Nigel Earns a Coursing Title

Photo by Audrey Pavia Nigel received his Coursing Ability Title this past week. Nearly a year ago, I wrote about Nigel’s first attempt at coursing. A fun AKC event, coursing gauges a dog’s desire and ability to chase a lure for a specified distance. Once a skill measured only among sight hounds, coursing is now […]

Two Roos

Photo by Audrey Pavia Henryfonda and Liberty, my two young roosters When I decided to let one of my hens hatch three eggs a few months ago, I had my fingers crossed that I’d get all girls. I knew that was unlikely, so I decided I’d be happy with two. It turns out I didn’t […]

Sleeping Quarters

Photo by Audrey Pavia Three of my cats like to cram themselves into just one bed. I’ve been a cat person my whole life. I think there was a three-month period when I was 27 when I didn’t have a cat. I had lost my kitty to leukemia and was too grief-stricken to get another […]

Corgis at War

Photo by Audrey Pavia Bandit doesn’t like wearing a muzzle, but it’s the only way to ensure he can’t cause damage. I love Corgis; they are my favorite dog, hands down. But they have a couple of shortfalls. They shed like mad, and they can be aggressive with other dogs. My Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Nigel, […]

Spanish Mustangs in the Wind

Photo by Audrey Pavia Rio meets a floating plastic bag on the trail. Southern California is famous for the hot, dry winds that blow here at various times of the year, drying everything out and fanning brush fires in the hills. For the past week, these Santa Ana winds have been relentless. Last weekend, we […]

Birthday Boys

My two Spanish Mustangs had different starts, but they’re both celebrating their birthdays this month.

Horse Kisses

Photo by Audrey Pavia Teddy, my friend’s horse, like to kiss me. Today was cold and cloudy with a bit of a drizzle — the closest thing we get to Christmas weather in the lowlands of Southern California. So, my friend Michelle and I decided to take it in by going for a trail ride. […]

The Changing Color of Chickens

Photo by Audrey Pavia Liberty hangs out with Teddy the horse, showing off his beautiful colors. I remember when Liberty was born last spring; he was one of three chicks, and was white as snow. I first saw him one night when he was huddled against a rock in the coop, peeping in distress. I […]

As the Egg Turns

Photo by Audrey Pavia Mr. Molly and Mr. Mabel are involved in some serious chicken drama. I have long chuckled at the nonsense that goes on between the chickens in my flock. Alliances, squabbles and all-around drama make chicken-watching a great pastime. But this week, I recently found myself more than just observing the shenanigans; […]

Fluoxetine (Prozac) for Cats?

Photo by Audrey Pavia Cheddar and Stanley, in a moment when they are getting along. Cheddar and Stanley are litter brothers. They were part of a litter of eight kittens my sister (a vet) rescued from euthanasia at the age of 4 weeks. They came into a shelter where she was doing her clinical rotations […]