Tag: dogs

WHO SAYS DOGS CAN’T TALK?

Me: Walks to the back door. “Laila, want to go out?”

Laila: Looks at me. Turns and runs upstairs.

Me: Goes to the top of the stairs where dog is waiting.

Laila: Circles me once. Walks to the couch in my office. Swishes tail.

Me: Grabs notebook and pen to edit. Sits on couch and invites Laila up.

Laila: Puts both paws on my lap. Stares at me for a moment. Backs away and waits.

Me: Puts away notebook and lies down on couch.

Laila: Jumps up next to me and stretches out.

Me: Effectively pinned for 20-minute power nap.

She spoke. I listened.

Speaking of listening, check out Wolf Dawn. Kara can really speak with wolves.

WOLF DAWN

A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

May 8, 2023
WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Michael Thompson

Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

Michael Thompson is an award-winning author and illustrator from Northern Virginia. His debut novel, World of the Orb, earned national acclaim in the Feathered Quill Book Awards, and his latest publication, Winslow Hoffner’s Incredible Encounters, brings his trademark humor, adventure, and dynamic character ensembles into a folkloric fantasy setting. For more information, visit: MichaelThompsonBooks.com

Wolf: I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at RavenCon this past April. So, Michael, what is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

Michael: I had something called anticuchos once at my friend’s cookout: ribbons of beef heart laced onto wooden skewers. Really good actually. I remember it being smoky and tasting intensely of iron. I really liked it.

Wolf: I’ve had that. It’s delicious. If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?

Michael: In World of the Orb, one of my main characters has an awesome fighting tool called a “multiweapon.” It extends from a compact handle, to a staff, to a three-sectioned staff or a two-sided spear. The spearheads are linked by chains, and those can be launched and reeled. Pretty handy!

Wolf: Sweet! Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

Michael: I love dogs. I’ve had two dogs, both of whom have influenced the personalities of some of the animal companions in my books.

Wolf: Dog lovers of the world, UNITE! If you could have a super power, (besides talking to dogs) what would it be?

Michael: In World of the Orb some of the characters can tap into an energy called Ka, which affords them certain telepathic, telekinetic, and other mystic abilities. It’d be great to reach the TV remote too.

Wolf: Your characters should get together with the characters in Star Touched. They seem to have some things in common. Speaking of characters, which of your characters is your favorite?

Michael: I love them all, but right now I’d say my favorite is the titular character from my latest book, Winslow Hoffner’s Incredible Encounters. He’s a gallant, eccentric fisherman who’s witnessed some of the sea’s most astounding beasts of legend. He happens to be a great storyteller with a sharp sense of humor too.

Wolf: Describe a meal you would be served while visiting another world.

Michael: There’s some great food in World of the Orb I’d like to try. Schu-faun would probably be at the top of my list. It’s a creamy, whipped dessert with an exotic, tangy berry syrup shelled in a lattice nest of crisp, sweet pastry.

Wolf: Yummy. Let me know when you’ve worked out the recipe. What is your favorite body of water and why? (river, ocean, waterfall, puddle, bottle…)

Michael: The ocean is remarkable to me. The smell’s refreshing, the sounds are relaxing, and there’s something powerful, hypnotic, and humbling about the vastness. Its mysteriousness inspires a lot of my stories too. There’s a significant seafaring element to World of the Orb and my new Winslow Hoffner book especially delves into what wonders may lay hidden out there.

Wolf: What story are you working on now?

Michael: It’s sequel time! My main focus right now is World of the Orb 2, the official title of which is a secret for now. I’m really excited to return to that world.

Wolf: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Michael: I love film—whether I’m going to the movies, talking about new releases, or making short films with my friends. Film was my minor in college, so that’s another avenue of storytelling I’m passionate about.

Wolf: Film is one of the arts I do best as an observer. Thanks for stopping by.

Connect with Michael through these links:

Website: https://www.MichaelThompsonBooks.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSiGQGocjTGEHbgagmd5WA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MThompsonBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mthompson_books/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelThompsonBooks/

And don’t forget to pick up a copy of Star Touched

July 18, 2018
WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Howard Weinstein

Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

After 35 years peering into the future in his many Star Trek stories, New York Times bestselling author Howard Weinstein turns to historical fiction in Galloway’s Gamble, his new novel from Five Star Publishing.

Inspired by high-spirited classics like Maverick, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Sting, Galloway’s Gamble is an Old West coming-of-age romp about bickering brothers Jamey and Jake Galloway, who grow up to be poker players in 1860s Texas. Can these two young gamblers outfox a ruthless cattle baron and shady banker bent on destroying their Texas hometown—without getting themselves killed? Galloway’s Gamble is the first of a possible series, and Howie is working on the sequel.

Howie’s most recent Star Trek story is “The Blood-Dimmed Tide” in Star Trek: Mere Anarchy. Other writing credits include “The Pirates of Orion” animated Star Trek episode; many Star Trek novels and comics; and Puppy Kisses Are Good for the Soul, a charming account of life with his legendary Welsh Corgi, Mail Order Annie.

Howie also runs Day-One Dog Training, using Annie’s valuable lessons to help dogs and humans have the best possible life together. You can findowieHowieSeSee Howie’s writing news and blog at http://www.howardweinsteinbooks.com, and dog training info at http://www.dayonedogtraining.com.

Wolf: I think I know the answer to this, but do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

          Howie: Team Dog, all the way. I understand why cat people appreciate/love/worship their cats. But I’ve been scratched by enough cats who were friendly until they weren’t to know I don’t trust ‘em. I can size up a dog and know whether it’s friendly in a couple of minutes. And I can become pals with most dogs in a couple of minutes more. Dogs are not good at hiding their feelings, so I trust dogs.

Wolf: I’m with you on that. While walking in the woods you come across…

          Howie: Trick question! I’m highly unlikely to be caught walking in the woods. There’s creepy things in the woods, like snakes up in trees. I never liked snakes anyway (me and Indiana Jones), but it was a very disturbing day when I learned SNAKES CAN CLIMB TREES!!

Wolf: So besides the ability to repel snakes, If you could have a super power, what would it be?

          Howie: The ability to suspend the passage of time, so I could get more (any!) work done. A few extra hours a day would help.

Wolf: I hope that one is shareable. I’m always running out of time. There is a door at the end of a dark, damp corridor. You hear rumbling. What do you do?

          Howie: I send somebody (preferably somebody I’m not that fond of) to take a closer look. Delegation is an underrated skill (especially in horror movies).

Wolf: The world is about to end. What is the first thing you do?

          Howie: Shrug, then curse. Or do both together. Then again, does it even matter?

Wolf: Which of your characters is your favorite?

          Howard: Well, I didn’t create him, but Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy from STAR TREK shares the top of my list. He’s a hopeful, cynical, romantic, sarcastic curmudgeon – which is pretty close to my own personality.

Of my own characters, I guess it would be Jamey Galloway, from my new novel GALLOWAY’S GAMBLE. When he and his older brother Jake are caught in a Civil War skirmish against superior Union forces, and Jake suggests charging into pointless battle, Jamey resists: “Better a live coward than a dead hero.”

Wolf: Describe a meal you would be served while visiting another world.

          Howie: You can’t go wrong with a good burger!

Wolf: Hope you don’t mind the occasional dragon burger. What story are you working on now?

          Howie: Historical fiction – a literal turnaround from writing about the future in 35 years of STAR TREK novels, comic books, and non-fiction. Why the change? I no longer feel very optimistic about the future. After decades in which humanity made some real strides (race and gender equality, social justice, end of the Cold War), the world took a turn for the worse with the rise of global terrorism and economic inequality. Laws may change, but human nature not so much. People fall prey to the same flaws and failings as centuries ago.

          So, I decided to write about the past, hoping to find some useful perspective on today’s world, and tomorrow’s. The first of what I hope will be several historical novels is GALLOWAY’S GAMBLE, an epic tale of two young brothers (Jamey and Jake Galloway) who grow up in 1850s Texas to become gamblers. After a variety of adventures, with fortunes won and lost, they come home to find their hometown threatened by wealthy cattle baron Wilhelm Krieg and shady banker Silas Atwood – forcing Jamey and Jake to cook up with a scheme to outfox the bad guys, without getting themselves killed. It’s a timeless David vs. Goliath tale about battling greed and corruption, as relevant today as in 1873. With high stakes and serious themes, GALLOWAY’S GAMBLE is also lots of fun.

          My new publisher (Five Star Publishing) asked for a sequel. So, I’m starting a new cross-country story with Jamey and Jake, involving horse racing (dominated by black jockeys until the early 1900s), Spiritualism, Gilded Age greed and chicanery – culminating in a big match race at Baltimore’s then-new Pimlico race track.

Wolf: Where shall we deposit the first installment of your billion-dollar lottery prize?

          Howie: My bank account would be fine.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/howard.weinstein.33

Website: https://www.howardweinsteinbooks.com/

STAR TOUCHED

A. L. Kaplan

Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population. Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble. Will Tatiana flee or stay and fight for the new life she has built? Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

“A unique and finely crafted debut novel, the characters touched my heart as I was drawn into their plight and compelled to finish!”

— New York Times bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder



February 7, 2018
WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Grady P. Brown

Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

Give a big wolf welcome to Grady P. Brown

Grady is a science fiction author who is diagnosed with high functioning autism. He is a connoisseur of the science fiction, fantasy, and superhero genres. In addition, he is an autism ambassador, hoping to demonstrate the potential benefits one can gain from being autistic. As a writer, Grady P. Brown utilizes his autism to visualize the story taking place inside of his head like a movie. Also, he has a very strong memory, allowing him to store information about his characters and stories in his brain as though it were a computer hard-drive. He is also a passionate pit bull lover and owns a pair of sweet and loving pit bulls named Wally and Fitch.

Wolf: I think I know the answer to this, but I’ll ask anyway. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

Grady: My family has four dogs: three pit bulls and one miniature poodle. So I would say dog person.

Wolf: Clearly. If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why?

Grady: I would be a dragon because dragons are the incarnations of creation and destruction and the link between gods and men. As they say in Game of Thrones: “dragons are fire made flesh and fire is power!” Also, I am a devout dragon fanatic and have been for as long as I could remember.

Wolf: Dragons are very cool, but some can be dangerous. If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?

Grady: I would pick the sword in my fantasy book, Numen the Slayer. The sword’s name is Gramfyre after the legendary sword of the Norse hero Sigurd. Gramfyre’s double-edged blade is pitch black with ancient runes engraved along its fuller. Its cruciform crossguard and fishtail-shaped pommel would be made of gold and decorated with rubies. Finally, the grip (which is big enough to be held in either one hand or two hands) would be made out of polished dragon ivory. The sword has the power to turn its wielder into a powerful warrior with the speed, strength, and fury of ten men and make them immune to physical pain. However, this power must be fueled by its wielder’s spiritual energy, which can be costly. I would choose this weapon because it is the Sword of Power of the Magnus Dynasty and whoever possesses it has the power to become emperor of the Gradaia Empire (which is as big as the combined land of the British Empire at its zenith).

Wolf: Sometimes authors are mean to their characters, what about you?

Grady: In Numen the Slayer, I would say the meanest thing I did to my characters was have them be cannibalized by other characters.

Wolf: Eek! Describe a meal you would be served while visiting another world. (Hopefully not someone you know.)

Grady: If I was visiting the Imperial Palace in Chrysos from Numen the Slayer, I would be having quite a big festive meal fit for an emperor. Roasted chicken with herbs, a saddle of spit-roasted lamb, fresh salads served with oranges or edible flowers, roasted turkey, a sweet meat pie served with figs, carrots, and artichokes. That will only be the first course of the meal. The second course would consist of gelatin made from deer antler, a custard tart topped with pomegranate seeds, and sugar wafers. For drinks, there would be wine marinated with sugar, spices, and gold.

Wolf: Sounds like an exquisite feast. What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

Grady: I would say iced milk with honey because it was a drink I never had before. I did not know what to expect, but in the end, it was a healthy balance between sweet and creamy while having a spicy aftertaste.

Wolf: You’ve just been turned into a plant. Describe yourself.

Grady: I would be a tree that is thousands of years old. My bark is silvery while my leaves are golden. Hanging from my branches would be pearly fruit that opens the mind of whoever eats it.

Wolf: While walking in the woods you come across…

Grady: I come across a slimy creature that lurks in the dark trees. Its appearance would be concealed, but its putrid smell and sickening snarls can be detected.

Wolf: What would you do if you were immortal?

Grady: If I were immortal, I would keep writing and publishing stories until the end of time. Also, since Disney will be cranking out more Star Wars stories, I will keep watching and reading Star Wars films, books, and comics forever!

Wolf: Which of your characters is your favorite?

Grady: I would say Numen Magnus from Numen the Slayer because he is the most complex character I ever created, and he is a combination between my favorite historical and mythical characters.

Wolf: What story are you working on now?

Grady: I am working on the sequel of Numen the Slayer, which will revolve around Numen’s children and their feud with House Sylva and quest for the Imperial Throne.

https://gradypbrown.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/GPBFantasyBooks/
https://www.facebook.com/TheYoungGuardians/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11309703.Grady_P_Brown
https://www.amazon.com/Grady-P.-Brown/e/B002YBCBBO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1507343486&sr=8-1
https://twitter.com/guardiansyoung

November 15, 2017
THE RESCUE

I glare at the man who tried to kill me and spit the grenade pin onto the ground. He and his pals picked the wrong folks to mess with when they abducted Mistress. I’m way more than a little white dog. I scramble across the beach and into the water as the man turns into confetti.

A little twist of magical energy and my fur vanishes, paws become flippers. I shoot toward the wooden dingy like a torpedo. Too busy gaping at the cloud of smoke on the beach, the four pirates don’t notice me until I transform and land amidst them as a king cobra. My venom splatters the man closest. He tumbles into the water. Ducking a machete, I bite another man. The machete gouges the bottom of the boat. Water bubbles up. Good thing Mistress still wears her magic boots.

Something grabs me. Not good. I can change shape, not mass, so I’m small. Fur once again covers my body, this time with feline accessories. I twist and slash with my claws. Blood streams, but he holds me fast under the water. Spots fill my eyes. I have to wait for energy to replenish.

Finally I can change shape again. My new eel form shoots electricity in one enormous blast. The two remaining pirates convulse, then collapse. It’s not over yet. The dingy is sinking. Mistress is too hurt and tired to transform. So am I, but somehow we make it to shore. Mission accomplished.

January 8, 2016
DRASTIC MEASURES

The old grandfather clock began to chime and Mr. Pritchard’s mouth stretched into smirk. Three-thirty in the afternoon. Normally he’d be napping now, but ever since Becky Vogel moved in with her noisy little Pomeranian, Yappers, he hadn’t had a decent rest. Neither had Casper. That annoyance was about to end.

“Time to see if our plan is going to work, Casper,” he said, rubbing his hands together. The Samoyed yawned and flopped his tail. “I’m tired too, buddy. Keep your paws crossed that the brat takes the bait.”

He hobbled over to the window and pulled back the drape just as Becky started to race down the street. Yappers perched in the bicycle basket, raising his usual ruckus. Mr. Pritchard cringed. Even Casper whimpered and buried is head under a pillow.

The bicycle screeched to a halt by the table he’d set up down the block. They stared for a full minute, then Yappers leaped from the basket and started chowing down on the mound of liver kibble. A moment later Becky grabbed cookies in each hand and gobbled so fast she started coughing.

“Good thing I left you a bottle of water, you greedy little imp.”

He pressed his face against the glass and laughed as the pair remounted and road away.

“Glad the kid can read the sign,” he said. “Free treats for kids and dogs. If you’re quiet between the hours of three-thirty and four-thirty, there will be more tomorrow.”

June 5, 2015
For the Love of Canines: Arthur Part 2

Having an exuberant and inquisitive dog created some exciting adventures, several that I would have preferred to skip. I lost count of how many puzzle pieces disappeared, but they were minor inconveniences. Arthur liked paper like Praeses liked tennis balls – as snacks.

The biggest escapade happened while I was shopping. It was before I had a cell phone and being paged to the service desk in Target because of a medical emergency started a million horror stories racing through my mind. Were the kids okay? My husband? Had something happened to my parents or in-laws?

Arthur had swiped a tissue filled with my mother-in-law’s medications off the dresser. After several panicked calls to the vet and poison control, the dog that would vomit at the drop of a hat refused to throw up no matter what I tried. We ended up at the emergency animal hospital where he spent the night. He returned to us the next day groggy but otherwise fine. . . .Until my in-law’s next visit. Arthur took one look at them and refused to take the medicine I was giving him for itchy skin.

About that itchy skin, after a bad reaction to some arthritis medicine (and another trip to the animal hospital,) I pulled him off every medicine and supplement he had been given. The plastic water bottle and food dish got replaced by stainless steel. Within weeks his dry itchy skin went away, as did some of the stiffness in his joints. All that time it had been the plastic affecting his health. I’m amazed those kinds of dishes are still being sold. Stay away from them!

Arthur was definitely a mama’s boy, and followed me around like a shadow. If a nurse or vet needed to take him somewhere, he would tuck his tail and give me a worried look, but he always went. That was until he had a softball sized tumor removed from his leg. On our follow up appointment, he planted all four feet and refused to go without me.

Snowy white crept up Arthur’s muzzle and gray splotched his black fur. Those walks around the lake became too difficult for him. In March of 2011 Arthur had a mini stroke. He made an almost complete recovery, but it was just the beginning of many health problems. His eyesight began to fail and he showed signs of early dementia, but he still looked happy and didn’t seem to be in pain.

Even with the best of care problems can occur. Arthur developed a toe infection that ultimately led to an amputation. The wound took an unusually long time to heal, and it wasn’t until the lab identified two antibiotic resistant bacteria that it finally did. He put up with it all, even the cone of shame. For an old arthritic dog, Arthur sure was flexible. He pulled the cone off one night tearing out several stitches. Another trip to the emergency clinic ensued. Eventually, he healed completely and our happy dog returned. Arthur walked around the whole block a few times and even started to run again.

Sadly, he suffered another stroke January 10, 2012. Walking down the stairs became an impossible task. As his eyesight continued to deteriorate he became even more snuggly. It felt like he was trying to get as in much love as he could in our time left together. I knew in my heart that we were on borrowed time. We said our last farewell to our wonderful friend on April 28, 2013. He is sorely missed.

Arthur
February 28, 1998 – April 28, 2013

May 12, 2013
For the Love of Canines: Arthur Part 1

With a new baby and a 16 month old toddler, it was a year and a half before we got another dog. We had the pitter patter of little feet, but not the pitter patter of toenails across the floor, the soft brush of fur, and a wet nose.

While we would have loved to adopt, with two small children we wanted to be sure of temperament. After careful consideration we decided against another Malamute. While we loved Praeses, we wanted a breed that would get along with other dogs. Our choice – Portuguese Water Dog. We researched, visited breeders, clubs, and homes and finally found someone in Ohio that would have a litter ready for new homes about the time school let out. (I was teaching at the time.)

The breeder required a three page application and two letters of recommendations. It was clear from the start that they did this for the love of the breed, not to make money. Our particular pup ended up with an improper coat but that didn’t bother us at all. Go figure. He shed and looked a little different than the other PWDs, but his attitude was all PWD.

I drove out to get him the first week in June. When the door opened, there he was, Haleakala Aka Loekai, Hawaiian for Arthur King of the Sea, sitting politely at the door. Our eyes met, and I knew, he was the one I had been looking for. It felt as if Praeses was staring at me through new eyes. The first thing Arthur did was jump up and grab my braid, just like Debra did when she nursed. It was a bit of foreshadowing that I didn’t realize at the time.

When I mentioned the connection to Praeses’ spirit so to speak, I didn’t mean they were the same. They were as different as night and day. Praeses was snowy with typical malamute patterns. Arthur was jet black with a small white goatee. One was mellow and slow, the other bouncy and fast. Switching from a dominant female that lifted her leg, to a submissive male who squatted had its challenges. The first time I gave the heal command in obedience class; Arthur bounced like a rubber ball. I needed to learn to dial it down a little with him.

The first time I tossed Arthur’s toy, he trotted right back and plopped it in my lap. I was stunned. It was the first time a dog had voluntarily returned anything. Playing catch became a favorite game and Arthur, in his enthusiasm, would run into furniture, walls, and people. Anything in his way was bowled over in his desire to get the toy. He didn’t seem to notice. He very quickly transferred the idea of retrieving to the Frisbee and a little over a week before he began to catch it. His usual habit at that time was to drop the retrieved item on the ground at my feet. A few days after I had had some minor surgery, I looked at him with sad eyes and told him that I couldn’t bend down to pick it up. Arthur understood. He picked up the Frisbee and handed it to me. It was the last time I needed to pick up a toy for him.

Later on Arthur and I gave agility a try and loved it, but classes were too difficult to get to on a regular basis. I set up my own jumps and tunnels in the yard so we would play. Trips to the local lake and playground with the girls became even more exciting. If no one else was around, I would let him climb the ramp to the tower and go down the slide. His tail wagged and his tongue lolled as he played and barked. It took me a while, but I finally realized that if he had a ball in his mouth he couldn’t bark while he ran around.

May 9, 2013
It’s Only A Dog

A fuzzy face and small pink tongue

Little tail swishing back and forth

Joyful exuberance at every greeting

New friend with the trusting eyes

Chasing tails and squirrels alike

Barking, yapping all night long

Scattered papers and chewed remotes

Trash strewn and shredded slippers

Piles and puddles on the floor

Drool and fur even on the door

Stealing food from highest hight

Sickness, always at midnight

Enormous vet bills, headaches, stress

Restless nights with no rest

Endless panting, jumping and yet…

Unconditional love in those trusting eyes

Always glad to see you even on your grumpiest day

Greeting as if you’ve been gone an eternity

Even after only a moment

Lifting you up when sadness abounds

Running in the park and chasing balls

Catching Frisbees

Tongue hanging in joy

Happy days splashing in the lake

Snuggling close into soothing fur

Slowing down

The table’s too high

Silver fur replacing dark

Soft eyes,

A swishing tail

I understand

It’s time to say goodbye

Letting go with a heavy heart

It’s only a dog

Yet so much more

April 27, 2013
For the Love of Canines: Praeses Part 2

After growing up with an untrained dog, I was determined to teach my puppy. The hopes were for a cross between Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. A friendly stranger introduced me to the Dog Owners Training Club of Maryland, and so began our education. Note the name says dog owners training, and not dog training. I had as much to learn about teaching a dog as Praeses had to learn about good behavior.

I took everything in stride, even when she talked back during class. And she really did talk back, even as she followed every command I gave her. Our education went so wonderfully, that I decided to enter her in an obedience trial. It wasn’t until we had earned the second leg of our Companion Dog degree that someone mentioned that Alaskan Malamutes were supposed to be difficult to train. She came in first place and was even the highest scoring novice at the show. The very next week at what should have been our last novice trial, she sat across the ring during the sit stay and turned it into a sit say. I wanted nothing better than to crawl under the mats and hide I was so embarrassed. Needless to say, we were disqualified.

Praeses did earn her degree a few weeks later. In fact, she was the highest scoring novice Alaskan Malamute in the country for 1990. Her picture is published in the Alaskan Malamute Annual for 1991 on page 8. She’s listed as Heljwins Praeses Kaplan CD with a score of 197 out of 200. We hit our obedience wall with retrieving. Wooden dumbbells just weren’t her thing. Neither was bringing things back to me. While we didn’t compete at the higher levels, we did continue going to class for fun.

People always asked me if Praeses knew any tricks. Well, I only taught her two stupid pet tricks. She could balance a cookie on the end of her nose and catch it on command. A friend of mine needed a wolf for a movie he was making, so I also taught her to play dead. Praeses was a bit of a ham and did a stumble-stumble fall while doing it, complete with convincing death vocalizations. She was billed as Praeses the Wonder Dog. Ah, the joys of life at an art school. Did I mention she wore costumes? I still have her Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtledog costume in the basement. She was Michelangelo, complete with numb chucks and pizza.

Down the street from my apartment was an empty lot which was used as an unofficial off Lead Park. Every morning and evening the local pack would meet up and play. Even as a puppy Praeses knew she would be big and tried to throw her shoulder at the larger dogs. It was rather amusing to watch. Remember that smart little pup who sought out the shade? Well, every time the dog tag/chase game ran its wide circle around the park, Praeses cut across the center to catch the leader. Worked every time. Overall, Praeses was very smart, except when it came to tennis balls. She absolutely loved them…as snacks. In a matter of twenty minutes, while visiting a friend’s house, Praeses consumed three and a half balls. Luckily she was fine, but didn’t feel well for a few days. She also learned to wake me by bouncing her head on my bed. As a rule, Praeses wasn’t allowed on the furniture, but one day when I was sick, she looked at me with those big brown eyes. I could see the question in her eyes asking “can I?” All I did was nod my head slightly and say ok. She was on the bed in a flash and quickly curled up at my feet.

Praeses was more than a dog. She was a companion and friend, the anchor that kept me grounded in reality, never allowing my mind to drift careless when I needed to be focused. We moved out of the city when I got married and started a pack of our own. Praeses passed away in her sleep one month before my second daughter was born.

March 8, 2013