Life With Emma in the Desert

Emma’s take on life, humans and the walk ahead

Emma’s Desert Dispatch: Toad Alerts, Deer Encounters, and Summer Secrets

Hi friends, it’s me, Emma! I’ve got all kinds of desert news to share, so let’s jump right in — paws first! 🐾✨

🐸 Desert Toad Alert!

My human asked me to tell all our desert neighbors — humans and dogs alike — that the poisonous Sonoran Desert toads are back! The monsoon rains have arrived, and so have these bumpy, dangerous visitors. Just yesterday, one sneaked into our garage (don’t worry, my human disposed of it before I saw).

Please be extra careful! These big toads can be deadly to pups like me if we lick or bite them. So:
✅ Stay on leash,
✅ Stay alert,
✅ No sniffing or licking mysterious things.
And hey, humans — maybe leave the frog kissing for fairy tales, okay? 💋🐸✨

🦌 Not Everything is Dangerous…

But it’s not all scary out here! For instance, just the other day, I met the most amazing creature — a Mule Deer! We had a little desert stare-down: me, a fluffy white pup, and her, all graceful with big ears.

Did you know Mule Deer get their name because their ears are as big as a mule’s? Around SaddleBrooke, they’re pretty common, especially at dawn or dusk. They’re shy but curious — just like me!

My human told me Mule Deer can jump high fences but often prefer to sneak under them. Hmm… maybe we should team up for backyard adventures?

A desert stare down….Emma and a Mule Deer.

Of course, life goes on even in the summer heat! We still have to run errands — boring stuff like returns at UPS and grocery shopping. I went along, of course, but let me tell you: what a bore! There’s a photo of me looking completely unimpressed while waiting… typical shopping trip vibes.

Waiting at UPS…

Shopping again….what a bore!

✈️ What’s With the Suitcases?

Lately, I’ve been noticing something… my human is on the phone a lot, saying things like “arrangements” and “certificates.” The big boxy things (suitcases, I think they’re called) have come out, and stuff is going in and out.

And here’s the real clue: every day, my human puts me in my little carry case and walks me around the house. It feels familiar — was I in this on an airplane once? Are we going somewhere? Should I pack extra treats?! Stay tuned, dear readers… adventure may be afoot!

🐾 Ask Emma: What Are the Dog Days of Summer?

Dear Emma,
I have heard of the Dog Days of Summer and always wanted to ask a dog what that means. Can you help me, Emma?
— Curious Sun-Lover in SaddleBrooke

Dear Curious,
Oh, I love this question — thank you for thinking to ask me! The “Dog Days of Summer” don’t actually come from us dogs lying in the shade with our tongues out (though that’s definitely part of summer style!). The phrase comes from ancient times, when people noticed that the hottest days of the year coincided with the rising of Sirius, the “Dog Star,” in the sky.

But let’s be honest — we dogs know a thing or two about summer! For us, the Dog Days mean taking it slow, finding cool spots, drinking plenty of water, and skipping the midday heat. It’s our time to practice the art of the siesta and remind our humans to relax a little, too.

So while the stars may have given the season its name, we pups have made it our own. Stay cool, my friend!

Sun-soaked and smiling,
Emma 🌞🐶

🌟 Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll reveal if I’m flying the friendly skies — and maybe share a few packing tips for fellow traveling pups!

📬 Got a question for me? Email me at Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!

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