Heading over to see my favorite little dog (Nick of course), and came upon this amazing chalk drawing. There are several people who use chalk on the sidewalks to liven them up or leave messages, but I've never seen one as artistic as this piece. The detail is stunning.
One of the things I miss about the Bay Area is the ocean views. Playing ball in Alta Plaza Park with the best of all dogs in the universe, Barney, overlooking the bay, was the highlight of my day. Walking along the beach in the Marina while Barney chased seagulls, volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center, or visiting the Presidio Yacht Club to go for a sail with my parents were uplifting experiences. To me, the ocean is magical, mysterious, and endlessly fascinating. Therefore, when a friend who lives in Washington state sent me pictures of her week away with her husband and best friend, I felt quite envious and nostalgic for the old days. Of course, when you know who her bestie is, and that she was the purpose for that particular destination, you will forgive her as quickly as I did.
This is the best friend - Bailey. And yes, she's gorgeous. Just look at those eyes.
People understandably look at me as if I have finally gone completely 'round the bend, but I believe that plants, trees in particular, actually have a kind of sentience. We might not understand it or even know what we're looking for (or at), but the idea that plants have intelligence and feelings is now not so far-fetched as people think. More and more research is being done with minds open to the possibility probability. Findings are showing that mushrooms have more in common with humans and act as the neural network for trees. Let's face it, human beings have been rather ego-centric when it comes to life on the planet and science hasn't been kind even to our own. It wasn't until 1987 that the American Academy of Pediatrics FINALLY admitted that children under the age of six months felt pain. Performing procedures on infants without anesthesia was common, and if they wailed, well, that was something else going on. Blatant evidence right in front of their eyes and.... Don't get me started on how science has treated the mentally ill, certain racial groups, and, lest we forget, animals. To put it politely -- not well.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Holleben started me thinking even more deeply about my theory of sentience, and discussions with arborists, who didn't treat me like a nut job, kept the idea alive. Lately, BBC Wildlife Magazine has been putting out more articles that relate to the subject. If you can't follow the links to the articles, your local library probably has access to the magazines electronically.
As a species, we need to do better. We need to realize that just because something doesn't look or move or sound like us, it doesn't mean there are no feelings. We just need to do better!
“A new layer of complexity”: scientists record bioelectrical tree communication during solar eclipse
A new study carried out in Italy's Dolomite Mountains provides further evidence that trees are capable of complex communication, say researchers. April 30, 2025 Cycles of light and dark impact almost all living things, and events such as eclipses can cause noticeable changes in how they act and function. While these impacts are well studied in animals, we still know very little about how plants respond to solar eclipses. Now, in a new study carried out in Italy's Dolomite Mountains, researchers
Read in BBC Wildlife Magazine: https://apple.news/AJ-
Are plants clever? Just how do plants make decisions?
How do plants know what to do if they don't have a brain or a nervous system? We investigate April 28, 2025 Plants respond to gravity and the presence of water, light and chemicals - and even to touch. But how do they do this with no brain or nervous system? Botanists are not sure. Their best explanation is that they contain many of the same substances that in animal cells, such as nerves, signal changes in physical states, prompting a response. Why do flowers point up or down? Scientists
Read in BBC Wildlife Magazine: https://apple.news/AHE_
As those who follow my mutterings know, Nellie has a dog park boyfriend named Scotty whose greatest pleasure is chasing the ball. Nellie's greatest pleasure used to be chasing Scotty. That dynamic has changed somewhat as Nellie has decided that barking and herding every other dog she sees is much more to her taste. So while she's always very excited to see Scotty and chase after him occasionally, it's not the hot romance it was. Frankly, I don't understand how she can resist this wonderful hunk of burning love.
Now, on this coast we have big furry friends, and on the East Coast, there are two senior dogs who find that snuggling into their comfy beds a much better plan. Lenny and Jack live in New York and Florida (yes, they have two abodes). They are tucked for the long drive between houses. Lucky dogs. And they are adorably sweet.
Some people really know how to design gardens and Angel's Mom (Angel being the Labrador who just had her birthday) really knows what she's doing. She spends hours on her garden and you can tell. It is so peaceful and the plants are so beautifully curated, she puts the Huntington Gardens and Golden Gate Park to shame.
Lest you think I am only interested in our neighborhood dogs, think again. A former colleague moved to Washington state and rescued a dog German Shepherd named Bailey. Bailey loves to go to the beach to romp and take long walks to wear her Mom out. Ordinarily she is not friendly with other dogs, so when she found this friend on one of her walks, it had to be shared. Apparently kissing in canine culture is acceptable. And adorable.
We all know those Moms who spoil their children to the detriment of their benefit to society. And then there's Angel. Angel is one deservedly spoiled child who has responded to that by being the sweetest, loveliest fur baby ever. Always a pleasure to meet and greet on a walk. And elegant to boot. Today is her birthday (she's getting up there in age) and we had to share. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL.
