Saying ‘thank you’ through the tears

December 8, 2019

Usually, when I sit down to write one of these, I have a vague idea of how it will go. This is not one of those days. As some of you may have noticed, my column has been absent for a number of weeks. Thanksgiving came and went, without my annual list of things I’m grateful for, and some readers have also emailed asking for an update on my sick doggie, Pops. Which brings us to why I haven’t written, and the reason I’m finding it so difficult to today. Because, after fighting for as long as he was able, my beloved boy crossed over that rainbow bridge on Nov. ...

Docs to watch when you’re home with your dogs

November 11, 2019

I’d like to start out this week by thanking those who went out of their way to reach out to me regarding my sick dog, Pops, and to send him well wishes. I have passed all of your kind words and healing vibes along to him, and although the tumors make it ouchy for him to talk these days, he asked that I let you know how much he appreciates your prayers. (He also asked me to tell you to send medicinal snacks, but don’t do that. He thinks Snausages are medicinal.) Not having much of a social life to begin with, taking care of ol’ Popsicle Stick has pretty much become my ...

Entertainment listings: Nov. 7 – Nov. 14

November 7, 2019

LIVE MUSIC 123 PLEASANT STREET: hosts ITMG presents Josh from NYC today; Netherlands, Two Moons, LOUTS Friday; Jakobs Ferry Stragglers, Dirty Grass Players, Lord of Lester Saturday; Funk You with Black Garlic Tuesday; Vista Collaborative Fighting Hunger in Almost Heaven Benefit Concert ...

Heartbroken, but grateful — a dog mom story

October 27, 2019

Katie McDowell Back in February, I wrote about having a party for my senior rescue dog, Pops, to celebrate his being with us for a year. Now, we are marking our good fortune by the days. Because, for whatever reason, despite his being the sweetest soul on this Earth, the universe has seen fit to fill his mouth and face with tumors. And while we may, God willing, have weeks, it’s looking less and less likely that we will see it to our second anniversary. People like to say things like, “Well, when you adopted an older dog, you knew what you were getting into.” ...

Fall activities are great, so long as you don’t do them

October 22, 2019

I love fall. There’s just something about the crisp air and sunny-but-chilly days that motivates me. The fact that it always motivates me to want to do things that I have no interest in is beside the point. I don’t know why this happens, but it does, every year. At the very first sign of autumn, I start making plans for activities I will never actually take part in. “You know what would be cool? We should go all to a pumpkin patch,” I’ll announce over dinner. “No,” my companion will say, regardless of who it is. “Why not?” I’ll dejectedly ask. ...

When the anxiety gets bad, binge the Fab 5

October 1, 2019

There are times when I want to get out of my own head so badly, my skin crawls from the desire to shed it. The sensation is so palpable, so disquieting, uncomfortable and unpleasant, that, if I’m able, I will head directly for the shower, where I will stand under scalding hot water for as long as I can, to try to make it stop. If I’m not, then I mostly just have to get up and pace around until the urge to run screaming into the void passes — or at least lets up a little. After all, no matter where to go, there you are, right? Great! You’re outside! You’re still ...