As a girl, I was an animal lover. And still am. My parents gave me a fish tank, my first foray into the kingdom of animal ownership. In no time, I begged for a hamster. Later, a gerbil. And a German shepherd. And a cat. My parents indulged me, but they must have enjoyed the menagerie because they purchased singing canaries and a huge birdcage for nightingales and finches for themselves. Did I mention my parakeet and guinea pig?
Unfortunately, cats made me sneeze. Not that my allergy stopped me from wading out into a busy five-way intersection to rescue a gray kitten. When I rescued this kitten, there was so much that I had to learn. From wondering does my cat have allergies, having to get the vaccinations, to creating a space in the home for the new addition, it wasn’t easy. But with that being said, everything takes time and it wasn’t long before the little kitten fit into the family.
I had to look up the ‘best carpet cleaner for pets‘ pretty sharpish so I wasn’t sneezing from morning till night! I also took in several canine strays, including a humongous Doberman pincher that bonded to me quickly and defended me fiercely when on a leash. I finally brought the dog to a kennel to be boarded until its ski-bum owner showed up. The Doberman was wearing ID so I called and located the young man, who lived in another state. He’d lost the dog in a parking lot, then had gone skiing on Mount Baker for the day, anyway!
Once, I stopped on the freeway to save a wandering Boxer, a well-trained pooch and a treat to look after. I don’t recommend stopping on the freeway, a perilous and foolish stunt. However, I stand by the fact that if I hadn’t, the pooch may well have suffered an injury. Unless it was covered by pet insurance, its chances of recovery could have been slim.
Basically, I’m a dog lover. Large or small. Although I’ve been bitten by a few, including my own, I don’t harbor what my dear friend Earlene Luke calls “gut-fear.”
Photos of my favorite dogs. Do you recognize the younger me with short hair?
In my early twenties, as soon as I rented a house, I bought a Borzoi, also known as a Russian wolfhound. What fun I had with my beautiful Stella, soon to become an American/Canadian champion. Borzois are sight hounds, relying on their vision to target their prey. Unlike horses and most dogs, they use a double-suspension gallop. They can run 30 miles-per-hour, no sweat, and have been clocked up to fifty, meaning they can catch practically any animal they pursue. But in the house she was calm, peaceful and loving. I’ve owned three adult borzois at a time and could walk them on leash together, thanks to obedience training.
I highly recommend obedience school, where I met respected judge and handler, Earlene Luke, famous for her role as the judge in the hilarious movie Best in Show. She instructed the actors how to handle the dogs, as she’d taught me.
Most dogs want to please, but can easily train their owners into putting up with bad behavior. Having your dog come when called is the most important command, but the hardest to teach, one the pooch won’t obey until it follows all other commands. More Earlene Luke wisdom.
Are you a proud dog owner? If so, you might want to consider sending your dog to a doggie daycare center such as Paws Playgrounds where your pet can get in plenty of exercise while playing in an exciting setting! For more information about dog daycare, go to pawsplaygrounds.com. One of my best friends takes her beloved pooch to doggie daycare and her pet always has such a good time.
I later switched to smaller breeds more suitable for city life: a Cairn terrier and then a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Both were American/Canadian champions, and dearly beloved pets. When asked, I can’t pick my favorite because I loved each dog so much. Sigh.
When I was in grade school, my mother took my sister and me to horseback riding lessons (English saddle) and I went to summer camp where I was assigned to ride a Tennessee Walker, a rescue-horse that needed a petite rider. Later, horseback riding was my sport in college. Fortunately I already knew how to ride, because the instructor had us jumping small hurdles the first lesson. On my bucket list is to drive an Amish horse and buggy.
Young Amish man on his way home from church service. My dream is to learn to drive a buggy!
Are you a dog person or do you adore cats? Felines love me. A friend told me her shy cat that had never come to a stranger, sashayed right over to me. My friend said I have good cat etiquette. I’ve called myself a cat magnet, because when walking they cross the street to greet me.
Why does the neighborhood bully Tomcat beg for my attention?
Have you owned a favorite pet? Are you a cat person or a dog fancier? Would you consider driving a horse and buggy?
Two Amish-made Potholders from Lancaster County, PA.
Leave a comment to enter to win these two charming Amish-made potholders from Lancaster County, PA. Plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: the winner’s choice of Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork or Forever Amish! USA and Canada. Winner has 3 days to respond.
I love everything Amish. I’d love yo win this awesome giveaway.
I`m both a huge dog lover and Amish Reader! I love how you have sieres of books.
Good luck in the giveaway, Julie! If you love both dogs and Amish fiction you can’t go wrong.
Kate
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jane! Good luck!
Kate
I love both cats and dogs I now have 6 cats and I dog and I would love to spend a week or weekend with the amish I thank it would be so wonderful
Six cats and a dog, Goldie? Sounds like a fun family with lots of love. I hope you do get to spend a week or weekend with the Amish. I also hope you get a chance to read one of my books from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love cats and dogss, I have a calico cat named Precious Rose, aka Callie cobra.
Precious Rose is a beautiful name, Brenda! Callie cobra makes me wonder … Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win. Need the last book to complete the series!
You must finish The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Susan! Good luck!
Kate
Yes and dog and yes I would love to own this pot holder thanks and God bless you houswife@gmail.com
I am a dog person. I love everyone of my dogs like they are my children. I would drive a horse and buggy.
You sound like my kind of gal, Sarah! I loved every one of my dogs so much I can’t bear to buy another. I borrow my friends’ dogs. Not the same, but better than nothing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love my cats!!!
Meow, Julia, a woman who loves her cats! Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am a dog lover, I would rescue them all if I could. I believe/know that God put this love for them in my heart. I can’t save them all but to the ones that I do……I am THEIR world.
Yes, would drive a horse and buggy. I should ask my amish friend. When we get together I drive us whereever we go…mostly thrift stores, fabric stores, grocery stores, etc
You have a good heart, Loretta! He must have put that love for dogs in my heart too. Let me know if you get to drive a buggy & I’ll be jealous. Good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
Very pretty potholders. Amish country in Ohio is a favorite place to visit, always have a chicken dinner at one of the area restaurants. Just love the country side.
Thanks for leaving a comment, Susan! For some strange reason I’m hungry for chicken. I’ll bet those restaurants do a better job cooking than I do. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thank you Jate for your generosity . Blessings
Have a great day
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Myrtle! I hope you have a great day too!
Kate
Would love to win. My favorite pet? My goldfish Mikey when I was about 7. Took him all the way from Calif to NJ . However, he ended up going belly up in the middle of the Mojave desert. I had his fish bowl in the rear window if the car. No AC IN the cars back in the 50’s. And yes, we did have a funeral!
What a sweet story, Rita! I can imagine you were heartbroken. But Mikey’s legacy lives on. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love reading Amish books learning about them and thier lives, i want to win so bad thanks for a chance
Shirley Blanchard jcisforme@aol.com
Keep those Amish books coming . . . I can’t seem to read anything else!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Joan!
Kate
I love dogs too I have 2 little chi’s who are SPOILED rotten!! Also love reading Amish books and very interested in the Amish way of life. Please keep those books coming!!
I imagine your two pups are spoiled exactly the way you want them to be, Cindy! I’m glad you enjoy reading Amish books. The Amish are a fascinating people. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love these pot holders and love everything about the Amish. Would drive a buggy
if I could. As for dogs or cats love them both. Have no cats now but have had
them and miss them. Have had lots of dogs, mutts, Shepherd, St Bernard,
Fox Terrier, to name a few and now have a beloved Pug Panda is a fawn female
10 yrs old. I adore her and know it is mutual. Thanks for the
chance to win this would love the last book. God bless
Sounds as though you’ve had at least as many pets as I have, Patti! Give Panda a treat for me. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway! I had a hard time finding these potholders: one with dogs and one with a cat.
Kate
Love cats & dogs. Cute & beautiful potholders!!!
I bet they love you right back, Rebecca! Glad you like potholders, not easy for me to find. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Awww…I see a little dachshund on the one pot holder like my Gretchen!! Would love to win the pot holders 🙂
I’ll bet Gretchen is darling, Catherine! I’ve admired many a dachshund but never owned one. I hear they make terrific watchdogs. Thanks for leaving a comment and injury to give away!
Kate
cat person hands down. dogs scare me and like to bite me.
You are not alone in your fear of dogs, Angela! Many people are, but most dog owners are oblivious and allow their dogs to jump on people. How rude. I’m not afraid of dogs in the slightest, but don’t let dogs jump on me even when the owner says, “Don’t worry, he’s friendly.” Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love all animals! I have had many pets over the years but my “best” pet is always, always the ones I have at the time of being asked! So for now Curly and Oscar are my best pets!
Say hello to Curly and Oscar for me, Tracie! Since I love animals too, I posted a photo of our grandson and his new hamster on my author FB wall on Sunday. Not a single person left a comment, which makes me thinking that most women are afraid of furry little rodents. https://www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks
Thanks for leaving your comment in entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m really not a cat or a dog person. We do enjoy our Russian dwarf hamsters, though! 🙂 I would not mind learning to drive a horse and buggy, but I wouldn’t trade my vehicle in for one!
I’m so glad to get your comment, Donna! On Sunday, I posted on my FB author wall photos of our grandson’s new hamster. Not a single person left a comment, which made me think that most women are afraid of furry little rodents. (I’m not.) https://www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks I’ve never heard of Russian dwarf hamsters and will have to look them up on Google. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Like cats & dogs .I Would you consider driving a horse and buggy only on a farm road .
Yes, a farm road would be the best place to drive a buggy, Emma! I’m amazed when I see women driving buggies in heavy traffic. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I too love all animals and have been known to bring home strays of all varieties, wild and domestic. But I guess there was one that was closer to my heart than any other. A tiny kitten about two hours old that fit across the palm of my hand that I began feeding with a dropper. Her mom was too young and she had no milk. Her 10 of her 11 siblings were already gone when they called and the 11th passed shortly thereafter. I had to feed her every two hours the first two weeks and took her to work where I taught a couple of 6th graders to care for her during their recesses/breaks. She was a member of our family for 17 years and thought she was human. She was “Precious” in all ways which was what we named her.
I would love to drive an Amish buggy!
What a dear story, Donna! Precious is the perfect name for your cat of 17 years. Thanks for your heartwarming comment. Let me know if you learn to drive a buggy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Amish books,and i haven’t read this series so I would to win one of them.
So glad you dropped by my blog to enter the giveaway, Lisa! I’d love you to read The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! Hope you win a copy. Good luck!
I like who ever needs a home dog or cat to pick a favorite is hard to forget.is it the Shepherd who hated men when I got here or the mix breed who was thrown out of a truck, or the cat who chose to live.on the front porch,or the one eyed Siamese who was afraid so bad she hid all the time? It would be hard to pick one they all are special to me.
You sound like me, Lori! I used to live near a wooded area where people often dropped off cats. Very sad, as they sometimes were too shy to accept the food I left out for them. And I picked up a dog that was so sick with distemper and badly injured (broken bones) that I took it to the vet, who put him to sleep without charging me. Thank you to a kindhearted woman for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve had dogs, cats, fish and hamsters and they all hold a special place in my heart. My last cat Whitey loved to go with me in the car he would set on the back of the seat by my shoulder and watch out the window as we went down the road. He once caught a mouse sat on back legs and was throwing it up in the air and then try and catch it. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing I took a picture. I loved my dog Sequoya she was a beagle, border collie mix. She had a beagle body with short hair and the black and white color of the border collie. Both she and Whitey were great companions and smart.
They both sound like great companions, Jenny! I’ve never known a cat who liked to go riding in the car with its mistress. I did own one cat that was least trained, but did not like cars. Thanks for leaving your fun comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I really love dogs. I would really want to own one, as I never have, but it is impossible for the moment. 🙁 Hopefully, I will be able to adopt a dog someday. I’d like to adopt from a shelter, to give a dog a new and loving home 🙂
I would love to drive a horse and buggy, although I don’t know if I’d be any good at it. I guess I better not try that when I’m all alone, in case things don’t turn out great 😛
Also, I’ve never ridden a horse and that’s on my bucket list. It seems like so much fun.
Thanks for the giveaway! Those are awesome prizes 😀
Thanks for your delightful comment, Samantha! I hope you get a chance to adopt a dog someday. Do your homework first so you end up with a breed that suits your lifestyle and temperament. I also hope you get a chance to ride a horse. I was fortunate in that my mother thought everyone should know how to ride just in case they needed to. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am definitely a dog lover. I have three small chihuahuas that stay by my side 24/7. They help me deal with my PTSD. They are so loving and always sense when I am having a bad day. I love sitting with them as I read. I love reading Amish fiction and would honored to win the pot holders and books.
Thank you
Dogs have incredible intuition, Deana! I’m glad your three pups are helping you. I can picture you sitting with the three of them while you’re reading one of my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Amish booksi like reading about the Amish how they live and enjoy the pictures .thanks for the givingway.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Barbara! Good luck!
Kate
Definitely a dog person….my favorite breed-poodles. Could never pick a favorite pet and love to ride horses but no on the buggy driving. However, I would ride with you driving! Thanks for the opportunity to win. You have the best giveaways!
Thanks so much, Linda! My girlfriend raises and shows standard poodles. If you insisted on riding, I’d be happy to ride along with you. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am a cat lover and yes, I would love to drive a horse and buggy. The pot holders are very pretty. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Deborah, you cat lover! Good luck!
Kate
I am more of a dog person, but I love kitties, too. We have a tri-colored Collie and a Pomeranian, and I love them so much.
Your tri-colored Collie and Pomeranian sound wonderful, Debbie! If I ran into the three of you I’d probably want to take a picture. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this. I would like to have an new Amish book to read. And the pot holders would look great in my kitchen. I have nothing in my house Amish.
You simply must win this giveaway, Barbara! If you don’t, I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon, not to mention an Amish knickknack or quilt. Good luck!
Kate
I am a dog and cat lover.I have three dogs and two cats.They fill my life with so much joy and they know exactly how to comfort me when I am having a bad day.I would love to drive a horse and buggy.Thanks so much, I always enjoy your posts.
Thanks for your encouraging comment, Jackie! isn’t it amazing how intuitive dogs and cats can be with their owners? Five friends to comfort you on a bad day, who asked for nothing in return. I’m wishing you good luck in this giveaway!
Kate
I am a dog lover as well as a cat lover! Thank You for this contest! Would love to win!
Thanks for leaving a comment, Barbara! I bet dogs and cats love you in return. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We have a sweet six month old mini Aussie her name is sage. She brings joy in to our family daily unconditional love especially for my daughter. Thanks for a chance to win some amazing gifts. love thoe pot holders.
I’ll bet six-month-old Sage is full of energy and fun, Kristina! I didn’t realize Aussies came in a miniature size. Sounds very cute. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m a dog person we have 2 dogs Tucker and Lil Gurl.
Tucker and Lil Gurl are terrific names, Paula! No getting around it, when all is said and done, I’m a dog person too. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Iloved my Scottie dog, and miss her !
My sister owns a Scottie, Joyce! Not her first … each has had a different temperament. One ran by me and randomly bit me on the ankle, while her present Scottie is very sweet. I imagine you miss yours! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have had dogs and dogs and been attached to all of them, some of which had very sad last days and all of which filled my life with happiness. Miss them all. Now that the kids are grown and there are grandkids, I also have Grand dogs and cats. And that’s good enough for me!
You sound like me, Sonja! I miss every dog I’ve ever owned, but after the last one died at age 16 1/2, I decided to take a vacation and enjoy my grandkids’ pets. Not the same as having a furry friend in the house, but I’m content the way things are for the time being, anyway. Thanks for writing. I always enjoy your comments. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS. THANKS SO MUCH
I LOVE MY KITTIES!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Molly! I’ll bet your kitties are darling. Good luck!
Kate
We love animals. We have a cat now but have had dogs over the years too.
Would love to win the prizes.
I’ve enjoyed reading comments from so many animal lovers, Nora! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love animals! I am definitely a cat lover. I was never around horses, but I think they are beautiful!
You are not alone in the cat lover department, Tracey! When I get on Facebook I’m amazed at the number of people who post photos of cats! Including some very good friends. Thanks for leaving a comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Awesome!!!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Alisha!
Kate
Would love to win
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Martha! Good luck!
Kate
My most favorite pet was my Bassett hound named Fred. We had him most of my childhood. As far as which animal I like the most, I probably favor cats as much as dogs. And I would love to one day try my hand at driving a horse and buggy.
I’ve heard that Bassett hounds like to roam, Tiffany! And of course, follow scents. I bet you had fun with Fred. So, I’m not the only one who would like to try driving a horse and buggy. You’re giving me encouragement. Thanks for leaving your comment and enter the giveaway!
Kate
I love your post, Katie! I am a dog lover through. I have had a dog or dogs my entire life and I just celebrated my 60thrthday so dogs and I go way back. I would love to one day own a Corgi. I think they are adorable!
My family and I visited the Amish country a few years ago and watching the buggies up and down the country roads was wonderful. We actually took a ride in one with one of the Amish men. What a wonderful experience!
Riding in an Amish buggy is indeed a wonderful experience, Melanie! Have you read my book “Forever Amish”? Sally, the heroine, owns a darling corgi. They are extremely obedient and sweet, but they shed as much as any large breed I’ve owned. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate…I am definetly a dog lover. My little 5 pound Mitzi, is spoiled rotten. At times I think she understands the whole English language. After my little shih tzu died I said I would never have another and go through the hurt, but, what can I say except this one came along and I sad well here we go agan….
Would love to drve a horse and buggy, I think..I do admire the Amish and their way of life. Love the amish books.
Thanks for a chance to win the potholders and one of your books.
I’d love to have you win and read one of my books, Judy! Your little 5 pound Mitzi sounds adorable. Small but mighty. Thanks for leaving your fun comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I just love….my dogs. I have 5 lhaso/shu. And I have a cat too. My son bought a boxer from the amish 8 months ago and love him too. I’ve always loved dogs and cats.
Oh, my, you have a house full of dogs and a cat too, Kathy! What fun. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love cats, dogs and all animals. I usually have dogs but that’s because have relatives that are allergic to cats. I’m with you, would love to learn to drive a horse & buggy. Love horses too.
I saw a Scottish Fold cat and if I ever come across one that needs a home it can live here. Allergic relatives or not.
I have never heard of a Scottish Fold cat, Pat! Sounds intriguing. I do know people who are miserably allergic to cats, but I outgrew my allergy about 10 years ago. Not sure why, and I don’t get hay fever anymore either. I also love horses. Even watch the Kentucky Derby or stop by the side of the road to admire them. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I used to have a black schnauzer dog, he died 6 years ago he was 16 years old, hard of hearing and the vet thinks he had cancer, i would love to have another but we live in small apartment but they ask $300 to have one but i love both cats and dogs, well any animal for the matter of fact, i was born Amish and even though i am not anymore i love my Amish relatives dearly and anything Amish, and love you books and would love to win <3
I’m always delighted when an Amish or ex-Amish person likes my books, Amanda! I spend a great deal of time on research, but know I can’t get everything right in spite of the many Amish friends who help me. Schnauzers are wonderful dogs. 16 is a good long life for a terrier, but of course you would miss him. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love all kinds of animals except a snake!! My favorite was a golden retriever named Goldie! Love to win this giveaway!
I’m not afraid of snakes, but they’re rather hard to love, Sheila! I’d much rather hang out with a sweet dog like Goldie. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Pennsylvania Patchwork! Missing this one. I currently have a young kitten sleeping at the crook of my left arm as I type. Sweet refuge; at least she isn’t climbing the screen door as she was yesterday when we opened our outer door to air out our home with the wonderful fresh air and cool breeze. My memory is of my brother’s dog who would wait patiently until the high school bell rang dismissal. He seemed to know exactly when that would be. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Such a dear memory of his faithful dog, Kathleen! Lovely. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate