The Nicholberry Dispatch
Where we talk about philosophy with Joyce Carol Oates and what to do if your dog is attacked
BOOK NEWS
I’m delighted to share with you my friend Juliana’s new book, “Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior.” Juliana is founder of JW Dog Training, whose content I incessantly repost because it’s just so good. If you remember my Instagram chat with Juliana (she was a guest on Nicholberry’s Ask the Expert), we spent a lot of time discussing management. In Manage It!, Juliana provides deep insights into how to rearrange your dog’s environment, thereby removing the cycle where the unwanted behavior occurs and the human jumps in to stop it. Juliana is brilliant, as is her new book.
And in case you missed it, Audible.com released the first reel for Puppy Brain on Instagram and I think they did a terrific job!
SOMETHING TO READ
Joyce Carol Oates on Inspiration
Joyce Carol Oates gave this keynote address at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy. It’s one of those pieces that will transport you and edify you not only as a creative, but as a human. Grab a cup of coffee and ready yourself to take in thoughts like this: “I believe that art - in its varied forms - is the highest expression of the human spirit. I believe that we are united in our yearning to transcend the merely finite and ephemeral; to participate in something mysterious and communal called ‘culture’ — and that this yearning is as strong in our species as the yearning to reproduce the species.”
SOMETHING TO HELP
What to do if your dog is attacked
Yesterday I posted on Instagram that our girl Isla was attached by an off-leash dog while out on her morning walk. Knowing what I know about dogs and the way they can log a single event deep on their hard drive, I am worried for her. This one preventable event could forever change the way she experiences other dogs and walks for the rest of her life. It’s heartbreaking.
So many people asked whether she was okay, but that’s a tough question to answer. Physically, yes. But it’s the emotional fallout that could have lifelong implications. We immediately sped-fed treats and then gave her a frozen food puzzle when we got home, knowing that she needed help coming down from those stress hormones. Today will be a low-key day, allowing her body to normalize. And then the work begins…This article does a great job of addressing not only what to do when your dog is attacked, but how to emotionally support your dog once it happens.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
“Kindness is not about reciprocity or karma. It’s about character.” - Adam Grant
SOMETHING TO LOVE
Great read and great information. So glad that Isla is ok physically and that you are okay as well. If anyone can get her back, you can! Lots of prayers that she will bounce back again.
Excellent article on dog attacks! It's always good to have thought through what to do in advance. Great tips!!!