Skip to main content

The Hardscrabble Chronicles


Me and my friend Kat shared a common love for a lot of things. One of those things is a book called The Hardscrabble Chronicles by Laurie Bogart Morrow. I bought it on a sale for only 30 pesos, if I remember right at Booksale Baguio.

To my surprise, it was really a wonderful, nostalgic, heart-touching book. The author tells about life in the town of Hardscrabble somewhere in New England. It tells about the challenges of moving in a new and small town, anecdotes of the townspeople, and finally being part of a community that learned to love.

The book is a continuation of Field & Stream columnist Corey Ford who named the town Hardscrabble. Although it is a fictional name, the town itself is where Corey Ford and Laurie Morrow has actually lived.

What made this book so close to our hearts are the stories that tell about dogs that have been part of their lives. There's Jet of Huntress Bridge who faithfully waited for his master up to the very end; The Legend of Big Boy and George Allard's Dog; Each Year is Seven and Lost. It has been almost four years since I read that book and some of the stories I can't recall as detailed as I want to. All the dog stories in the book has truly touched me and brought me to tears. I intend to read it again one of these days. Kat loved it so much that I gave it to her when she went back home to Manila.

As I'm writing this, the Bee Gees are playing as the storm rages outside. Miss you, Kat! I miss your company!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

DIY Projects for Dog Owners

Here are easy DIY projects you can make for your dogs:   Quick Stitch Dog Bed See tutorial  here . Make a dog rope toy from old dish towels. See tutorial  here . Make a small dog sweater out of old socks.  See the instructions here . Dog Treat: Roasted Squash and Peanut Butter Cookies See the recipe here .

What Dog Owners Should Know About Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects dogs worldwide. As a responsible pet owner, understanding this illness can help protect your furry friend and ensure prompt action if needed.  Here’s everything you need to know about canine distemper, its symptoms, and how to support a dog diagnosed with this condition. What Is Canine Distemper? Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a highly contagious pathogen related to the viruses causing measles and rinderpest. It primarily affects dogs but can also infect other animals, including ferrets, foxes, and raccoons. The virus spreads through: Direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids (saliva, urine, or blood). Airborne exposure from coughs or sneezes of infected animals. Shared items like food bowls or bedding. Young puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk. Symptoms of Canine Distemper The symptoms of distemper can vary and often depend on the stage of the disease. Common sign...

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps: Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay * * . Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic. Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck. If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”. Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job. Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may...