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Im pretty sure Franklin and Rosie view me as a relatively companionable person - a toy breed (Im short), perhaps from the sporting group of humans. That is, Im pretty easy to have around, dont snap at others (much), and most important, can without much difficulty adapt to their ways and learn the behaviors they seek in a biped. …

Constance smelled smoke. John, then 12, was showering in preparation to go to a French lesson. Franklin and Rosie were hanging out in their usual spots-he under the couch; she, on it. I was at the office. Typical day.At first she tried to ignore it. Someone must have their fireplace going. It was one of those raw March days. But the odor grew stronger, and seemed to be more prominent on the side of the house, whereas its usually our neighbors across the street who are the most likely to throw logs on the grate.

It seemed Franklin had a problem down there, as my Aunt Ceil would have put it. At first we - and his veterinarian - thought it was just an infection. There was swelling in the area near his penis, and the doctor put him on antibiotics. That cleared up the swelling around the edges, but the doctor said he still had a mass that didnt look right. She took a needle aspirate and examined the contents under a microscope. There were no cancer cells. But she said that alone couldnt rule out cancer. (Let the sweating and yes, tears, begin.)

I was not thrilled. Our border collie Franklin had an infection that, after blood tests and medications and the requisite cone around his head so he wouldn't lick the affected spot, cost us almost $500. But then I read an article that demonstrated Franklin and the other 80 million or so dogs in the United States (along with other pets) are helping to save …

Patti Moran chided us in a recent letter about something we printed in the November issue on finding a pet sitter when youre going to be away from home:

I was very pleased to see the article exploring pet-care options for traveling pet owners….However, I was very concerned - and quite surprised - that a publication like yours did not encourage pet owners to seek professional pet-care options or…

When our son, John, was about eight years old and we already had Franklin the border collie mix for about a year, he started gunning for a shiba inu. He also said he wanted it to be a puppy. We finally gave in, telling John that the new dog had to be a rescue (like Franklin). Our thinking was that it would never happen. Puppy rescues of a particular breed, especially an unusual breed…

Coincidence, or wry cosmic humor? Only the two black and white dogs Ive ever had in my life ended up sprayed by skunks. Ellies first skunking occurred during an elegant dinner party we were throwing for a friends birthday. We took her out for a quick romp in the middle of the festivities and bam, she got it right between the eyes…and all over her muzzle and flank. Even the lobster thermidor we served couldnt…

Im quite sure Rosie would throw us over for Carla Barlow in a heartbeat. Rosie loves us, no doubt. But on some level, Carla is her true love. She starts doing her weird, longing bark that sounds like a bumble bee buzzing whenever she sees Carla coming - or sees Carlas Weimaraner Willow, which means Carla cant be far behind. She jumps all over Carla and licks her face when Carla bends down to her.…

Halloween produces a lot of anxiety and subsequent uncooperative behavior for Franklin and Rosie, with one or both of them usually threatened with being sent to bed without treats. First there were those years when John was younger and he worked to dress them in costumes. Okay, maybe that wasnt a great idea. And admittedly, a cape was not Franklins best look. But he showed how he felt by running around the house with…

For years I felt terrible that Franklins actions caused the death of another dog. Down the hill from the cemetery where I used to let Franklin run around freely was the backyard of a family whose dog often hung out there. Ollie, a Tibetan terrier, was the most delightful dog youd ever want to meet. Playful and game, he …

Full disclosure: Constance and I are both allergic to Rosie. We didnt know it when we brought her home. She just seemed like the sweet, cuddly pet she is, falling asleep on my lap after she had run herself ragged chasing a ball or a piece of crumpled up paper. But for Constance, in particular, the watery eyes and scratchy throat soon started. Wherever Rosie had been, the symptoms followed. For me it came several…

It took almost a century for my father to live with a dog. Having resided practically his entire life in New York City apartment buildings that didnt allow pets, it just wasnt going to happen - until he showed up on Barneys doorstep one day. Celebrating his 89th birthday this month, Dad has moved into an assisted-living facility. And who should have been there to greet him but beagle-mix Barney. …