Category: Uncategorized

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!

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

March in Motion, Gadgets and Lunch with Friends

Gadgets, Coffee, and Lunch with Friends

By Emma the White Dog

Before we begin, I have something special this month.

Please click on the photo below to hear my personal welcome and introduction to Life with Emma in the Desert for March. I had quite a bit to say… and Dad finally let me say it on video. 🎬🐾

A New Gadget Arrives

Here we are well into 2026 and there is still not a dull moment around this house.

Recently a box arrived labeled Tempest, and naturally I assisted Dad with the opening process. Supervising is very important work.

Inside was Dad’s brand-new weather station, which now lives proudly mounted on our back fence.

This gadget reports temperature, barometer readings, wind speed, rainfall, humidity, lightning activity, and things I didn’t even know the sky was capable of doing. All of this information goes straight to Dad’s phone and even his watch.

Now, I don’t mean to sound overly practical… but I’ve always believed that if you look out the door and it seems good for a walk, then it is good for a walk.

I do seem to remember someone called the Bard once saying something about “much ado about nothing.” That may apply here. But Dad enjoys checking his charts and graphs, and I’ve learned something very important:

A happy Dad is a very good thing to have around the house.

So I humor the weather station.

More New Gadgets

But wait — we are not done.

A while back Dad purchased a rather fancy coffee maker and became very serious about his morning routine. After our walk, he makes a cup of coffee and then studies his phone. I’m not entirely sure what he’s doing, but it looks complicated and keeps him quite busy.

Then came the coffee grinder.

Now he grinds his own beans for “optimal flavor extraction.” I suspect we may once again be approaching that “much ado…” territory.

However — this development has brought me an unexpected benefit.

We now travel to coffee roasters in search of special beans. And let me tell you, a dog’s nose at a coffee roaster is a magnificent thing. So many aromas. So many friendly people. So many opportunities to be admired.

Perhaps it is all a bit elaborate… but it gets us out exploring, and that means new adventures. I fully support adventures.

Lunch with Friends

Recently we went to lunch with our favorite neighbors, Jo and Joe.

We dined at a lovely Italian restaurant that was truly delicious. While my poodle and bichon heritage may be proudly French, Italian cuisine did not feel foreign to me at all.

I felt quite continental.

And here is something very special — Joanne designed and created my business card. She keeps Dad supplied so he can hand them out whenever we meet new friends. I consider this excellent marketing.

Lunch was full of conversation, laughter, and warm friendship. Days like that remind me that gadgets and coffee are fun… but people are what truly matter.

A Thought Before We Finish…

Gadgets are interesting. Coffee is serious business. Lunch with friends is delightful.

But after all the activity of February, I found myself thinking about something quieter — something deeper. A reader recently asked a question that made me pause (which, as you know, is not something I do often unless a squirrel is involved).

So let’s settle in for this month’s Ask Emma.

Ask Emma

I’ve heard dogs live mostly in the present. How do they deal with the past and the future?

That’s a wonderful question — and one dogs understand very well.

It’s true: we live mostly in the now. Right now smells interesting. Right now you’re here. Right now the sun is warm, the floor is cool, or dinner might be coming. This doesn’t mean we lack memory or awareness — it just means we don’t let time boss us around the way humans often do.

Dogs absolutely remember the past. We remember people who were kind, routines that made us feel safe, and places where good things happened. Sometimes we also remember things that were scary or confusing. Those memories live in our bodies more than in our thoughts. A sound, a tone of voice, or a sudden movement can remind us of something long ago without us “thinking” about it the way humans do.

What’s different is that dogs don’t replay the past over and over. Once something is over, it tends to stay there — unless something in the present brings it back. When dogs have had difficult experiences, what helps most is not talking about the past, but creating new, safe patterns in the present. Consistency, kindness, and patience slowly rewrite those old memories.

As for the future — dogs don’t worry about it.

We don’t lie awake wondering what might happen next week or whether things will turn out okay. We do understand patterns, though. We know when it’s almost time for a walk, a meal, or your return home. That’s not worry — that’s trust built from experience. When good things usually happen, we expect them to happen again.

Living this way is surprisingly peaceful. Dogs don’t regret yesterday or fear tomorrow. We focus on what’s in front of us: your voice, your touch, your presence. That’s where our happiness lives.

Humans sometimes say they wish they could live more like dogs. From our perspective, you already can. When you slow down, notice small joys, and give your attention fully to the moment you’re in, you’re meeting us right where we live.

And trust me — we love it when you do.

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.

Life With Emma in the Desert-Getting Groomed, Making Friends and Keeping an Eye on Things

Getting Groomed, Making Friends, and Keeping an Eye on Things

By Emma the White Dog

Here we are, well into 2026, and getting nicely settled into life again. Dad says routines are good for us, and I agree—as long as those routines include walks, naps, and the occasional compliment.

Recently, both Dad and I had grooming sessions. Mine came first, of course.

My Grooming Day

I went to see my groomer, Stephanie, who I actually like very much. She knows how to take good care of me, talks to me the whole time, and somehow makes me feel both fluffy and dignified when we’re done. I always come home feeling lighter, cleaner, and just a little bit proud of myself.

Dad’s Grooming Day

The very next day, Dad went to his groomer. He calls it his barber, but honestly, it seems a lot like my grooming—just not all over his body. Fewer brushes, no nail trim, and no one tells him he’s a “good boy,” which feels like a missed opportunity.

His barber was a very nice young man, and I rode along in my stroller so I could supervise. I watched carefully to make sure Dad was being well cared for. Everything checked out. Dad came out looking neat, relaxed, and still very much like himself, which is important.

Meeting the People Who Take Care of Our Community

One of my favorite things about living here is meeting the wonderful people who work so hard to keep SaddleBrooke looking good and running smoothly. Recently, I met one of those nice fellows while he was working, and we had a very friendly conversation. I thanked him for taking such good care of our home—because someone has to acknowledge these things.

A Very Important Patrol Pup Idea

I also recently met one of our SaddleBrooke patrol officers—the kind humans who help keep our community safe. He was very friendly, and I listened closely while he talked with Dad. I think I heard something about me becoming an honorary patrol officer.

A patrol pup?

Now that sounds like fun. I imagine I’d be very good at neighborhood watch, greeting residents, and reminding everyone to slow down and enjoy their walk. I’m just not sure where I’d wear my badge. On my collar? My harness? Hmmmm… something to think about.

Lunch With Friends

I also had a wonderful time recently when I went to lunch with my friend Echo at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Echo and I both brought our humans, and it was especially nice because we hadn’t all been together for a while. There was lots of catching up, laughing, and good company all around.

It reminded me how important it is for all of us—dogs and humans—to spend time with friends. Staying connected, sharing a meal, and enjoying one another’s company is good for the heart and good for the soul. I think it’s one of the healthiest habits there is.

This Month’s Ask Emma

Q: Can dogs smell or sense disease in humans?

— Wondering in Unit 12

Hi friend,

Yes, we absolutely can—at least some of us! Our sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than yours, and that means we can pick up all sorts of things you can’t. Changes in your scent, body chemistry, or behavior? We notice.

Some specially trained dogs can detect cancer, low blood sugar, seizures, and even COVID-19—all just by sniffing! And even without training, many of us notice when something feels “off.” I’ve heard stories of dogs who became extra clingy or alert just before their humans received a diagnosis they didn’t expect.

Now, I’m not a medical dog (I skipped vet school), but I do know when Dad is stressed, sad, or just a little “off.” I stick close, offer cuddles, and sometimes nudge him with my nose just to say, I’m here. I know.

I do have first-paw experience with illness and humans. My human mom, Joanne, passed away three years ago this February from cancer. When she became sick, I didn’t need words or explanations—I just knew. I stayed close, rested quietly by her side, and offered what dogs do best: calm presence, warmth, and unconditional love.

When Joanne was gone, I also knew when it was time to turn my heart toward my human Dad. I stayed near, watched over him, and still do—checking in, offering comfort, and reminding him every day that love doesn’t disappear when someone is gone. It just changes shape, and dogs are very good at holding it.

So if your dog seems especially tuned in to you, trust that it comes from a place of deep love, quiet understanding, and a nose that knows more than we’ll ever admit. Sometimes the most important care doesn’t come from medicine, but from simply not being alone.

Paws and good health,

🐾 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.

Life with Emma in the Desert-Holidays Old Friends and New Beginnings

Holidays, Old Friends, and New Beginnings

by Emma the White Dog

We made it through the holiday season, and I have to say — it was a very good one. Christmas Eve day turned out to be especially special for my human, Bill, and for me too.

Some of Dad’s longtime friends from Colorado were visiting Tucson, and we met them for lunch on Christmas Eve. We hadn’t seen each other for several years, so there was a lot to catch up on — stories from the past, what life looks like now, and plenty of laughter in between. I stayed close, listened carefully (dogs are excellent listeners), and enjoyed being right in the middle of it all.

They were curious about my Ask Emma newspaper columns and my website and blog, and I was happy to hear Dad explain how I share a dog’s-eye view of life here in SaddleBrooke. It made my tail wag to know that something that started as a little idea has turned into a way to connect with so many people.

We were also taken such good care of by our server that day. Everything felt easy and unhurried — good food, good company, and the kind of conversation that reminds you how nice it is to reconnect. I posed politely for a photo and made sure to thank our server for helping make the afternoon feel festive and fun.

Emma and our friends, as Emma thanks our server for taking such good care of us.

After that, the holidays slowly settled down, as they tend to do. Decorations came down, routines returned, and things grew a little quieter — which is when I usually find myself thinking.

Sitting on the Rock, Thinking About What Comes Next

Over the holidays, I also spent some time sitting on a big rock near our community center, just watching the world go by. People were walking, golf carts were humming along, and the desert looked calm in that quiet way it gets when things slow down for a moment. I like sitting on rocks. They’re solid. They don’t rush you. They’re good places to think.

Emma on the big rock… thinking.

While I was there, I remembered something a friend had recently told my human, Bill. They said that 2025 was known in the Chinese calendar as the Year of the Snake — a time meant for shedding old layers and preparing for what comes next. I’ll admit it: calendars aren’t really my specialty. I mostly go by mealtimes and walks. But the idea stayed with me, because it felt true.

Last year, it seemed like a lot of us — humans and dogs alike — let go of things. Some people cleared out closets or garages. Some said goodbye to routines that no longer fit. Others had to let go of things they never wanted to lose at all. Dogs notice these changes. We notice when the house feels different, when hearts are heavier, when quiet lasts a little longer than usual. We don’t always understand the reasons, but we understand the feeling.

Whether anyone meant to or not, many of us came through 2025 a little lighter, a little changed, and maybe a little clearer about what matters. And now here we are — 2026 — standing at the beginning of something new.

Humans often talk about New Year’s resolutions, and I’ve noticed they usually sound very serious and a bit stressful. Big promises. Big plans. Dogs don’t really do resolutions. We wake up, stretch, sniff the air, and meet the day as it comes. If yesterday was hard, we try again today. If yesterday was good, we don’t assume tomorrow owes us anything — we just stay open.

Maybe that’s what a new year really needs. Not a long list or a perfect plan, but an open attitude. A willingness to try. A hope for more good days than bad ones, and the patience to accept that both will probably show up. Renewal doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it’s as simple as paying attention, being kind, or choosing not to carry everything forward just because you always have.

As I sat on my rock, I realized that beginnings don’t always arrive with fireworks or fanfare. Sometimes they arrive quietly — like stillness, reflection, or a small decision to step into the year with curiosity instead of fear.

So as 2026 unfolds, I hope you begin it paw-sitively. Open to what’s new. Gentle with what remains. Ready, when the time is right, to move forward.

With love and wagging optimism,

Emma 🐾

📬 Got a question for me?

Email me at emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!

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

Life With Emma in the Desert — Busy Days, Kind Helpers & Holiday Joy

By Emma the White Dog 🐾

Hi friends — Emma here! 🐾

It’s a busy season, and I must say… I like it that way. Dad keeps me on the move, and I keep him on schedule. Maybe it’s the holidays that make everything feel more active, or maybe it’s just how we live — but I’ve learned that staying busy, meeting people, and getting things done makes life feel pretty wonderful.

And as always, wherever we go, we meet the nicest people.

A House Call for the Golf Cart

We started things off with a little concern about our golf cart. Dad wanted to be sure everything was running safely, so a very nice fellow came right to our house to check it out. He talked to Dad, patted me hello, and took the time to explain what he was seeing.

Emma with the golf cart technician at home

After a careful look, he gently explained that the cart really needed to go into the shop.

A Sad Ride… and a Happy Return

That was a tough moment for me. One day our cart was being carefully loaded onto a truck to head off for repairs, and I stood there watching, wondering when it would come home.

Emma watching the golf cart being loaded onto the truck

The good news? It didn’t take long at all. Just a few days later, our cart returned — running better than ever and ready for new adventures. I supervised the unloading, of course.

A Helpful Stop at the Hardware Store

Busy days continued when Dad had a little project that sent us to the hardware store. We were fortunate to meet a helpful fellow who listened carefully and came up with just the right solution. Dad was grateful — and so was I.

Emma thanking the helpful hardware store employee

I’ve learned that good ideas often come from kind people who take a moment to help.

Even Busy Dogs Need Rest

Now, as much as I enjoy staying active, even I know when it’s time to slow down. Every busy schedule needs a pause — a moment to rest, relax, and recharge.

Emma resting with her head near her green friend, the Grinch

A little quiet time makes the busy moments even better.

The Season of Good Will

This truly is the season of sharing and good will. One day, while Dad was dropping something into a big red pot outside the grocery store, I spent a moment with a cheerful bell ringer who was helping collect donations for those in need.

: Emma with the bell ringer outside the grocery store

It felt good to be part of something that helps others — especially at this time of year.

Cookies, Friends & a Parade to Remember

One of the highlights of the season was our big night at home before the annual SaddleBrooke Christmas Golf Cart Parade. Friends gathered for cookies, candies, breads, cider, and eggnog. The house was full of laughter, conversation, and holiday cheer.

Emma with friends in front of the Christmas tree

Later, we all settled into the driveway to watch the parade roll by. I had a front-row seat in my stroller — the best spot in the house.

Getting settled for the parade, Emma in her stroller

The carts came by one after another, all decorated with lights and music. Some rolled past slowly, glowing beautifully, while others zoomed by in a blur of colorful lights and holiday sound.

It was magical — and so much fun to share with friends.

A Holiday Goodbye for 2025

As this year comes to a close, this will be my last blog message for 2025. What a year it’s been! I’ve loved sharing our busy, happy, and sometimes surprising life here in the desert with all of you.

Thank you for reading, for smiling along with me, and for being part of my world. I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2026 — who knows what adventures the new year will bring?

Until then, I wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful, healthy New Year.

With love and wagging optimism,

Emma 🐾

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

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