One Gallon Dog in a Ten Gallon Hat

I may be a one gallon dog in a ten gallon hat, but I know a good book when I see one. And “Best Dog Ever” from Chicken Soup for the Soul is a good book. Now…if I could ONLY see out of this hat!

Best Thing About Fall & Best Dog Ever

 Best thing about fall is college football...

...Oh, and this new book coming out tomorrow, Best Dog Ever from Chicken Soup for the Soul. My cousin, a Boxer named Blitz, has a story in it.

The Tommy John Story

A few days ago, I posted about #TommyJohn, and the connection I had with him through the production and distribution of a film telling his remarkable story.

Sadly, his health battles ended earlier today.

News Report From Earlier Today

https://www.tmz.com/2026/08/16/tommy-john-dead/ 

I have a story included in this book coming out on August 18

I’m privileged to have a story included in this book about a purebred boxer of my childhood that was stolen. Authorities told us, based on his battered, emaciated condition, Blitz likely traveled hundreds of miles just to get back home. “Best Dog Ever” on sale August 18 from Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE

Tommy John

I had the opportunity to distribute his film, "The Tommy John Story", shortly after his historic surgery. Tommy also spoke in our church one Sunday night. I was impressed that he was a man of courage and faith. Tommy John is one of the good ones. 

This link is to a TMZ article, BASEBALL ICON TOMMY JOHN BIDS FAREWELL TO FANS IN LETTER AMID HEALTH BATTLE 

https://www.tmz.com/2026/08/08/tommy-john-says-goodbye-to-fans-amid-hospice-care/ 

So far it’s working!

So far it’s working! No squirrel pirates have robbed any more tomatoes from our garden, the past two days, since putting a pan of water out for them. And we’re finally expecting rain this weekend.                                                                Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE 

Bandits! That’s what I call them. Bandits!

Bandits! That’s what I call them. Bandits! Sure, it’s been incredibly dry in Northern Illinois lately. And we have a lot of squirrels in our backyard. 

Recently these little varmints have been scaling the fence around our garden, by crawling up the support poles...

...in order to steal green or ripe tomatoes. So far, I think they’ve eaten more of them than we have. 

The worst part is, they just take a few bites and leave the rest. I can only conclude they’re looking for a source of liquid. Come on rain! 

For now I put out some water in a pan for them. 

And look what I see out my window.

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BLP3EE