an introduction.

The dog is Rosie and we pick her up this morning. She is an 8 1/2 week old golden doodle, joining our small family. We've been without a pet for years now and take the adoption and training of a pup very seriously.

I have been reading a great book on the subject of adopting a puppy by the Monks of New Skete. It seems dogs and children have a lot in common. Each is an individual. Each learns best through the gentleness of play. Occasionally stern measures are required. Each has to find his or her place in the pack and his or her role in the family and community. For dogs there are alpha males and alpha females and then more submissive roles. There is also a natural process of growth, development and group integration that, if disrupted can lead to difficulties requiring stern measures for correction.

In a community of humans, things are only a bit more complex. So if you want to learn a bit more about basic human psychology, read The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete. Handled gently from the beginning, in full recognition of the various patterns of individuality, children and pups can be steered toward constructive relationships.

Yesterday in wood shop at the Clear Spring School my first grade boys learned to make toy cars and super heroes. For most it was the first time to use a saw.

In the meantime, welcome Rosie!

Make, fix, and create.