A-Z Challenge D is for dogs

This post is brought to you by the letter D. While my dog has center stage here, I am doing my regular gig at The Blood Red Pencil Blog today. We are talking about the little fixes that can improve your book. Come on by if you have a moment.

When Poppy found out I had written about the cats again, she let me know in no uncertain terms that it has been a long time since I wrote about her.

Poppy and John

Poppy and Orca

Poppy is a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie, both herding dogs, and she really likes to harken back to her heritage and herd whatever is handy. That usually ends up being the cats.

We have had the dog for five years and she has been friends with every cat who has lived here. She and John were great friends and would play out on the deck together quite frequently. She also liked to play outside with Orca. When we lost both cats overnight last fall, I think Poppy missed them as much as we did.

Since we have the new cats, Poppy has started to play some with Harry, but her heart does not seem to be in it. Not like it was with John or even the little Shadow Kitty we had for a short time. Poppy let that kitten romp all over her and they really had a good time.

What Poppy does love best is chasing the ball. If someone will throw the ball, she will run forever, or until the arthritis in her hip acts up. She also is my walking companion in the mornings and is very patient when I stop to take a picture or pull some nice green grass for my horse.

It didn't take a scientific study to tell me that having pets is good for one's health.