Thank you, Brainard Elementary School!

Last Tuesday and again today I was a guest at Brainard Elementary School in Lake View Terrace, California, thanks to librarian Alice Gonzalez (who also happens to be an amazing volleyball player). I just wanted to say I was really impressed with the thoughtful and intelligent questions I was asked about my book and about writing in general. And I hope the faculty appreciates the fact that I spit out my gum when I signed in at the office.

On the road again...

No softball game today. Nothing better to do than transport 5 puppies and their mom from a city shelter to a rescuer in the valley... Here are the babies leaving North Central:



I think this is how my brothers and I traveled to Pennsylvania in the 1960s with my parents to see the Amish people. Seatbelt laws weren't quite so strict back then.




Franny, the mom, watched the pups, the traffic, and, like most dogs, tried to help me drive on the freeway:



We passed three separate accidents and several tailgaters passed us, but we met up right on time with Laura from Labs and Buddies and these guys will soon be seen on this website: http://www.labsandbuddies.org/.

We don't know yet what they're mixed with, but they sure are cute:

For Franny, not a bad Mother's Day after all:

Driving Miss Doggy (Part II)

Here is a report from Hannah's foster mom:

"Sooooo, can a cat be licked to death? Can people be licked to death? She's absolutely wonderful! Gentle. Smart. Affectionate. Hasn't had an accident, but we take her out every so often. Tonight we'll keep her in our bedroom with the door shut and hopefully will hear her if she wants to go out. We've been working on getting her to use the doggie door, but she's afraid of it. She's finally starting to come IN it, but hasn't yet used it to go out. Hey, it's her first day. She's always with us. Loves napping on the sofa. I think she was spoiled where she once lived because she definitely wants table food. Did we give her any? Don't ask. Four walks today. "

Driving Miss Doggy

I've transported more than 30 dogs in my car, taking them from city shelters to rescuers. What a pleasure it was picking up this 11-year-old Lab mix this morning and bringing her to a rescuer in the Valley.

This dog loves everyone and everything: the staff at the shelter, the people in the lobby, the ride in my car - she even seemed to enjoy my singing along to a cd. Her questionable taste in music aside, this dog is just perfect and so lucky to be out of the shelter, thanks to her rescuer Laura and her foster mom.

As a senior dog, she'll need some medical attention before she can find her forever home. If you're interested in donating or adopting, she'll be listed on this website: labsandbuddies.org.

In the movie, Miss Daisy tells her driver, "You're my best friend." Surely, whoever adopts this girl will find that the feeling is mutual.

And now, must spray my car once again with Febreze...