It’s winter, but I guess you already knew that. It’s cold and wet outside, but you probably already knew that, too. Your dog, your buddy, your pal is right by your side, out in...
Author: Chic Miller
In the wee hours of the morning, I hear him sound off. Like a well trained sentry, he alerts me. From the house, I can see a car approaching, headlights on high beam. The...
5:00AM, barely daylight – time to start chores on the farm. As usual, I headed first to my pony barn. From inside, little whinnies softly greeted me. They knew that my approach meant breakfast...
I first met them during the Shasta County Carr Fire. I watched as they made their way down our little winding road, through the thick smoke that had settled over the farm. Silently they...
Just who are backyard breeders, you ask? Well, it could be your neighbor, relative, co-worker, or even a close friend. They lurk everywhere. Anyone who feels compelled to breed their family dog (or dogs)...
We’ve all been there – at the pet store, the swap meet, or watching a TV commercial when we see the cutest, the most adorable, the most beautiful, the just-gotta-have-one of those pets. For...
First things first. Let me make myself perfectly clear. I really hate ticks – almost as much as I hate fleas, and I really really hate fleas. Ticks are not just annoying creatures. They...
Late July, of course it was hot here in Shasta County. That was to be expected. But it was more than just hot – it was too hot. Temperatures had been soaring well above...
My main goal in life is to care for and protect the many cuddly critters who reside at Bella Vista Farms. But this summer the farm was visited by a few uninvited, uncuddly, dangerous...
It must be the color of honey that brings warm thoughts to mind. Just saying the word makes me picture things that are soft and gentle. For instance, my bright yellow singing canaries, Piper,...
