Life With Emma In The Desert: On The Road Again: A Durango Adventure

On the Road Again: A Durango Adventure!

By Emma the White Dog

Hi friends!

Can you believe it is September already? Summer is winding down, but looking back at August, all I can say is… we were “on the road again!”

Dad and I packed up the SUV and headed north for a big mountain getaway to Durango, Colorado to visit my human brother, Rick! Since an eight-hour drive is a bit much for one day, we split the journey in half and stayed overnight in Holbrook, Arizona.

Now, staying in hotels is always a grand adventure for a pup. I consider myself a bit of a hotel connoisseur, though the sliding automatic doors and high-speed elevators took a little getting used to! There were so many fascinating new smells down every hallway, and my main duty was scouting out the absolute best patch of green grass outside for my daily business.

Emma checking into the hotel in Holbrook

Exploring Durango and Fort Lewis College

When we arrived in Durango, Rick had the wonderful surprise of giving me my very own official Colorado bandana! I wore it with pride all week long. Durango is such a lively town, nestled right in the Animas Valley. Did you know the river’s full historic name is El Río de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio (River of Lost Souls in Purgatory)? Despite the dramatic name, the Animas River is absolutely beautiful, crystal clear, and full of energy! We spent time strolling along the Animas River Trail, watching the water rush by.  By the way, the official river name explains why the nearest ski resort is named Purgatory.

Emma at the Animas River wearing her Colorado bandana

Durango itself has such rich history—it started back in 1880 as a bustling railroad town, famous for the narrow-gauge steam trains that still run through the mountains today. We walked through Rick’s lovely neighborhood, filled with towering trees, wide boulevards, and green parks.

While exploring a neighborhood park, I got to meet a group of delightful little kids participating in organized summer day camp activities. Coming from SaddleBrooke—where my neighbors are wonderfully friendly, but decidedly retired—it was such a fun treat to watch little humans running, laughing, and playing!\

Emma meeting the children at the park

We also explored the picturesque campus of Fort Lewis College. Perched high on a mesa overlooking the town, Fort Lewis actually began in the 1800s as a military fort and later an Indian boarding school before transforming into the vibrant public liberal arts college it is today. Although classes weren’t quite in full swing yet, the campus was buzzing with college students getting ready for the fall term.

The campus lawn was so lush and cool compared to our desert turf that I couldn’t resist dropping down for a full-body roll in that long Colorado grass! I made friends with several students, posed by the famous campus bell tower, and even inspected one of those electric scooters the students ride everywhere. I briefly considered taking one for a spin, but Dad said four paws on the ground is probably a safer speed for me.

Emma rolling in the long, cool Colorado grass

Emma with college students

Emma by the college bell tower

Emma next to a campus scooter

Family, Friends, and the Comforts of Home

The best part of the trip was quality time with family. We had a marvelous visit with Rick, and we even dropped by the local Community Arts Center to see Deb at her pottery studio! I supervised the creative process closely to make sure all the clay creations met high canine standards. Between art studios, park walks, and campus strolls, I even managed to make a few new four-legged friends along the way.

Emma with Rick

Emma visiting Deb at her pottery studio

Emma posing with a new dog friend in Durango

As wonderful as it is for a dog to venture out on big travel adventures, there is truly nothing quite like coming home. Stepping back onto our familiar trails, taking our routine golf cart rides, and sleeping in my own bed reminded me how much I love our desert life in SaddleBrooke. Exploration feeds the soul, but routine keeps the tail wagging!

Now that we are settled back into our home rhythm, let’s dive right into this month’s reader mail!

This Month’s “Ask Emma” Column

Dear Emma:

I recently saw you on a walk with your dad, and you seemed to be doing a lot of sniffing in a relaxed way. But at other times, you and other dogs seem to be walking fast and determined. Do dogs ever feel rushed and stressed?

— CuriousInTheDesert

Dear CuriousInTheDesert: A Tail of Two Walks

That is a paws-itively excellent question! You’ve caught me partaking in what my Dad and I like to call a “Sniffari.” It’s true—if you watch the dogs in our neighborhood closely, you’ll notice we have a few different gears when we’re out on our daily patrols.

To answer your first question: Yes, those relaxed, sniff-heavy walks are my absolute favorite. You see, a dog’s nose is our primary way of seeing the world. While humans have about six million scent receptors, my little Bichon-Poodle nose has hundreds of millions! When I’m ambling along with my nose glued to the ground, I’m not just dawdling. I’m reading the morning news. I’m checking to see if the Golden Retriever down the street passed by, figuring out which desert critters were out last night, and leaving a few “comments” of my own on the local message boards. This kind of walking is deeply relaxing and mentally stimulating for us.

But what about those times we look like we’re late for a very important business meeting? You’re highly observant to notice the shift in gears. Do we feel rushed? Absolutely. But here is the secret: the rush almost always comes from the human on the other end of the leash.

Dogs don’t wear watches. We don’t have deadlines for submitting newspaper columns (well, except for me, but Dad handles the details), and we certainly don’t care what time the golf group is teeing off. We live entirely in the present moment. However, we are incredibly in tune with our humans. When Dad is in a hurry, his energy shifts. His stride lengthens, his posture stiffens, and most importantly, there’s a subtle tension on the leash. That tension travels right down to my collar. My doggy instincts tell me, “Dad is on a mission, so I need to be on a mission too!” We hurry because our humans are hurrying.

Sometimes, a fast walk is purely environmental. Living here in the desert, if the morning sun starts heating up the pavement, my paws tell me it’s time to shift into overdrive and get back to the air conditioning!

So, do dogs feel stressed on walks? We certainly can, especially if our humans are treating the walk like a chore to be checked off a busy to-do list rather than a shared adventure.

My advice to all the dog parents out there? Take a deep breath. Let the leash go slack. Give us the gift of a ten-minute Sniffari. It lowers our stress, and honestly, I think it lowers your stress, too.

With love and wagging optimism, stay paw-sitive!

Emma 🐾

Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you! Email emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, and I might answer it in a future blog.

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Life With Emma In The Desert-Hot Times and New Friends

Hot Times and New Friends in Arizona!

By Emma the White Dog

Hi friends!

Can you believe it is August already? Here it is in Arizona, and it sure has been hot! But as always, Dad and I have been busy doing things and experiencing Arizona in the summer. I’m even adding a brand-new feature in this post that I hope everybody enjoys!

Uninvited Backyard Visitors

Our first story is about some unexpected visitors to our backyard: a mama bobcat and her two kittens. They recently arrived and absolutely fell in love with the small patch of green grass back there.

 Mama bobcat

 bobcat kittens playing and chilling out

They really enjoyed playing in our yard as well as just relaxing and chilling out… I guess that’s what little bobcats do! But soon, they were hanging around at night and first thing in the morning—right when Dad usually sits on the patio with his morning coffee. Mama bobcat staring directly at us definitely discouraged us from our regular rituals. And as Head of Security around here, it pretty much upset me!

Dad checked with Gemini AI, which suggested using motion-activated sprinklers to discourage them from living in our yard.

Emma supervising assembly of the sprinklers

Emma by the set of 3 sprinklers Dad set up

That worked great! Quick bursts of water from the sprinklers made their play and resting areas much less fun. The bobcats moved along, and now we can enjoy our backyard safely again.

Back on the Trail

Speaking of our routines, Dad recently completed some physical therapy sessions because one of his legs was really sort of sore on our walks.  Unfortunately as a human he only has 2, whereas we dogs have 4!  And as you know, we take a lot of walks—they are pretty important to both of us!

 Emma checking Dad in for his last appointment

Dad is a lot happier and feeling much better on our walks now, which means our daily desert patrols are officially back in full swing.

Curbside Concierge Service

Our next adventure is a bit more calm. We do a lot of our shopping from home now! Dad orders things on store websites, and then we just drive up while a nice attendant brings everything we ordered right out to our car.

 Emma with the nice attendant

This all pretty much started back during the COVID times, but it worked so well that we just kept doing it. It makes life so easy for Dad to get what we need, and I always enjoy greeting the friendly folks who bring our bags to the car!

Something New: Meet My New Friend

We meet lots of new people and dogs on our daily walks and outings, so I thought it would be fun to introduce some of them to you in a new feature called “Meet My New Friend”!

Meet My New Friend: Ozzie

 Emma and Ozzie

This is Ozzie! He is lots of fun and maybe just a little bit “crazy.” I think maybe he was named after that pretty crazy rock music guy, Ozzy Osbourne?

In the summer, Ozzie goes paddle-boarding8 with his dad on a lake up in Wisconsin!

 Ozzie on a board looking pretty cool in his life vest

Ozzie looks super cool out on the water, and he even invited me to join him, promising me my very own life vest! Dad says we will “think about that”… but it sure sounds like fun!

Dogs and Water

Ozzie’s lake adventures got me thinking about dogs and water. Humans always talk about the “dog paddle,” but do all dogs naturally know how to swim?

Well, it turns out that not all dogs are born swimmers! While breeds with webbed feet and long legs take to the water naturally, heavier dogs with short legs or short snouts can actually sink like bricks and definitely need a life vest. Plus, while some dogs live for a big splash, others—like me—prefer keeping our white paws safely on dry land. Whether a dog is a superstar swimmer or a lounge-by-the-pool type, safety is always the most important thing!

With love and wagging optimism, stay paw-sitive!

Emma 🐾

Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you! Email emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, and I might answer it in a future blog.

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Life With Emma In The Desert Red White Blue Cool

Red, White, Blue, and Cool All Over!

By Emma

Hi friends!

Can you believe it is the first of July already? Independence Day is just around the corner, but here in 2026, it isn’t just any regular holiday. We are celebrating America’s big 250th birthday! 

Wow, a quarter of a millennium! Dad says that’s a whole lot of history. I’m planning to celebrate by wearing my finest patriotic bandana and maybe extra supervision of the backyard.

By the way, with all the big celebrations and fireworks coming up, Emma here has an important public service announcement: remember to protect and support your pets! July 4th can be a pretty scary time for us four-legged citizens. Those extra loud noises, sudden booms, and bright flashes can make us super anxious. Humans, please keep your pets safely inside, close the curtains, turn on some soothing background music, and give us a safe place to cuddle up. We rely on you to keep us feeling secure when the sky gets noisy!

Dad’s New Kicks

Speaking of stepping out in style, I recently went on a very important mission: shoe shopping with Dad! We visited Road Runner Sports where they did a full, high-tech evaluation to examine his feet and figure out the absolute best size and fit for him. I was, of course, the chief consultant.

The nice young man in the photo took such good care of Dad and made sure he got exactly what his feet needed for our daily desert walks. I made sure to give him my official stamp of approval!

The Great Arizona Meltdown (and a Tummy Lifesaver)

But oh boy, the excitement didn’t end with shoes. After our shoe shopping escapade, we walked through the front door and immediately noticed it was… well, a bit tropical. To be specific, it was 85 degrees inside the house! Oh, the humanity!

Some very nice technicians from Pride Heating and Cooling came out right away to check our air conditioner. It turns out our AC unit was pretty old, and our furnace was even older—definitely in need of a full replacement. Because a whole new system takes time, it didn’t happen overnight. We had to endure one long night and a whole day without any air conditioning right here in the Arizona heat. Not a pretty situation for a fluffy pup!

Dad did his best to help us cope with it though. He set up box fans to keep the air moving and researched all kinds of tips on how to keep me cool. He found one idea that saved the day: he soaked a towel in cold water, wrung it out really well, and spread it out on the floor. At first, I wasn’t too sure about it, but once I got comfy and laid down, I absolutely loved it! Laying on that damp, chilly towel gave me a perfectly cool tummy and kept me comfortable both day and night.

As you can see from the photos, I stayed on top of the installation crew to ensure everything went perfectly. Our new air conditioner is finally in, and it is really great! Dad says it’s highly efficient and good for the environment—which I think is human-speak for “Dad saves a lot of money on the monthly utility bills.” All I know is that it keeps us wonderfully cool!

This Month’s “Ask Emma” Column

Now that we are nice and refreshed, this month’s Ask Emma column is the perfect way to add a splash of color to our lives. I’m tackling a question that might surprise a few of you humans!

Dear Emma,

My husband insists our dog can only see in black and white, but I swear she reacts to certain colorful toys differently. Settle our debate: Do dogs actually see color?

— Color Confused in SaddleBrooke

Dear Color Confused,

You can officially take a victory lap around the living room! Your husband is stuck in an old myth. We dogs absolutely do see color—we just don’t see the exact same vibrant rainbow that you humans do.

Think of my vision as being a bit like human red-green color blindness. While your eyes have three types of color-detecting “cones” (red, green, and blue), canine eyes only have two (blue and yellow).

Because of this, the beautiful Arizona sunsets look a bit different to me. Red, orange, and green don’t register as distinct colors; they mostly look like shades of gray, brown, or dull yellow. However, blue and yellow stand out beautifully!

This actually creates a funny little joke on humans. You love buying us bright red toys because they look so vivid against the green grass to your eyes. But to me, a red ball on the lawn looks like a dark gray ball on a yellowish-gray yard. It completely blends in! If you want a toy that truly pops for your pup, buy something bright blue or yellow. A blue toy on a green lawn is a canine masterpiece.

While we might lose the battle of the rainbow, we completely outclass you in the dark. My eyes are packed with “rods”—the specialized cells that detect shapes, shadows, and movement.

We also have a built-in secret weapon called the tapetum lucidum. This is a mirror-like layer at the back of our eyes. When light enters my eye, it hits this mirror and reflects right back through, giving my brain a second chance to see the image. It’s why our eyes eerily glow green when you take a flash photo of us at night! Because of this built-in night vision, I can see quite perfectly in light that is five to six times dimmer than what you need to avoid stubbing your toe.

All those extra rods also give us high-speed motion tracking. If a tiny lizard darts across a desert rock fifty feet away, I will spot the micro-movement instantly, even if the lizard is perfectly camouflaged.

So, while the world looks a little softer and less colorful to me, Dad says my night-vision goggles and motion-detecting radar make up for it.

Now, after this discussion of color, you’ve probably figured out that I was totally teasing Dad in my last blog post! When I described our day at the car show and how I was trying to convince him that I’d look great in a red convertible… well, since red isn’t actually a big deal to my eyes, I was just pulling Dad’s leg!

Truth be told, I don’t need a red sports car. I absolutely love riding shotgun right next to Dad in our white SUV. I get to sit up nice and high where I can see everything, all while the lovely, ice-cold air from the AC blows right through my fur. Truly, it’s the best seat in the house—or should I say, on the road!

With love and wagging optimism,

Emma 🐾

Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you! Email emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, and I might answer it in a future blog.

To subscribe to Life with Emma in the Desert, enter your email below and click Subscribe to be notified of  future posts in your inbox.

Life With Emma In The Desert:One Year Anniversary

One Year of Paws, Paths, and Perspective! 🐾

June 21, 2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads, grandpads, and father figures out there!

Exactly one year ago today—on Father’s Day 2025—I took a big leap on these little legs and launched Life with Emma in the Desert. I wanted to share what the world looks like from 12 inches off the ground, and wow, what a walk it has been!

Speaking of Father’s Day, I already gave my dad, Bill, his big present this morning. During our early morning trek, I personally selected our extra-hilly route! Dad always protests and says it’s a bit too hilly, but I secretly think it’s one of his absolute favorite walks. So, Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I hope you enjoyed those hills as much as I did! 😉

A Look Back at an Incredible Year

I have met so many wonderful people over the past twelve months who have become a huge part of this blogging journey. Looking back through the photo album, we’ve shared some amazing adventures together.

Out and About 

I’ve loved capturing our everyday errands and turning them into social outings. From keeping the baristas company at the coffee shop and scouting gear at REI, to overseeing things at the car dealership, I’m always on duty!

From the Desert to the North Star State

Remember our big trip to Minnesota last summer? I still think about making friends with the flight attendants, rolling around in that lush, great Minnesota grass, and posing by all those beautiful lakes.

Behind the Wheel (and Hanging with Celebrities)

Of course, a major highlight was taking driving lessons from my mentor, Toonces. Once I got my paws on the wheel, I loved driving my special friends around SaddleBrooke—including Tom Turkey and the Easter Bunny himself!

Making a Difference in the Community

It wasn’t all just fun and games, though. I’m incredibly proud of the more important work we highlighted this year. Together, we helped advocate to get the neighborhood pond fountain back up and running, shared critical reflections on PTSD last fall, and teamed up with the Golder Ranch Firefighters to promote home safety.

The Walk Ahead

Thank you to every single one of you who reads, subscribes, emails, and smiles when you see us out on the SaddleBrooke paths. I am so looking forward to the coming year and all the new stories I get to share right here on Life with Emma in the desert.

Grab your leash, keep your tail wagging, and let’s see where the next year takes us!

Tail wags and happy trails,

Emma 🐾

📬 Have a question for my next column? Send it over to Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com!

Cruisin’, Canine Cuisine, and the Art of the Roll!

Hello, everyone! Can you believe it’s already June?

Summer has officially arrived here in Saddlebrooke. Memorial Day is always the unofficial kickoff to the season, and let me tell you, we had a fantastic one. Dad cooked a juicy ribeye steak on the grill for dinner, which was the ultimate bonus because ribeye just happens to be my absolute favorite. (Good cooking, Dad!)

Cruisin’ in Style at the Saddlebrooke Car Show

But the real highlight of the holiday weekend was the annual Memorial Day Car Show right here in Saddlebrooke. Dad and I went to check it out, and it was spectacular! There were over 75 vintage, special, and incredibly unique cars on display.

Naturally, I didn’t walk the show floor like a common pedestrian. I rode around in style inside my personal chariot—my stroller. It gave me the perfect vantage point to check out all the beautiful machinery. You know, dogs and cars go together like biscuits and gravy, but usually, we are just looking out the window. Getting to see them up close was a real treat.

Along the way, we met so many wonderfully nice people. It’s always so great how many folks in Saddlebrooke recognize me from my monthly columns in our two local newspapers! I even got to catch up with some friends who had their own cars on display.

As you can see from the photos, I got to pose with a great-looking vintage Ford that has a rumble seat! But I also noticed a distinct trend at the show: red convertibles. I’m thinking I need to have a serious chat with Dad about this. I usually just blend right into our white SUV, but I think I would look absolutely stunning flying down the street with the wind in my fur in a shiny red convertible. Don’t you agree?

A Quick Check-Up

Shortly after the holiday excitement, I had to pay a visit to my vet. It was just a routine little check-up and a quick shot to protect my health.

Now, hearing the word “shot” usually sounds sort of bad, but my vet team is so incredibly good at what they do that I didn’t even notice it happened! I didn’t feel a single thing.

As you can see, everyone was smiling and happy. It pays to have a great medical team keeping me in tip-top shape for my busy social calendar!

Making Friends (and Finding Treats) at In-N-Out

To reward me for being such a good girl at the vet, we went out for lunch at In-N-Out. It was a busy day and all the tables were occupied, so we asked to join a very nice young man who was sitting at a table waiting for a friend, enjoying a drink, and reading his phone.

He was incredibly gracious and let us share his space. We got to chatting, and he was pretty impressed when he learned that I have my very own Instagram account where people can find my website and blog! I promised him that he would make an appearance in my next post, so a big shoutout to my new friend!

Dad and I love to go out for a bite sometimes, and In-N-Out is a fantastic choice for canines because they offer a “puppy patty.” It’s just a plain burger patty cooked with absolutely no salt or seasoning. It is absolutely delicious and satisfies my appetite for the rest of the day.

Emma’s Quick Dining Lesson:

When you take your furry friends out to eat, you have to be very careful. Human spices, onions, garlic, and heavy salt are not good for a dog’s tummy. But don’t let that stop you from sharing the experience! Most restaurants are more than happy to whip up something plain—like a plain grilled chicken breast or a burger patty with no salt or spices. You just have to ask!

And speaking of outdoor adventures and quirky behaviors, that leads me right into this month’s fan mail…Ask Emma.

Dear Emma,

While out walking I have seen you rolling on your back—really pretty aggressively! Please explain that behavior. Do all dogs do this?

— Curious Walker

Dear Curious Walker,

Ahhh yes… The Roll. One of my finest outdoor performances! First, let me reassure you: I am not broken, and I am not auditioning for the circus. I am simply being a dog.

Rolling on my back—especially with enthusiasm—is one of the purest expressions of canine joy. When you see me drop a shoulder, flip dramatically, and wiggle like a happy little snowplow, there are usually three big reasons behind the madness:

1. The “Feel-Good” Factor

Let’s start with the obvious: it feels wonderful. The grass might be cool, or perhaps the ground is perfectly sun-warmed. It scratches those unreachable spots between my shoulders better than Dad ever could. Think of it as “doggy yoga,” only with much more flailing and significantly less dignity.

2. The Scent Strategy

This is where it gets interesting. We dogs experience the world through our noses. If I detect a fascinating fragrance—perhaps a trace of a visiting rabbit or some delightfully mysterious desert musk—I decide that scent needs to be worn. My wolf ancestors rolled to mask their own scent or to “report back” interesting smells to the pack. Personally, if it smells important, I want it on me. Dad, however, rarely agrees with my choice of “perfume.”

3. The Art of the Spot

I don’t just roll anywhere; there is a strategy. First, I slow down and investigate. I circle the area. If the texture is right (not too gravelly—I am a refined lady, after all) and the scent layers are complex, I commit. The best rolling happens when Dad is distracted and the grass is just right.

Do All Dogs Do This?

Most do, though styles vary. Terriers roll with bold determination, while hounds might become deeply committed to a specific patch of dirt. Some dignified seniors consider it beneath them, but many of us enjoy being “upside-down beetles” in a state of pure ecstasy.

A quick tip for the humans: If a dog is rolling constantly and seems uncomfortable, it might be skin irritation. But if it’s accompanied by a wagging tail? That’s just pure happiness.

With love and wagging optimism,

Emma 🐾

Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you! Email emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, and I might answer it in a future blog.

To subscribe to Life with Emma in the Desert, enter your email below and click Subscribe so future posts arrive in your inbox.

A Special Memorial Day Message from Emma

By Emma the White Dog

Hello, Life with Emma in the Desert friends.

As we look toward the end of May here in 2026, the desert sun is warming up, and our neighborhood is getting ready for a very important long weekend. While many humans look forward to a day off, backyard barbecues, or a dip in the pool, Dad and I always like to pause and remember what this day is truly about.

Memorial Day is a sacred time to honor the brave individuals who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

Dad was telling me a bit about the history of the holiday. It originally started way back after the Civil War—originally called “Decoration Day”—when people would visit cemeteries and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with beautiful spring flowers. By 1971, it became an official national holiday. 

Now, in 2026, remembering and honoring that selflessness feels just as vital as it ever has. We owe our peaceful mornings and freedom to those who gave everything.

But as I was listening to Dad talk about this, I got to thinking with my big dog brain. Did you know that humans haven’t been walking those lines alone?

Dogs have been standing right beside them, serving as loyal partners in protection. While dogs have unofficially assisted heroes for centuries, it was during World War I that the United States military first began officially recognizing dogs as vital partners in service. By World War II, the U.S. Army established the first official K9 Corps.

Since then, brave dogs have served as sentries, scouts, trackers, and rescuers. They have gone into places where humans couldn’t go, sniffing out danger, protecting their handlers, and keeping watch while their units slept. And just like their human companions, many of these courageous four-legged heroes have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Whether on two legs or four, true service comes from a place of pure devotion, loyalty, and love.

So, this Memorial Day, when you look at the flags waving in the Arizona breeze, please join Dad and me in sending out a quiet message of profound thanks, honor, and recognition to all the heroes who never made it home. We remember you, we thank you, and we will never forget your sacrifice.

With deep respect and a gentle, quiet tail-wag,

Emma 🐾

Spring Vibes, Desert Heights, and a Lesson from Mr. Rogers

By Emma the White Dog

Hello everyone! Can you feel it? Spring has officially moved into our desert home. The air is warm, the morning walks are getting a little earlier to beat the heat, and Dad and I have been busy bees—or should I say, busy lizards? We have so much to catch up on!

Out for Easter

Earlier in April, we were invited to a friend’s home for Easter dinner. It was a beautiful day, and I got to spend it with my pal Piper. Piper was the perfect host—very polite, very welcoming, and didn’t mind sharing the spotlight one bit.

The humans had a traditional feast with ham and all the fixings. Now, I did get a little taste of that ham, and I have to tell you a secret: it tasted just like chicken! Actually, everything I eat tastes like chicken. That might be because Dad serves me his “famous” boiled chicken every single night. He really does have a way with it, though—it’s always tender and delicious.

While humans love to see a different menu every night, us dogs are actually quite happy with a regular, healthy routine. A consistent diet is much easier on our tummies and keeps our energy levels steady for those long walks. As long as the bowl is full at 5:00 PM, I’m a happy girl! Of course, an interesting treat now and then makes any day a special day.

A New Roof

You might have noticed some extra noise coming from our place recently. It was time for a big project: a new roof! Here in Arizona, many of our homes have those pretty clay tiles, but the real magic is the black “underlayment” underneath that keeps the water out. Every few decades, that layer needs to be refreshed. In the photo below i am finalizing details with the contractor, second is the view from “crows nest”.

Screenshot

It took a week of loud banging and lots of patience, but we are all renewed now! The best part? This roof comes with a 30-year warranty. That means neither Dad nor I have to worry about it ever again. Our contractor even gave us a video from his drone. It started with a bird’s-eye view of the tiles and then went way up high—like a crow’s nest in the sky—giving us a 360-degree view of our whole neighborhood. The view is pretty good from up there!

A Very Big Cat

Speaking of views, I spotted something on our morning walk the other day that made me sit up very straight. High up in a tree limb sat a “very big kitty”—a bobcat!

I sat very carefully and watched while Dad took a photo.

In the desert, we share our space with all sorts of neighbors: coyotes, javelina, mule deer, and plenty of slithering snakes and lizards. We respect them all, but we definitely give the bobcats an extra wide berth. It’s their desert, too, after all!

Ask Emma: The Neighborhood To wrap up this month’s blog, I wanted to share a recent column I wrote. It all started when a neighbor asked for a little inspiration…

Dear Emma:

Have you and your dad done anything interesting lately? We are looking for some inspiration to keep our “paw-sitive” spirits up!

— A Fellow Neighbor

As a matter of fact, we spent a very quiet, cozy evening in the TV room recently. Dad was watching a movie called  A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, which is all about a man named Mr. Rogers, the famous children’s TV personality.

While the credits were rolling, I happened to glance at a stack of mail on the coffee table and then back at the screen. I did a double-take! I barked at him, “Hey! That man on the TV has your name!” You see, most of you just know him as “Emma’s Dad,” but his mail says Mr. Rodgers. We are just one letter away from being famous because Dad has an extra “D” in his name that Fred didn’t have!

I sat there watching this man on the screen being incredibly patient and soft-spoken, and then I looked over at my dad, who was currently struggling to find the “mute” button on the remote and grumbling about the Wi-Fi. I thought, “Well, they aren’t twins, but they’re definitely on the same team!”

As I watched, I realized that Mr. Rogers had a very “paw-sitive” approach to life that us dogs have known about for years. Here is what I picked up from the “other” Mr. Rogers:

• The “Neighborhood” Spirit: He believed everyone is special just as they are. That is exactly how I feel when I’m out on my walks. I don’t care about what kind of car you drive or if you’re having a bad hair day; I just think you’re the most interesting person in the world at that moment.

• The Power of Listening: Mr. Rogers was a world-class listener. We dogs are experts at this, too. We don’t interrupt, we don’t check our phones, and we don’t judge. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for a neighbor is just to sit quietly and listen with your whole heart (and maybe a tilted head).

  • Big Feelings: He taught people that it’s okay to feel sad or overwhelmed. When I see Dad or a neighbor looking a bit down, I don’t try to “fix” it with a long speech. I just lean against their leg or offer a paw. Sometimes a steady, peaceful presence is all the “advice” someone needs.

It turns out that being a good neighbor isn’t about doing big, heroic things. It’s about the small, kind moments—the way we treat each other when we’re just passing by on the sidewalk.

P.S. from Emma: I finally figured out that extra “D” in our last name. It has to stand for Dog. While the Mr. Rogers on TV was busy being a hero to humans, my Mr. Rodgers is busy making sure my dinner is served at exactly 5:00 PM. That’s a different kind of greatness! I think Fred would have appreciated the “D”—he seemed like the kind of neighbor who always kept extra treats in his sweater pocket.

If you have a question for me, I’d love to hear it. You can email me at emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, and I just might answer it in a future blog.

With love and wagging optimism,

Emma 🐾

Life with Emma in the Desert-Spring Fling, Driving and Community Service

Spring Fling, Driving Duties, and Community Service

By Emma the White Dog

Please Click on my Photo

Can you believe it’s almost Easter? Spring has officially arrived here in the desert, and with the change of season comes a very busy schedule for a dog like me.

As many of my long-time followers remember, back in October, I had a professional driving lesson from Toonces the Cat (you might know him from Saturday Night Live). We took turns behind the wheel, and while Toonces is famous, I think we all know I’m the more natural driver. In fact, I’m pretty sure I bruised his ego—he still hasn’t returned my calls!

After successfully chauffeuring my friend Tom Turkey around in November, I was recently called into service for another holiday VIP. Since it’s almost Easter, I picked up the Easter Bunny for a quick ride around SaddleBrooke.

He was a very “hoppy” guy, though I did have to tell him to keep his ears inside the vehicle at all times! We had a great time cruising the neighborhood, and I made sure to get him to his destination on time. A dog’s work is never done.

A Day at the Races (Well, the Golf Course)

In March, Dad and I got out for some real excitement. The Mountain View Collegiate Women’s Golf Tournament was held right here at the Preserve Golf Course.

Some friends invited us over to their home on the course to watch the action. I have to say, those young women can really hit the ball! I stayed very polite at the table while the humans enjoyed the event. I wasn’t the only four-legged spectator there, either—I met several other dogs who were just as interested in the golf carts as I was. There’s nothing like good company, a nice breeze, and a front-row seat to some world-class sports.

The Wall of Owls

We haven’t just been “on the go,” though; we’ve also been busy making our home a little brighter. Recently, our favorite electrician came over to install some special spotlights in our TV room.

They are focused on our “Wall of Owls.” My human mom, Joanne, absolutely loved owls, and this collection was one of her true favorites. Now, with these new lights, the owls really stand out. Dad and I love to sit in there and look at them—it makes the room feel extra special and keeps those happy memories front and center.

Special Deliveries

Now, most dogs will tell you that the Amazon or UPS truck is a “threat” that must be neutralized with loud barking. I’ll admit, I do my fair share of “attentive announcing” when the doorbell rings.

However, I’ve realized that the people in the brown and blue trucks are actually quite nice! I recently met one of our regular Amazon delivery friends, and we had a lovely chat. It turns out that when you stop barking for a second, you realize these folks are just part of our community, helping us get what we need. Friendly people are always welcome at our door!

Emma’s Community Report: The Case of the Broken Fountain

Finally, I want to share a story that my newspaper readers know, but my blog friends might have missed. It’s a report on my “community service.”

A while back, my dog friend Brody sent me an email. He was worried because the fountain in the pond on the golf course (where we walk every morning) had stopped working. I didn’t have the answer, so I had Dad check with the maintenance team. It turns out the fountain was broken, but they didn’t have a boat to get out into the water to fix it!

I used my column to put out a “paw-sitively” urgent request: Did anyone have a small boat the HOA could use? The response was amazing! Several neighbors offered kayaks, which was exactly what the crew needed. I made sure to supervise from the shore as they paddled out to retrieve the fountain.

The fountain was sent away for repairs, and I am happy to report it is back and better than ever! It has new spray patterns, it’s easier to maintain, and it even has beautiful new lights for the evening.

It just goes to show that when we work together (and when a dog speaks up!), we can keep our neighborhood looking beautiful.

Spring is a time for new beginnings and bright lights—whether they are on a fountain or a wall of owls. I hope your April is full of sunshine and perhaps a few treats from the bunny!

With love and wagging optimism,

Emma 🐾

📬 Got a question or a community tip?

Email me at emmathewhitedog@gmail.com!

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