Karen Shanley - My Life as a Writer, Mom, Dog LoveKaren Shanley - My Life as a Writer, Mom, Dog LoveAuthor, Karen Shanley, shares her quirky and insightful views on life as a writer, mom, and owner of three dogs - one Australian Shepherd, one Border Collie Mix, and one dog in a Maine Coon cat's body. Articles
The Difference Between Herding Dogs and Field Dogs
2012-02-08 09:03:00 [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y MLAZOLfos8[/youtube] Kiera is 100% Australian Shepherd. She's a herding dog through and through. All of her instincts are to stay close to her flock (in this instance, me) and protect. I got Graidy from a Border Collie Rescue group. They thought he was a BC mix. He sure has the breed's extremely high energy. But the only thing he herds are birds. Oh, and planes. And helicopters. In other words, anything moving up in the sky. So I'm thinking he's got some kind of field dog/spaniel in him. And Wink, our Cavalier Spaniel's instincts are also to run off through the fields. You can see that Kiera starts to run off with Graidy and Wink (both of whom never look back), but then her instincts kick in and she wants to check in with me to see where I am. If the outside gate was open, I wouldn't see Wink or Graidy until the cows came home. Or until Kiera caught up to them and got them herded back home. Another big difference between herding dogs...
I Seem to be Stuck in Invention Mode
2012-02-05 06:17:00 My brother, Eric, and I have had something of an invention contest since we were kids. We're always thinking and scheming, and we've even patented a few. This was my latest, of which my very funny brother was not initially grasping. (Apologies in advance for the slightly graphic nature of our exchange. : ) Karen That invention in my dream. I remember what it was now -- a toilet that uses compressed air instead of water... Eric That's hilarious , compressed air up your hole will kill you! There won't be anyone around to clean up the mess :) Karen No no no!!! Not up your hole! Compressed air to blow everything DOWN the hole. lol. You're making fun of my multi-billion dollar idea?! Have you ever invented anything? More About: Life , Funnies , Mode
Calling all Programmers
2012-01-29 06:39:00 I know, I know, a job posting on my blog?! I’m just casting my net as wide as I can. Read on and see if you’re the one or you know someone who is. Thanks in advance. Calling all programmers expert in algorithms! Looking for someone expert in algorithms to help me program a version of Google (only half kidding… : ) for job hunters and kids just starting out trying to figure out career directions. I’m looking into creating a career aptitude and job matching site that would be able to filter personality test results through career requirements in a new and progressive way. Yes, I know there are a ton of these kinds of sites already, but not in the way I want to do it. I’d be happy to explain further by email to see if it would be worth your time to meet. In my mentoring work, a perennial problem not only for teens and twenties, but for all ages now, is “What/who do I want to do/be when I grow up?” With the “new world economy,” this...
Calling all Programmers
2012-01-29 06:39:00 I know, I know, a job posting on my blog?! I'm just casting my net as wide as I can. Read on and see if you're the one or you know someone who is. Thanks in advance. Calling all programmers expert in algorithms! Looking for someone expert in algorithms to help me program a version of Google (only half kidding... : ) for job hunters and kids just starting out trying to figure out career directions. I'm looking into creating a career aptitude and job matching site that would be able to filter personality test results through career requirements in a new and progressive way. Yes, I know there are a ton of these kinds of sites already, but not in the way I want to do it. I'd be happy to explain further by email to see if it would be worth your time to meet. In my mentoring work, a perennial problem not only for teens and twenties, but for all ages now, is "What/who do I want to do/be when I grow up?" With the "new world economy," this is only going to intensify as more industries c... More About: Life
Want to Talk with the Best Dog Book Authors — Join DogRead
2012-01-22 06:14:00 Even though my dogs are well trained, and I’m fairly comfortable with my dog rearing skills, there’s always more to learn and I like to stay on top of the latest thinking and exploration. I’m lucky enough to have direct access to the top dog trainers and researchers in the world. Yes, in the world! I can ask the greatest dog minds any question I can think of. But it’s not because I’m special. Anyone can participate in this unparalleled FREE learning experience. If you have a dog (or even if you’re thinking about getting a dog) and are interested in communicating and learning from the best, all you have to do to join the party is to sign up for DogRead, an online dog book club where authors join readers in an Interactive Workshop format featuring a new dog-related book each month. Once you join, you will also have access to archives of all the books ever discussed. Talk about an incredible resource! For sure, DogRead is a place where you’ll f... More About: Book , Join , Authors
Want to Talk with the Best Dog Book Authors ? Join DogRead
2012-01-22 06:14:00 Even though my dogs are well trained, and I'm fairly comfortable with my dog rearing skills, there's always more to learn and I like to stay on top of the latest thinking and exploration. I'm lucky enough to have direct access to the top dog trainers and researchers in the world. Yes, in the world! I can ask the greatest dog minds any question I can think of. But it's not because I'm special. Anyone can participate in this unparalleled FREE learning experience. If you have a dog (or even if you're thinking about getting a dog) and are interested in communicating and learning from the best, all you have to do to join the party is to sign up for DogRead, an online dog book club where authors join readers in an Interactive Workshop format featuring a new dog-related book each month. Once you join, you will also have access to archives of all the books ever discussed. Talk about an incredible resource! For sure, DogRead is a place where you'll find lots of good people and great... More About: Book , Join , Authors
Want to Talk with the Best Dog Book Authors ? Join DogRead
2012-01-22 06:14:00 Even though my dogs are well trained, and I'm fairly comfortable with my dog rearing skills, there's always more to learn and I like to stay on top of the latest thinking and exploration. I'm lucky enough to have direct access to the top dog trainers and researchers in the world. Yes, in the world! I can ask the greatest dog minds any question I can think of. But it's not because I'm special. Anyone can participate in this unparalleled FREE learning experience. If you have a dog (or even if you're thinking about getting a dog) and are interested in communicating and learning from the best, all you have to do to join the party is to sign up for DogRead, an online dog book club where authors join readers in an Interactive Workshop format featuring a new dog-related book each month. Once you join, you will also have access to archives of all the books ever discussed. Talk about an incredible resource! For sure, DogRead is a place where you'll find lots of good people and great... More About: Book , Authors
Peel Head of Garlic in 10 Seconds
2012-01-15 06:48:00 You guys know I love my garlic. I love growing it. I love giving it as gifts. I love cooking with it. But I don't love peeling it. Like onions, peeling garlic presents its own challenges. No, it won't make you cry, but it will eat the skin off your fingertips if you try to peel more than a few cloves by hand. I can't tell you how many gadgets I've bought over the years that claim to peel and mince garlic in one step. I've always gone back to doing it by hand. Until now. See for yourself. You won't believe your eyes. Better yet, try it for yourself and be amazed! I was. [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/29605182[/vimeo] More About: Recipes , Garlic
Peel Head of Garlic in 10 Seconds
2012-01-15 06:48:00 You guys know I love my garlic. I love growing it. I love giving it as gifts. I love cooking with it. But I don’t love peeling it. Like onions, peeling garlic presents its own challenges. No, it won’t make you cry, but it will eat the skin off your fingertips if you try to peel more than a few cloves by hand. I can’t tell you how many gadgets I’ve bought over the years that claim to peel and mince garlic in one step. I’ve always gone back to doing it by hand. Until now. See for yourself. You won’t believe your eyes. Better yet, try it for yourself and be amazed! I was. Click here to view the embedded video. More About: Garlic , Head
Peel Head of Garlic in 10 Seconds
2012-01-08 06:48:00 You guys know I love my garlic. I love growing it. I love giving it as gifts. I love cooking with it. But I don't love peeling it. Like onions, peeling garlic presents its own challenges. No, it won't make you cry, but it will eat the skin off your fingertips if you try to peel more than a few cloves by hand. I can't tell you how many gadgets I've bought over the years that claim to peel and mince garlic in one step. I've always gone back to doing it by hand. Until now. See for yourself. You won't believe your eyes. Better yet, try it for yourself and be amazed! I was. [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/29605182[/vimeo] More About: Recipes , Garlic , Head
Is My Aussie Pup’s Energy Level Normal?
2012-01-08 06:38:00 From the Mailbag: Stacie writes: My daughter brought home a 2 month old Aussie pup. I had never had one or didn’t know anything about the breed. I have 2 dogs that got along great and just need affection and some backyard time and they are fine. I have some major medical challenges and am trying to make this work with the new pup. He ,as everyone says is super smart but I’m just not sure I can provide what he needs in energy. We are working with a trainer and he knows tons of stuff. But his energy is killing me! I can only walk him every other day for about 20 mins. I try to play with him in the back yard but he will only chase a ball a couple times or I play soccer and he will only do that for a bit too. I know he is young and we already love each other but my question is will his energy likely be controllable? Can I make it work with backyard time and games or will he and I be unhappy? He is in a pen most of the day per the trainer because he is so out of control if he’s out... More About: Energy
Is My Aussie Pup?s Energy Level Normal?
2012-01-08 06:38:00 From the Mailbag: Stacie writes: My daughter brought home a 2 month old Aussie pup. I had never had one or didn?t know anything about the breed. I have 2 dogs that got along great and just need affection and some backyard time and they are fine. I have some major medical challenges and am trying to make this work with the new pup. He ,as everyone says is super smart but I?m just not sure I can provide what he needs in energy. We are working with a trainer and he knows tons of stuff. But his energy is killing me! I can only walk him every other day for about 20 mins. I try to play with him in the back yard but he will only chase a ball a couple times or I play soccer and he will only do that for a bit too. I know he is young and we already love each other but my question is will his energy likely be controllable? Can I make it work with backyard time and games or will he and I be unhappy? He is in a pen most of the day per the trainer because he is so out of control if he?s out. He h... More About: Energy
Is My Aussie Pup?s Energy Level Normal?
2012-01-08 06:38:00 From the Mailbag: Stacie writes: My daughter brought home a 2 month old Aussie pup. I had never had one or didn?t know anything about the breed. I have 2 dogs that got along great and just need affection and some backyard time and they are fine. I have some major medical challenges and am trying to make this work with the new pup. He ,as everyone says is super smart but I?m just not sure I can provide what he needs in energy. We are working with a trainer and he knows tons of stuff. But his energy is killing me! I can only walk him every other day for about 20 mins. I try to play with him in the back yard but he will only chase a ball a couple times or I play soccer and he will only do that for a bit too. I know he is young and we already love each other but my question is will his energy likely be controllable? Can I make it work with backyard time and games or will he and I be unhappy? He is in a pen most of the day per the trainer because he is so out of control if he?s out. He h... More About: Energy
A Light Show to Beat All Light Shows
2012-01-01 06:27:00 Space.com senior writer Mike Wall reports that particles ejected by recent solar storms are due to slam into Earth over the next few days, possibly causing super-charged northern lights displays and temporary radio blackouts in some areas, experts say. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger dramatic aurora displays, which are also known as the northern and southern lights. So skywatchers at higher latitudes may want to look up after sunset over the next few days. You know I'll be outside looking up! In case you are not far enough north to be lucky enough to catch the aurora borealis, here is a different but no less amazing display of light to help start your New Year off on the right foot. : ) [Best viewed full-screen.] Okay, and I'm throwing this one in because it is just so darn cute! Happy New Year Everyone! More About: Life , Nature , Show
A Light Show to Beat All Light Shows
2012-01-01 06:27:00 Space.com senior writer Mike Wall reports that particles ejected by recent solar storms are due to slam into Earth over the next few days, possibly causing super-charged northern lights displays and temporary radio blackouts in some areas, experts say. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger dramatic aurora displays, which are also known as the northern and southern lights. So skywatchers at higher latitudes may want to look up after sunset over the next few days. You know I’ll be outside looking up! In case you are not far enough north to be lucky enough to catch the aurora borealis, here is a different but no less amazing display of light to help start your New Year off on the right foot. : ) [Best viewed full-screen.] Okay, and I’m throwing this one in because it is just so darn cute! Happy New Year Everyone! More About: Show , Light
A Light Show to Beat All Light Shows
2012-01-01 06:27:00 Space.com senior writer Mike Wall reports that particles ejected by recent solar storms are due to slam into Earth over the next few days, possibly causing super-charged northern lights displays and temporary radio blackouts in some areas, experts say. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger dramatic aurora displays, which are also known as the northern and southern lights. So skywatchers at higher latitudes may want to look up after sunset over the next few days. You know I'll be outside looking up! In case you are not far enough north to be lucky enough to catch the aurora borealis, here is a different but no less amazing display of light to help start your New Year off on the right foot. : ) [Best viewed full-screen.] Okay, and I'm throwing this one in because it is just so darn cute! Happy New Year Everyone! More About: Life , Nature , Show , Light
My Holiday Wish
2011-12-25 06:43:00 May you be lucky enough to share the most excellent company with someone who watches over you, keeps you safe, and makes you laugh everyday. May you never know the loneliness of being without a dog's love. More About: Holiday
My Holiday Wish
2011-12-25 06:43:00 May you be lucky enough to share the most excellent company with someone who watches over you, keeps you safe, and makes you laugh everyday. May you never know the loneliness of being without a dog’s love. More About: Holiday
My Holiday Wish
2011-12-25 06:43:00 May you be lucky enough to share the most excellent company with someone who watches over you, keeps you safe, and makes you laugh everyday. May you never know the loneliness of being without a dog's love. More About: Holiday
Dog Writers’ Oscars — The 2011 DWAA Awards
2011-12-18 06:07:00 I’ve just received the happy news that my blog post, What You Can Do to Avoid Getting Bitten By a Dog —10 Common Mistakes People Make Greeting Dogs is in the running for a prestigious DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America) Award. The last time I had the honor of being in the running was back in 2007, when my book Dogs of Dreamtime was a finalist in the general book category. It lost to a book about the Search and Rescue dogs that worked at the Twin Towers on 9/11 entitled Dog Heroes of September 11th by Nona Kilgore Bauer. For those of us who write about dogs, being selected as a finalist by the DWAA is our equivalent of being nominated for an Oscar. Same idea of being recognized by our peers in a big way. The competition in my category is pretty stiff again this year, so while I’ll keep my fingers crossed, I won’t be holding my breath. : ) Award night is in February. Wish me luck! More About: Awards , Oscars
Dog Writers? Oscars ? The 2011 DWAA Awards
2011-12-18 06:07:00 I've just received the happy news that my blog post, What You Can Do to Avoid Getting Bitten By a Dog ?10 Common Mistakes People Make Greeting Dogs is in the running for a prestigious DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America) Award. The last time I had the honor of being in the running was back in 2007, when my book Dogs of Dreamtime was a finalist in the general book category. It lost to a book about the Search and Rescue dogs that worked at the Twin Towers on 9/11 entitled Dog Heroes of September 11th by Nona Kilgore Bauer. For those of us who write about dogs, being selected as a finalist by the DWAA is our equivalent of being nominated for an Oscar. Same idea of being recognized by our peers in a big way. The competition in my category is pretty stiff again this year, so while I'll keep my fingers crossed, I won't be holding my breath. : ) Award night is in February. Wish me luck! More About: Awards , Oscars , On Writing
Dog Writers? Oscars ? The 2011 DWAA Awards
2011-12-18 06:07:00 I've just received the happy news that my blog post, What You Can Do to Avoid Getting Bitten By a Dog ?10 Common Mistakes People Make Greeting Dogs is in the running for a prestigious DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America) Award. The last time I had the honor of being in the running was back in 2007, when my book Dogs of Dreamtime was a finalist in the general book category. It lost to a book about the Search and Rescue dogs that worked at the Twin Towers on 9/11 entitled Dog Heroes of September 11th by Nona Kilgore Bauer. For those of us who write about dogs, being selected as a finalist by the DWAA is our equivalant of being nominated for an Oscar. Same idea of being recognized by our peers in a big way. The competition in my category is pretty stiff again this year, so while I'll keep my fingers crossed, I won't be holding my breath. : ) Award night is in February. Wish me luck! More About: Life , Awards , Oscars
How to Safely Greet a Fearful or Anxious Dog
2011-12-11 21:59:00 I have a lovely neighbor down the road who just got a 2-yo Dachshund from Rescue. It’s her first dog since she’s been a child and she couldn’t be more excited or in love with this lucky dog. And… she’s a little out of practice on how she needs to be introducing her new family member to strangers. Especially, since this dog is prone to fear aggression. So when we met on the road and she asked me to say hello to Pixie, it gave me the opening to ask if she’d mind if I helped her work with Pixie. She was very appreciative of the offer, adding that most of the neighbors didn’t want to take the time to help Pixie get better at greeting people. I couldn’t blame those neighbors. Most of them don’t have dogs, and certainly not dogs who are lunging, barking, and snapping at them as they come near. Having rescued and trained some very difficult dogs in my day, my heart went out to Shelly because I knew she wanted to do right by her dog, ... More About: Fearful
How to Safely Greet a Fearful or Anxious Dog
2011-12-11 21:59:00 I have a lovely neighbor down the road who just got a 2-yo Dachshund from Rescue. It's her first dog since she's been a child and she couldn't be more excited or in love with this lucky dog. And... she's a little out of practice on how she needs to be introducing her new family member to strangers. Especially, since this dog is prone to fear aggression. So when we met on the road and she asked me to say hello to Pixie, it gave me the opening to ask if she'd mind if I helped her work with Pixie. She was very appreciative of the offer, adding that most of the neighbors didn't want to take the time to help Pixie get better at greeting people. I couldn't blame those neighbors. Most of them don't have dogs, and certainly not dogs who are lunging, barking, and snapping at them as they come near. Having rescued and trained some very difficult dogs in my day, my heart went out to Shelly because I knew she wanted to do right by her dog, but didn't know how to set up both her dog ... More About: Fearful
How to Safely Greet a Fearful or Anxious Dog
2011-12-11 21:59:00 I have a lovely neighbor down the road who just got a 2-yo Dachshund from Rescue. It's her first dog since she's been a child and she couldn't be more excited or in love with this lucky dog. And... she's a little out of practice on how she needs to be introducing her new family member to strangers. Especially, since this dog is prone to fear aggression. So when we met on the road and she asked me to say hello to Pixie, it gave me the opening to ask if she'd mind if I helped her work with Pixie. She was very appreciative of the offer, adding that most of the neighbors didn't want to take the time to help Pixie get better at greeting people. I couldn't blame those neighbors. Most of them don't have dogs, and certainly not dogs who are lunging, barking, and snapping at them as they come near. Having rescued and trained some very difficult dogs in my day, my heart went out to Shelly because I knew she wanted to do right by her dog, but didn't know how to set up both her dog ... More About: Fearful
Sticky Paws Tape — Cat Clawing Deterent
2011-12-04 06:20:00 I love our cat, Finn. But I hate what Mr. Destructo does to our furniture. I could open a cat store with all the cat scratching posts, etc, that have stood idly by while he mangles my furniture. I thought I’d found the winner when I’d discovered Feliway. And I must say that actually worked for several months. But I’ve had to move on to more serious deterrents. This double-sided tape sold by Stick Paws works great!
Sticky Paws Tape ? Cat Clawing Deterent
2011-12-04 06:20:00 I love our cat, Finn. But I hate what Mr. Destructo does to our furniture. I could open a cat store with all the cat scratching posts, etc, that have stood idly by while he mangles my furniture. I thought I'd found the winner when I'd discovered Feliway. And I must say that actually worked for several months. But I've had to move on to more serious deterrents. This double-sided tape sold by Stick Paws works great!
Sticky Paws Tape ? Cat Clawing Deterent
2011-12-04 06:20:00 I love our cat, Finn. But I hate what Mr. Destructo does to our furniture. I could open a cat store with all the cat scratching posts, etc, that have stood idly by while he mangles my furniture. I thought I'd found the winner when I'd discovered Feliway. And I must say that actually worked for several months. But I've had to move on to more serious deterrents. This double-sided tape sold by Stick Paws works great!
Here In This House
2011-11-24 06:55:00 Though this poem was written with a dog in mind, I believe it speaks to the care we owe all living beings. In this season of thanks-giving, I am thankful for all the four-footeds who bring me so much joy “here in this house” of mine. Wishing you and yours peace and blessings this Thanksgiving. Here in this house… I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs ‘out there’. I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed. I will not have to suffer hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I’ll eat. I will not shiver in the cold, or grow stressed from the heat. My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted. Here in this house… There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level. I will be talked to and, even if I don’t understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words. I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the so... More About: House
Here In This House
More articles from this author:2011-11-20 06:55:00 Though this poem was written with a dog in mind, I believe it speaks to the care we owe all living beings. In this season of thanks-giving, I am thankful for all the four-footeds who bring me so much joy "here in this house" of mine. Wishing you and yours peace and blessings this Thanksgiving. Here in this house... I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out there'. I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed. I will not have to suffer hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat. I will not shiver in the cold, or grow stressed from the heat. My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted. Here in this house... There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level. I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words. I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it! Here in this house... I will... More About: House , Life 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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