What does it take&#8230;

Apr 15

We’re enjoying vacation right now, so instead of writing something new about our birthday girl Scout, I’ll let her features in Downward Sizing Dog do the talking. We think she’s pretty perfect:

From Chapter 4: The Science of Small Dog Smarts:
Our little redhead Scout, who charms her way into everyone’s heart, understands that her special head tilt and unwavering soulful gaze she’s perfected will gain her a human playmate for as long as she’s interested. She also knows that whether we’re home or at a friend’s house, or staying at a hotel, smacking a door with her paw will gain her instant access to a potty break. She makes inferences about her past experiences (in these examples with people and doors) and concludes accurately that, although the exact human or door may vary, they are similar enough to elicit her desired outcome.
🐶Scout’s impressive social intelligence shines when we run errands. She trots along, entering pup-friendly stores with an open heart, ready to greet dog lovers, but smartly disregarding humans who ignore her. Because she is keenly observant, she knows who is available for affection and who is not. (And she has no interest in those sad humans who are not). 🐶
🐶From Chapter Five: Small Dogs Are Powerful Health Boosters
During the night, the girls snuggle along the length of my body, with Phoebe near my hips and Scout along my side. I often stir a bit in the night, reaching out to pat them, an action that soothes me back to immediate sleep. Scout always obliges my disturbance by turning her tummy to just the right angle for a possible scritch. Their presence, like my husband’s, is a touchstone in the night….

From Chapter Seven: Small Dog Travel Well
It’s a truism: even long-time small dog haters fall in love with Scout and volunteer, repeatedly, to take her off our hands. When we reject their offers, they invariably resort to picking her up and feigning absent-mindedness as they pretend to leave with her.

🎉Happy, happy birthday, to our amazing little red girl Scout, who makes every day so much more fun. 🐶💕🎉

#downwardsizingdog #smalldogrules #littledoglife #redhavanese #dogwriter #dogbooks #401dogs #dogbirthday ...

Apr 13

Truthfully, here on social media, most of us probably believe strongly that our dogs are NOT, in fact, property. To us, they are family.

But our state laws are so far behind what we know to be true—dogs are thinking, feeling beings who deserve human-level protection under our legal systems.

When a couple splits up or a dog’s guardian dies, dogs should be protected in the same way we would protect a child in the same circumstances. What happens to them should be monitored and decisions should revolve around what is in the best interest of the dog.

Right now, only six states (New York, Alaska, California, Illinois, Maine, and New Hampshire) and one Canadian province (British Columbia) apply the “best interest of the pet” standard in determining custody.

What’s the hold up with other states? Does your state have any pending legislation so your pup is considered more important than a toaster in the event of a breakup or death? I’m embarrassed to say I have no idea what Rhode Island says about the issue.

But I’m about to find out. I’d love to know what you think. Should states recognize our dogs as family members?

#downwardsizingdog #dogsarefamily #smalldogrules #doglaw #dogwriter #401dogs ...

Apr 10

We bring you this special #wontlookwednesday in honor of Eclipse Week.

Did your parents make you stay inside? We saw lots of dogs walking around -our neighborhood had EVERYONE outside. Everyone but us…we feel cheated. It will take a lot of cheese for us to forgive mom. And dad, for that matter. He was complicit.

#smalldogrules #dogwriter #downwardsizingdog ...

Apr 6

Mom’s car is a lot less fun, and we use booster seats there. But when we travel as a family for short errands or visiting people, we take dad’s car. And in dad’s car, we use seatbelts and a travel bed, so we’ve got a safe place to chill when we arrive.

The thing about dad is…he likes to hug those curves. I’ve learned to lean into them, and it’s kind of fun.

How do you ride? Booster seats? Or seatbelts and a travel bed?

#dogsincars #smalldogsrule #downwardsizingdog #littledoglife #havanese_dogs ...

Apr 2