Firefighters, Big Bertha, and Fall in the Desert
Hi friends — Emma here! 🐾
I’d love to share some of my latest adventures with you. One of them began in the middle of the night with a mysterious “chirp… chirp…” sound. Dad said, “Oops, a smoke detector battery must be low.” Luckily, it was one he could reach, so the chirping didn’t last long.
But that sound was our reminder — when one smoke detector needs a new battery, they all probably do. Most of ours are way up on the ceiling, far too high for Dad to reach safely. And between us, I really don’t think he should be climbing ladders anyway!
That’s where our wonderful Golder Ranch Fire Department came to the rescue. Did you know they’ll come to your house and change out smoke detector batteries if you supply the batteries? They sent a whole team of friendly firefighters, and I watched every move they made to be sure the job was done right.
They were so kind and professional, and it made me feel proud and safe. We’re lucky to have such dedicated people in our community who don’t just put out fires — they help keep homes like ours protected. Batteries should be replaced once each year, maybe on a schedule so you do not forget, like every New Years Day or even on your birthday, what better present is there than safety/protection.
A big thank you to all firefighters for your hard work, courage, and the many ways you help keep our neighborhoods safe. 🧯❤️🐾
Meet Big Bertha 🌵
After all the excitement with the smoke alarms, it was time for something new in the yard.
Dad decided to plant something special where a small palm tree used to be. Now we can see the mountains from our front courtyard so much better — and what better way to celebrate than with a desert beauty?
We visited a cactus nursery and found Big Bertha — a cactus that’s not all that big yet, but one day she’ll grow and bloom with large white flowers in the spring. Big Bertha is a type of night-blooming cereus, and when she flowers, it happens at night — the blooms are big, snowy white, and beautifully fragrant.
The gardeners planted Big Bertha in just the right spot. I was right there supervising, of course! I think she’s going to love it here.
Emma’s Autumn Poem 🍂🐾
We’re really into fall here in the desert now — the mornings are cooler, the breezes softer, and everything smells just a little different. I even wrote a poem about it.
Emma’s Autumn Poem
Cooler breezes touch my nose,
Summer’s heat begins to close.
Crunch of leaves beneath my paws,
Pumpkins waiting — I give paws applause! 🎃
Golden scents drift through the air,
Woodsmoke whispers everywhere.
Walks grow longer, mornings bright,
Evenings cozy, soft delight.
Humans smile, they love it too,
Fresh new trails, a sky so blue.
Sniff, explore, then cuddle near,
Fall’s the season dogs hold dear. 🍂🐾
Ask Emma 🐶✨
Question: Grooming and Brushing
Q: Dear Emma,
How often should I comb and brush my dog — and how often should I brush their teeth?
— Caring Owner in SaddleBrooke
A: Dear Caring Owner,
What a thoughtful question! Grooming isn’t just about looks — it’s about health, comfort, and bonding time. For dogs like me (a bichon-poodle mix), daily brushing or combing is best to keep tangles and mats away. For short-haired pups, a few times a week might do just fine. The key is to match the routine to your dog’s coat type — but honestly, we love the attention, so daily is a treat!
And teeth? Oh yes, dental care matters! Ideally, brushing your dog’s teeth every day is best (I know… easier said than done). But even a few times a week can help prevent tartar, gum disease, and bad breath. There are special dental chews — like my favorite Greenies (Yum Yum!) — and toys that help too.
So remember: brush the coat, brush the teeth, share the love — and enjoy all those extra snuggles!
Toothily yours,
Emma
📬 Got a question for me? Email me at Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!
You can subscribe to Life With Emma in the Desert and have new posts delivered to your inbox by entering your email below and click Subscribe.
Life With Emma in the Desert 