Strider gives new intern Woody his big break — top billing!

By Strider the Dog

Hi Woody,

Welcome to Ashland.news! I’m an SOU student, and I like reading Ask Strider. I’m glad he brought on a young intern.

I’ve always related to puppies. I’m kind of awkward, and have trouble stopping from jumping around when I’m excited. Also I eat a lot more than my parents, which causes unnecessary comment in my opinion.

Do you get embarrassed by being a puppy? How do you handle it?

— Interested Student

Hi Interested,

Wow! Like knowing each other! Yeah, don’t understand what Strider says about pronouns. Not yet. Getting there. Embarrassed, yes. Know what that is when peeing on floor after walk at, what call it, BEACH. Salt water, thirsty.  Drink too much. Forget.

Students smart, so don’t pee on floor, safe bet. But know general thing? Yeah?

Here’s how Woody handles. Ashamed. Tries best. Sees Tod loves Woody. No matter what. Strider protect Woody. Woody not going back! Woody getting smarter and more like dog every day! Still Woody. Not something Woody not.

You? You get more like you every day?

Oh, wow! Pronoun! First one! Score!!!

Work hard. Like a dog. Hope!

And eating thing? No worries. Need extra food for growing brain!

Feeling you,

Woody

Dear Strider,

I’m glad you have an intern. But how did you know you were getting a good one? I’ve had interns in the past, and a lot of times they’re more trouble than they’re worth.

May I ask how you knew Woody would be a good intern for you? Did he show some sign of it? Or was it just luck of the draw? I’m hoping to get some pointers on how to pick a winner.

— Looking for Interns in All the Wrong Places

Dear Looking,

It was easy picking out Woody. The minute I met him, I could see he had promise. For one thing, when we took our first “Getting to know you” walk, he kept looking around to make sure we were all together. He was showing his mettle even at four months old! Sheer herding dog. They’re the best, and I say this with all due modesty, given that I’m mostly herding dog too.

But mainly because he said the right thing when we met. He said, “Give me a chance. I’ll make your life better in a week, or you can bring me back.” He’s part Jack Russell terrier, so I think his smart strategizing comes from that side. Of course, he spoke to me first in Feeling, which is how we dogs communicate.  I’m teaching him Human Language. He’s a quick learner. He’s six months old now, and growing fast.

I think if an intern promises to make your life better or you can send them back, you’re on safe ground taking them on. Of course, they have to make your life better. Woody is a winner. I really appreciate his thoughtfulness. And his devotion to work.

He is great at waking Tod up in the middle of the night when I have to go outside. I imagine you’re looking for different traits. But the principle is the same.

Don’t you think?

Dear Strider,

The wildfire smoke we’ve been getting in the Rogue Valley is really depressing. Do dogs get depressed by it? How do you handle it?

— Frustrated

Dear Frustrated,

I hear you. Well, we do pretty much what you guys do. We hunker down as best we can and count our blessings. Usually this is a great place to live, what with the dog lovers and the mountains and the trees and the rivers and streams and all. Also, and I don’t say this lightly, the key word for me and Woody the Puppy is “live.” I mean, given where we both came from originally, before Fedwell Farms (me) and Sanctuary One (Woody) saved us, that’s really the bottom line.

Also, and this is no small thing, the food is great here.

Just saying.

Strider was a street dog, now he’s a dog about town. Intern Woody the Puppy never lost his sense of wonder, even after being abandoned on a small town street. They’re here for you! Want advice with no bark on it? (Well, maybe a little bark.) Email askstrider@ashland.news.