Thanks for the photos from your place on Goose Creek. They will be a good source of inspiration for your writing. Here is the response I received from Microsoft Copilot in response to a query about your dog Tsuga:
Fred First’s dog Tsuga was a golden retriever known for his spirited personality and poetic presence in Fred’s writing. 🐾
Tsuga often appeared in blog posts and essays as a companion on walks through Goose Creek and the Appalachian woods. One particularly vivid image comes from a reflection where Tsuga is described chasing butterfly shadows, herding them with earnest determination—even in his sleep. He also had a quirky habit of bobbing for rocks in the creek, keeping his eyes open underwater as if searching for treasure.
In another tribute, Tsuga is called a “dog gone fast dog,” bounding joyfully through the landscape during visits with Fred and Ann on their property in Floyd County. His name, inspired by the hemlock tree genus, reflects Fred’s deep connection to nature and the poetic lens through which he views the world.
Tsuga wasn’t just a pet—he was a muse, a metaphor, and a beloved character in Fred’s slow road home.
Well that was pretty much spot on. Made me smile.
I see this in my mind, smell the earth and feel this peaceful bliss in my soul. How very lovely.
Thanks for the photos from your place on Goose Creek. They will be a good source of inspiration for your writing. Here is the response I received from Microsoft Copilot in response to a query about your dog Tsuga:
Fred First’s dog Tsuga was a golden retriever known for his spirited personality and poetic presence in Fred’s writing. 🐾
Tsuga often appeared in blog posts and essays as a companion on walks through Goose Creek and the Appalachian woods. One particularly vivid image comes from a reflection where Tsuga is described chasing butterfly shadows, herding them with earnest determination—even in his sleep. He also had a quirky habit of bobbing for rocks in the creek, keeping his eyes open underwater as if searching for treasure.
In another tribute, Tsuga is called a “dog gone fast dog,” bounding joyfully through the landscape during visits with Fred and Ann on their property in Floyd County. His name, inspired by the hemlock tree genus, reflects Fred’s deep connection to nature and the poetic lens through which he views the world.
Tsuga wasn’t just a pet—he was a muse, a metaphor, and a beloved character in Fred’s slow road home.
I know I recall the first sentence of the first entry! So good to read your beautiful words.
Fred, every sentence is a poem. You are a. Fabulous writer!!