Well, I put away the camera and video camera and Ipad and retreat to my quiet little study and begin thinking about what I want to write, and then I hear this weird scratching and pecking sound somewhere around my feet. I just can’t imagine. I hear it again and again and then I go outside with Rose and she makes a beeline for the window outside of my study. There I find Alice and Meg busy pecking away at the screen as if it were made of worms.
Did they hear me in there? Were there bugs in the screen? I told Rose to “Get the sheep!” and she jumped up there and chased them away. Winston came towards her as if to make trouble and Rose gave him a withering “try me!” look, the one she uses on belligerent rams, and he looked the other way.
Rose came back to work this morning, and I have a neat video upcoming showing her workout. I was very pleased. Don’t see retirement in her future or mine. Sometimes Rose looks around at the donkeys and chickens and cats and just seems to be shaking her head in disbelief. She has seen a lot in her time here, and I love her and am grateful to her. Got lot to write about when I get a few minutes, but first I’m going to do a little writing. You remember, Jon,you’re a writer!
The “Going Home” video, published here and elsewhere last week, is making its way around the world. It has nearly 5,000 views on YouTube, has been posted on Amazon, dog and book sites, and elsewhere and is drawing e-mail and comments everywhere people love animals. I am so glad I undertook this very loving collaboration with my readers, a true celebration of our love for animals, and our grieving when they go.
We made this video together – my words from my book, your images, sparked by the “Going Home” page on Facebook.
“Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die” will be published by Random House on September 27, just a few weeks away. I will head off on a three week book tour, Ipad and MacbookPro and camera in hand. We are including a week-long “In Support of Vermont” book tour beginning in Burlington and heading through Manchester, Chester, and points South. Also Milwaukee, several cities in Ohio, and stops throughout the Northeast. The reviews have been wonderful.
Connie Brooks of Battenkill Books, my independent bookstore, has received nearly 300 pre-orders for signed and personalized copies of “Going Home.” There is plenty of time to order yours and support the book and a great independent bookstore. Vote the individual’s right to life in a corporate world. . Connie is still taking orders at 518 677-2515. She will also be offering the “Going Home” video – also signed and personalized – in one form or another, either as part of the pre-orders as separately. She is trying to figure out the logistics.You can call the store at 518 677-2515 or -mail her at [email protected].
I am very pleased to be putting this video up again and, as always, feel free to share it. Thanks so much for sending me so many wonderful images and words of your pets. I believe it is healing. I can feel it.
