Dogs Are Us

By | December 31, 2023

[December 31, 2023]  As I type this article, my last blog post of the year, my dog Bella is at my feet.  She is sleeping there but also in her protective mode, guarding me from any danger lurking and unknown.  A few days ago, she returned to the veterinarian’s office for a second emergency visit in a week. … Read More »

Veteran Service Dogs

By | September 26, 2021

[September 26, 2021]  Americans love their pets.  Some pets are more than just creatures to be loved but also help us by providing necessary care.  Veteran service and guide dogs are those trained to assist Veterans in their everyday life.  They are companions and helpers, and many of us would not function without these dogs. Just this past… Read More »

Dogs of War

By | September 24, 2017

[September 24, 2017]  During my first assignment with the 1st Cavalry Division in the Iraqi War, one of our early engineer tasks was to design and build a military dog facility.  Dog handlers and their canine friends were part of our unit and were responsible for local security.  The Iraqi insurgents we captured called them the dogs of… Read More »

Clearing the Spindle: Crazy from X

By | February 4, 2026

[February 4, 2026]  Just a few crazy items I found on X and thought them interesting enough to share in my Clearing the Spindle: Chaya’s Clan @ChayasClan Satire is a form of humor that is used universally, but English-speaking nations seem to have an unusual flair for using it to attack the most outrageous situations.  In this satire… Read More »

Iraq War Pre-Surge

By | January 31, 2026

Iraq War Pre-Surge: my View [January 16, 2026]  In a few months, it will be twenty years since I arrived for my second combat tour, part of the Iraq War (2003-2011).  Such a time past gives me time to reflect, and despite some details being lost to old memories, I think I can put the war in a… Read More »