Cassie the Corgi, Queen of the Universe and Empress of All Time, Space, and Eternity, has (as you can imagine with a title like that) some magical qualities. Among them is the ability to cure aches and pains.

Now that I'm old, I hurt all over my bodeh. About two years ago I managed to hurt my back -- ignominiously, by perching in a stupid position in front of a computer…

Our proposed new pup's breeder e-mails to report that one of her two pregnant dams has been to the vet, who believes she's carrying "at least"(!) five pups.

Heee! Is one of these blurry shadow's Cassie's new roommate?

These little guys are due shortly after Christmas. The other litter is expected between January 9 and 14. They're momma won't be examined…

My son's English golden retriever, Charley, has been boarding with me and Cassie during work hours for the past two days.

At about two, Charley still has some puppy manners. Oh, what the heck. Let's just admit it: this is a beast for whom "training" has never been a very operative term. One of his favorite antics is counter-surfing. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that my son is truly a great cook, and that he likes to entertain his friends with wonderful…

...it's C-O-O-L-D!!!

Cassie is not among the some who like it hot. And where we live, it gets mighty hot -- 118 is not uncommon. So when we go for a walk during the late spring, summer, and early fall, it's after dark or before dawn, and even then when it's very warm, she pooples out after a block or two.

But once the weather cools into the 60s and low 70s...ahhhh! Dog joy. Then she can go and go and go.

I have to walk a mile a day -- preferably…