Waggleview with Robin Martin, Managing Editor of Under the Gum Tree

The Dog Owner: Robin Martin is the owner of Two Songbirds Press, a freelance editorial assistance business. She is also the managing editor of the creative nonfiction and arts magazine Under the Gum Tree.

Dog type and Name: Nacho is a beautiful mutt, some kind of retriever mix (maybe a flat coat retriever). I let my 14-year-old son name the dog because he promised to walk her. Unfortunately, she has become accustomed to the name despite the fact that he never fulfilled his end of the bargain.

Q: Why did you choose this dog? Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue matched her with our family profile. We wanted a rescued dog, and we love retriever mixes because of their gentle nature. She had been found, pregnant, on the streets of Stockton, CA, and had given birth to and nursed nine pit-bull puppies. The rescue said she was an excellent mama. We could tell that she had a human family once, and she had some fairly decent manners. We are a busy family, and she seemed pretty mellow. 

Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about?

Oh yes. We talk about everything, usually the day’s agenda or minor irritations we encounter around the house.

Q: If she could talk to you, what would she say?

She would say, “I’d like to go for another walk please. Immediately.”

 Q: What would your dog be reading on a Sunday morning?

Nacho would be reading Birdwatching magazine.

Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would she be doing?

She’d love to be a food taster. I think she’d be pretty good at it.

Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you?

Sometimes whining does get you what you want, but usually it just takes away from fully enjoying what you have in the moment.

Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you?

Around the neighborhood on a walk. Either that or upstairs for an afternoon nap.

Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?

She loves to check her pee-mail on walks. Usually she finds something amazing there and won’t let me move away from that spot. Who knows what it is!

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?

Let their dogs run off leash through the neighborhood. 

Q:  What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?

This is bound to be a boring answer: providing shelter, food, health care, exercise, and safe boundaries for my pet. Making sure she knows she is loved. Knowing where she is at all times. Making sure she has a good caregiver when I am not with her. 

Q:  Do you ever dress up your dog? If so, as what?

No way.

Q:  How has your dog changed your life?

My rug was once white–I am constantly in a battle with her black hair on my floor. Also, it’s not a meal without dog hair in it. But seriously, I have to remember to get a dog sitter before heading out for the weekend, and sometimes I actually walk in the rain and cold.

Q:  Does your dog have a philosophy of life?

Do everything to excess. 

Q:  I love my dog because — she loves me.

Q:  Have you ever made dog treats for your dog? If so, please share your recipe.

No. Does that make me a bad dog-mama?

 

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you Robin for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.

Tell us, what would your dog be reading on Sunday morning?

Please comment below.

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To read more waggleviews click HERE for one with Annie Peters, President and CEO of Pet Partners or HERE for one with Terri Webster Schrandt, leisure educator and blogger.

If you’re interested in some mindful health, you can read “Do Nutritional Supplements Work?” by functional nutritionist, Sally Wallace Lynch and click HERE for How to Get More Green(s) into your life.

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Best,

Lori