Dear Readers,

This will be a different kind of post than what you are used to.  Momma recently became reacquainted with a book written by a friend of hers, and I’m doing this entry at her request.  So no scarves this time, no pictures and no tails about about my latest misadventures with Momma.

About two months ago Tom Stumpf, age 66, of Waconia, Minnesota passed away.  Momma considered Tom to be a friend although she didn’t know him well.  She did know that Tom was a good writer and had a monthly column under the byline, Tom Stumpf, Cowboy Correspondent, in the Victoria Gazette.  He was also a talented musician and Momma had the pleasure of playing and singing with him on one occasion (although Momma soon realized he could play rings around her on the guitar!).  Tom also sang in his church choir, was an avid golfer, and — the part I like best — he loved dogs.

In fact Tom loved dogs so much he wrote a book about those that had been a part of his life.  It is called What! a Good Dog.  Tom explains that he named the book after a famous dog trainer, Barbara Woodhouse, who would often praise a dog by exclaiming “What!” in a high pitched, happy voice, then pause and finish in normal tones with “a good dog.”

The book is full of great stories and photos.  Tom dedicated it to his dad, Roman, and to dog lovers everywhere.  The part Momma liked best is that every chapter begins with a clever dog quote by a well-known human.  I thought you’d also enjoy these memorable quotes so am including them in my post.  Tom’s not here to give his approval, but I think he’d like that I’ve shared them.  Here goes:

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” — Andy Rooney

“If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” — Will Rogers

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” — Roger Caras

“You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, ‘Wow, you’re right!  I never would have thought of that!'” — Dave Barry

“Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” — Ann Landers

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principle difference between a dog and man.” — Mark Twain

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” — Josh Billings

“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.” — Anonymous

Pretty profound, huh?  I just wish I could have met Tom Stumpf.  What! a great and smart guy.

Lina, Aussie in Awe

WOOFDA!