a humorous take on their daily lives and adventures. These stories offered a unique insight into the secret lives of pets, and how they might view the world around them.

Portrait of a Maltese dog in winter outdoors

Cats, in particular, were just beginning to be seen as household pets. While they were often compared to dogs, cats were seen as having a particular affinity for the home, and became associated with the household, and by extension, women. Conversely, dogs were known to travel outside with their owners, tagging along for masculine activities like hunting.

In A Groom for Violet, we see the profound impact that a pet can have on a person’s life. Daisy is not just a pet to Violet; she is a friend, a companion, and a link to her past. This relationship underscores the important role that pets played in the 19th century and continues to play today.

Click cover to order.

What do you think are some of the biggest differences between pet ownership in the 19th century and today?

I’d love to give away a free eBook copy of A Groom for Violet to one lucky commenter. Share your thoughts on this blog post, answer the question above, or simply tell me about your own beloved pet. I’ll randomly select a winner from the comments. Good luck!

XO, Laura

London James – Miles Apart, Paws Together: A Barn Cat’s Unbelievable Homecoming

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Hey, y’all! It’s London James, and I’m back. First and foremost, I would like to thank the lovely ladies at Petticoats and Pistols for allowing me to guest blog and spend some time with you today! Now, for all of you who have crossed paths with me before, you’ll remember me as the lady with the missing pony and the monkey sanctuary behind my house.

(For those who have never read the story yet, CLICK HERE

So, what sort of a story do I have for you today? Did I lose my pony again? Did I have another run-in with the monkeys? Thankfully, no. I haven’t. But I still do have a tale to tell about how, two days after Christmas, I found a whiskered intruder in my barn who ended up taking a 3,586-mile trek back home.

Now, before I delve into the tale any further, let me step back for a moment here to tell you that I don’t have barn cats. It’s not because I don’t like cats. I have five indoor-only cats in my house right now—much to my husband’s displeasure. It’s also not because I don’t think cats belong in a barn. I understand why people have them, and I know their worth for keeping pests in check. With that said, however, I still don’t have them because I’m scared to. I grew up where our cats were allowed to go outside, and while I would never say it’s bad, having to face the numerous losses to coyotes and knowing that a coyote den lurks just across the street from my house fills me with just enough fear that I just can’t bring myself to have barn cats.

Now that I’ve said that let’s dive right back into the tale . . .

 

So, here I was, two days after Christmas, in my barn with a cat that wasn’t mine, watching it as it meowed and rubbed on my legs. I was utterly perplexed about who she was and where she came from, and while, yes, I know we have neighbors who probably have cats, this is the first cat to appear in my barn since we moved here 15 years ago! And I didn’t recognize her.

She was a cute little thing, and so stinking friendly. She instantly jumped into my arms, purring like the motor from a 67’ GTO, and from the sheer roundness of her belly (No, it wasn’t kittens, she had a blue dot tattoo on her belly, indicating she had been spayed), it was evident that she was a pampered pet. So, what was I to do? Well, there wasn’t anything for me to do, then put her down and hope she would return home.

She didn’t.

Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I whisked her to my veterinarian, praying she had a microchip, and as luck would have it, she did. Yes! Finally. I would be able to find out where she lived and take her home! After making a few calls to the microchip maker and then the shelter where the chip was registered, I was given the name and number of the owner, and I left a message on her voicemail, not only hoping she’d call me back but expecting her to live close enough to me that I could just take the cat home.

Well, God managed to answer one of those hopes.

And this is when the story took a turn I hadn’t seen coming.

As it turns out, the owner of the cat used to reside a whopping 140 miles away from my home in another town. How this cat traveled through Oklahoma remains a mystery, but as we dug more into the details, the 140-mile trek was just the tip of the iceberg.

Did you notice how I said, “used to live”? Yeah, the owner didn’t live in that town anymore. In fact, the owner didn’t even live in Oklahoma anymore.

She lived in (and was calling me from) Alaska!

The story she gave me, which coincided with the details the shelter gave me when I called them, was that she adopted the cat in June of 2022, and a few weeks after she brought her home, the cat got out. She spent months looking for the cat but couldn’t find her, and when her military husband got orders that they had to leave, they had no other choice than to pack their bags and leave without the cat.

To say that the owner and I weren’t shocked would be an understatement—5 ½ months on the road, 140 miles from where she got out. How did she find her way to my barn? I asked the owner what she wanted to do about the whole thing, and she said, “I want my cat.” So, I said. “Then let’s make it happen.”

I spent the next several days contacting the news, different airlines, and a couple of rescues to see how and what we could do to get this military family reunited with their pet. And boy, did people step up. Alaska Airlines discounted the ticket and footed the bill for her overnight stay in Seattle. A local rescue woman and my friend chipped in for the crate, and I paid for her paperwork and physical exam. It was a huge undertaking and an exhausting week with a few setbacks that almost made me cry. Ultimately, we got her on the plane, and on January 5th, Athena, the cat, finally made it home.

If you want to check out the NEWS9 STORY that aired, here’s the link: News Story on Barn Cat

And you can bet this story will end up in a book!!!

Maybe not in any of my historicals, but definitely in my contemporaries.

Speaking of Historicals, I have a new series this year! It’s Oregon Trail Brides.

Books One and Two are out in the world! Book One is only $.99!

Four orphans and their headmistress set out for Oregon in search of men looking for mail-order brides. Will they find what they are looking for? Or will fate have other plans?

Plucked from a life of uncertainty at a bordello, Lark Brockwood finds herself at the mercy of fate. A ward of the Kensington Orphanage since she was little and scarred by her past experiences with men, she dreads the prospect of being forced to join a wagon train bound for Oregon in search of eligible husbands.

A man haunted by the loss of his family, Dr. Carter Evans travels west to start anew and leave the memories of his past behind. After he sets his sights on the guarded and alluring Lark, he finds himself drawn to her despite her attempts to keep him at bay.

When an outbreak of measles threatens the lives of everyone on the wagon train, including Lark, the journey west takes a dangerous turn. With Lark’s health rapidly deteriorating, Carter must do everything in his power to save her, even if it means laying bare his own vulnerabilities to prove to her that she is deserving of love and that she’s worth fighting for.

Will they be able to overcome their pasts and forge a future together, or will their love be lost to the peril of their journey? This is a timeless tale of love, redemption, and the power of second chances, set against the backdrop of the American West and a time when anything was possible, and the future was unwritten.

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Oregon-Trail-Doctor-Historical-ebook/dp/B0BPMLSZ48?tag=pettpist-20

Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Oregon-Trail-Doctor-Historical/dp/1960443135?tag=pettpist-20

Long Valley Press Shop Paperback: https://longvalleypress.shop/products/her-oregon-trail-doctor-paperback

 

Yup, I’m a Crazy Dog Lady!

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Today I get to share one of my favorite things with you…fostering dogs.

Before my oldest left for college I responded to a post to foster a little black puppy. (I love black dogs and have since learned they are less likely to be adopted.) That pup had a foster, but the guy pictured here, Rowdy, didn’t. Thus began my journey fostering dogs with Cody’s Friends Rescue.

Our first foster Rowdy

We foster puppies, often as young as two months. At that age, they love being held. They’ve been snuggling with mom and their siblings and desperately miss that connection. I get the joy of puppy cuddles and kisses. It doesn’t get better than that. We usually take two or occasionally three puppies, because it’s easier when then they have a playmate their size.

Brothers Axel and Brody

The question I’m asked most is how do I let them go? We have adopted some. And while we love every foster, some are different. Like Kingston, a puppy with mange we fostered. My husband was a cat person, but Kingston latched onto him. While he was sweet, we joked how he wasn’t bright because after weeks, he didn’t recognize his name. Then one night someone came to the door. The other dogs barked. Kingston remained blissfully asleep. Thus, we discovered Kingston was deaf. Combine his special need with his and Kevin’s best bud status, and he was our first “foster fail.” But I digress. Big surprise there!

Kingston when we he first arrived.
Kingston and our foster Bear

It’s never easy letting go, but I cope with my husband’s help. I pick pups up and see to their vet care. He talks with potential adopters and takes fosters to their new homes. He loves seeing how far they’ve come and their joy with their new family. I’m usually crying at home, remembering that every dog we let go makes room for another who needs help. And the need is huge, especially Texas who euthanizes more dogs than anywhere in the country. At times, I think I’m on the Titanic bailing with a teaspoon. Then I remember, while I can’t save every dog, I save the ones I can.

Foster Bella helping me write.

The rescue I foster with, Cody’s Friends Rescue, takes any breed. They also take dogs needing medical care. The most recent, Memphis, was found in a ditch by a friend of a Cody’s foster. Both his rear legs were broken, with the right in three places, which required surgery. I was blessed to be his medical foster, getting him from his “regular” foster the night before, taking him to his surgery appointments, and then getting him back home.(To learn more about Memphis’ heartwarming journey, click here.)

Some fosters have come and gone so fast my head spun, some of whom I thought we’d have forever. Others, despite being fabulous dogs, have waited longer for their humans. Like our current boy, Dalton. Despite being loving and playful, with a huge heart, no one has shown interest. So until then we love him.

Our current foster Dalton

If you’ve ever considered fostering, contact a local rescue. You may discover as I have that you get more than you give. I realize not everyone can rescue, but everyone can help. Rescues need people to transport dogs from shelters to fosters, or from fosters to vet appointments. They also need help at adoption events. If you don’t have time for that, share posts you see on social media. I remember a story about a dog in the Weatherford, Texas shelter. A woman saw a Facebook post, fell in love, and drove from Colorado to adopt this dog. Please, please share those posts. You never know when your share will save a dog’s life.

Giveaway:  To be entered in today’s random giveaway for a signed copy of A Cure for the Vet containing my book The Rancher and the Vet which has a spirited foster dog, leave a comment about a favorite animal or just one of your favorite things!

 

Barks To Live By

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As I waited in the pharmacy for my flu shot, I checked out a book display. Among various inspirational books was Wise Dogs by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. and Dale C. Spartas. The book pairs words of wisdom with beautiful dog photos. The small book brightened my day and got me thinking.

Animals have always been there for me during good times and rough patches. They never judge, love unconditionally, are fantastic listeners, and never share my secrets.

Our newest addition to the family, Addie.

But pets offer more than companionship. Studies show they can improve our mood and immune systems, reduce stress, anxiety, and lower blood pressure. (A common statement in my house when someone’s cranky is “Will you pet a dog to lower your blood pressure and calm down?” It’s also a handy excuse. “Sorry. I can’t _______. I’m lowering my blood pressure now.”) There are stories of people who would’ve committed suicide if not for having a pet to care for.

I have a “Dogilosophy” coaster. If you can’t read it in the picture it says, “Listen more than you speak. Act like you have purpose. Appreciate a simple life. Give more than you receive. Be happy with what you have. Be a best friend.” What fabulous advice. Ever since, I’ve tried to follow this.

Jack and foster Mindy helping me write this post.

I’ve added to this list of what dogs and pets have taught me from Wise Dogs, bestlifeonline.com, and the Huffington Post.

  • Live in the moment/Enjoy life/Enjoy the journey—I think this is especially important now with social media. How often do we see people ignoring those around them in favor of their phone? Some people are so busy posting what they’re doing they’re not really present in what’s happening. I’ve learned sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. Wise Dogs says, “Who you’re with is always more important than where you are.”
  • Walk more—Very few of us get enough exercise. I know I don’t. (I’m adding walking the dogs more to my resolutions.)
  • Drink more water—Again I’m adding to things to work on in 2021!
  • Greet everyone with enthusiasm/Jump for joy when you’re happy—We don’t celebrate successes and the positives in our lives enough. Dogs do. Finding a stick, barking at a squirrel outside the window, their human coming back after checking for mail are all celebrated with gusto.
    Jack greeting my youngest son with enthusiasm!
  • Everyone needs a hand to hold and a heart to understand—This has been difficult with COVID-19. We need to find other ways to stay connected such as notes and phone calls.
  • Play and run daily—We need to have more fun!
  • Be loyal/Defend and protect those you love—Truly good friends are a rare gift and should be treated as such.
  • Don’t hold a grudge/Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship/Leave the past in the past—I’ve fostered dogs who came from terrible situations that are still capable of love. They don’t let their tragic past steal their future.
  • Family doesn’t have to be blood—I’m a big believer the one and the theme runs through many of my books.

Don’t have the time or space for a pet? Consider volunteering at an animal shelter walking dogs or playing with cats or dogs. Or, visit a friend with a pet. I bet you’ll receive health benefits.

As we thankfully approach the end of 2020, I pray 2021 is better for the people who have suffered or still are and may we all be a more like pets. I’ll leave you with one last quote from Wise Dogs. “May your dreams defy the laws of gravity.”

Today’s giveaway is a “live like someone left the gate open” (one of my favorite sayings) mug and A Cure For the Vet which contains my book The Rancher and the Vet. My heroine, Avery McAlister, is a veterinarian who runs an animal shelter. To be entered in the random drawing, comment on this question. Of the above lessons from dogs, what’s your favorite?

 

Nature’s Meteorologists

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My grandparents’ farm in Decorah, Iowa

As I’ve said a time or six dozen, my maternal grandparents were Iowa dairy farmers. My grandfather was a short, stoic German man who possessed a loud voice and strong opinions. Getting to know him and earn his respect wasn’t always easy, as my husband, Kevin discovered.

My Grandpa Walter saw my husband as a city kid who knew nothing of farm life. (Which was true.) As a child someone shared an animal proverb with Kevin. When a cat washes behind its ear rain is on the way. On one visit, Kevin noted one of my grandmother’s barn cats washing behind its ear, and shared the weather prediction with my grandfather. My grandfather naturally thought this city kid couldn’t know what he was talking about. A while later, Kevin set off to pick up my mother a hour or so away and asked my grandfather to ride shotgun. On their way back to the farm, the skies opened up. Not only did it rain, it poured. One of those driving rains that makes it difficult to see when driving.

That day proved to be a turning point for my husband and grandfather. Kevin showed my grandfather he knew something about his world, and my grandfather developed a new respect for my husband. From that day on until the day my grandfather died, cats washing behind the ears predicting rain became a running joke between them.

Farmers and ranchers often looked to animals for indications of the weather, and reliance on these methods isn’t as silly as it sounds. While people might not have known when creating the proverbs, now science often explains the animals’ behaviors. For example, cats ears may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure causing them to wash behind them when rain is coming.

Just for fun and to hopefully make your smile, here are some other animal proverbs from the Farmer’s Almanac.

  • If a cat sits with its back to a fire or sleeps with all four paws tucked under, bad weather is coming.
  • When a cat licks its fur against the grain, prepare for a hailstorm.
  • When a cat sneezes, rains is on the way.

 

But cats aren’t the only animal meteorologists…

  • If a cow stands with its tail to the west, the weather should be fair. If it stands with its tail to the east, the weather will turn bad.
  • When a dog eats grass or sheep turn into the wind, expect rain. (Based on how often my dogs eat grass, I should be building an ark, so I’m not a big believer in this one! ?)
  • If a bull leads the cows to pasture, bet on rain. But if the ladies lead the bull, the weather is uncertain.
  • The more brown a wooly bear caterpillar, the milder the winter.
  • (This one isn’t super practical since it requires a
  •  tape measure. I can’t see many farmers measuring mole holes! ?) If the mole hole is 2 ½ feet deep, expect severe weather. If it’s 2 feet deep, it won’t be as severe, and 1 foot deep indicates a mild winter.
  • When pigs gather leaves and straw in the fall, prepare for a cold winter.
  • Fat rabbits in October and November indicate a long, cold winter.
  • Bats flying late at night mean fair weather.
  • Wolves howl more before a storm.
  • Predict the temperature by counting a cricket’s chirps.
  • Hornets building their nests high in a tree means a snowy winter.
  • Cows laying under a tree in the morning means rain is on the way.

And from the plants:

  • When leaves “turn their back to you” and curl somewhat, watch out for rain.

To be entered in today’s giveaway for the Live Happy sink soap mate, a llama car air freshener and a copy of A Cure for the Vet, leave a comment on your weather proverb.