Laurel Hunt Books

Alex and I are back from our summer vacations. Mine was a week in Maine, at a writing workshop. His was a week in Weaverville, NC at “Camp Airedales,” a beautiful home whose owner admits was “built for the dogs,” and is surrounded by acres of rolling fenced pastures to romp in with resident Airedales Pixi, a therapy dog and agility champion; Peach, a rescued Airedale, and Pubb, the elder statesman of the pack and therapy dog extraordinaire. I missed Alex, but Maine and the writing workshop were wonderful experiences. A week with twelve women writers, who by the end of the week had dubbed ourselves “the women weavers of Stonecoast,” as we shared poignant, painful, and sometimes humorous stories of our lives, woven into words on the page. Back at Camp Airedales, Alex was learning boundaries including electric fences, scat mats, and not throwing tantrums in the crate when confined. He also learned to use a doggie door, and had adventures hiking with the Airedales. In just a week, he seemed to grow up. It was a  memorable week for us both.

Alex is one year old today. It has been an amazing and wonderful experience to raise him; not always easy but also full of laughter and joy as we learn from each other. Here are a few photos of our first year together.

A very pregnant Momma Farina

Two weeks old - Alex at bottom right

Alex (far left) and his five brothers

Alex at 4 weeks old

I'm ready for my close-up

Alex and Emily

Alex loves the spring snow

Relaxing at the cabin, May 2009

I am grateful for Alex and the joy he brings. My birthday wish for him is for all dogs to have a forever home where they are safe and loved. Please join me in making a donation to your local shelter or rescue group, in honor or in memory of your beloved companion.

When I drop Alex at doggy daycare, there is a check-in sheet where I add his name, my signature, and the drop-off time. I’m always amused by the variety of dog names on the list, Alex’s playmates for the day. There’s Bodhi and Kosmo, who must be  wise old souls; Cricket and Frodo; Banjo and Echo; Axel, Cruiser, Diesel and Harley; Macgregor and Midnight; Sadie, Sasha, and Sunny; Sophie and Sweetpea; Roxy and Rosie; Nibbler, Brie and Gumbo; Chance and Cooper; Buddy, Chessie, Vixen and Zoe. There’s a story behind each name, I suspect. (more…)

We are spending Memorial Day weekend at our mountain cabin. After a rainy May, this area is finally out of the drought. The rhododendrons are spectacular this year; really vibrant shades of purple. Hummingbirds dart, zoom, and perform their aerial acrobatics around the feeder on the deck.  Alex spends hours by the window, watching them. He also loves to watch the chipmunks as they scurry over the rock walls. It keeps him entertained as I write.

Alex at the cabin