“What historical time period would your dog like to have lived in?” Waggleview™ with New York Times bestselling author Sarah Albee
The Dog Owner: Sarah Albee is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 100 books for kids, ranging from preschool through middle grade. Her latest nonfiction middle grade title Why’d They Wear That? is about crazy fashions in history (National Geographic, 2015). She enjoys writing about topics where history and science connect, including Bugged: How Insects Changed History (2014) and Poop Happened: A History of the World from the Bottom Up (2010). When she isn’t writing books or visiting schools in person or via Skype, Sarah blogs about offbeat history at sarahalbeebooks.
Sarah Albee
Dog type and Name: Standard Poodle/Rosie
Q: Why did you choose this dog?
We hadn’t planned on getting a “purebred” dog, or a puppy. But Rosie sort of fell into our laps when a woman at my husband’s office sent out an email saying her parents’ friends had a litter of puppies and had to find homes for them quickly because of illness in the family. And there was a picture. And the rest is history.
Sarah and Rosie
Q: What would be your dog’s favorite type of books to read?
Call of the Wild, White Fang, and definitely 101 Dalmations. Most of us have seen the Disney movie, but the book is excellent if you haven’t read it. I think Rosie would love it, too.
Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about?
I talk to her all the time. I ask her advice about everything from plot difficulties to her thoughts about what I should cook for dinner. She is an excellent listener, and does that poodle head-cock to one side where I swear she’s about to answer me in flawless English.
Q: What historical time period would your dog like to have lived in?
Well her roots are French, of course. I think she would have liked the court of Louis XIV. She’s a bit of a lounge queen and she loves to be pampered.
Q: If she could talk to you, what would she say?
She kind of does already. She’s the happiest, most loving creature. As my husband phrased it, “she’s always part of the solution.”
Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would she be doing?
I went to a really fancy, large party in New York awhile ago, and there were “party facilitators,” or whatever they’re called, working the party—just attractive, well-dressed, fun men and women who’d been hired to get people to dance and to chat up the introverts. Rosie would be excellent at that job. Or she could be a neuroscientist. She’s wicked smart.
Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you?
No matter how caught up I get in work, I need to make time to go outside and play.
Q: How does your dog inspire you?
She’s taught me that Love conquers all.
Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you?
She loves the car, she loves the woods, she loves bounding up mountains in the Adirondacks. The only place she hates is the vet.
Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?
She barks when people show up at the door, but it’s remarkable how quickly she remembers people that she met once, as long ago as a year or more. She will bark a few times, then recognize the person, and wag her little tail like crazy. Like the refrigerator repair guy. She remembers people.
Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?
I’m pretty easygoing about other dog owners. I suspect it’s me people have a problem with, because I think I brag about my dog too much. It’s hard not to, because she’s kind of perfect.
Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?
I’m a fan of dog trainers. If your dog has challenging behaviors, like jumping on people or running away from you, it might be worth investing in the money to have a dog trainer come help you get those behaviors under control. We had six lessons with a guy when Rosie was a puppy, and what a world of difference it makes. She still knows how to sit/heel/stay/lie down, and, usually, “come.”
Q: Do you ever dress up your dog? If so, as what?
We don’t, but when our family went away for a week last year, Rosie stayed with our friends who have three very young children. When Brie, the mom, left the girls alone with Rosie for a few minutes to go change the baby’s diaper, she returned to find Rosie dressed in a pink tutu, a tolerant but long-suffering look on her face. It was very cute.
Q: How has your dog changed your life?
She’s brought a ton of love into the family. She’s a reminder that life is full of joy if you look for it.
Q: Does your dog have a philosophy of life?
I suppose, “Life is better when everyone is home.” I have two kids in college, and she hates when anyone leaves. Even the sight of a suitcase makes her uneasy.
Q: I love my dog because she’s so joyful.
Q: Have you ever made dog treats for your dog? If so, please share your recipe.
- Return from a 3-day business trip
- Look in the fridge and discover no one touched the chicken you cooked and left for them.
- Cut some up and give it to Rosie.
WAGGLEVIEW: These interviews are focused on woman leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected women in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about dogs and what these women do? This is a platform for women 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 dog!
Thank you Sarah for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview.
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What historical time period would your dog liked to have live in?
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