Togo Goes Down a New Path

An Introduction to "Notes from Casa de Togo"

For many years, I tweeted and posted quips and pictures from Foster Dog and Togo on social media. Just over two years ago, I discovered the Substack platform and moved my infrequent attempts at writing there in two separate publications: Togo Goes and Distinct Impressions.

As readers of Togo Goes, you know that Togo, my Husky-Malamute-Wolf mix friend, was my muse. While not the apex of literary excellence, my daily time with him resulted in glimpses of unique perspective of how human behavior and thought impacted the life of a dog. While intended to be humorous, there were moments of poignancy as Togo’s mind questioned the human condition.

Togo made me laugh, cry, and think. Even if no one else read a single one of his stories, I was benefited. I have often said that I write because I can’t afford a psychotherapist. A lot of people laugh with me about that. There’s a lot of truth to that statement.

I have been at a loss about how to go forward with this particular website. I want to continue to make Togo’s stories available to those who might come across them — spending a leisurely afternoon reading a few and enjoying the pictures. However, I can’t, at this time, write his stories. He’s earned his rest. And frankly, even thinking about that is, for now, an emotional undertaking.

My current thought is to continue in this space with a new name: Notes from Casa de Togo. In it, I hope to provide something different but something formed from the walk that Nancy and I, along with our family and you, our friends, had with Togo as guide.

My desire is to offer on these pages something positive. It might be silly, preposterous, or so genuinely helpful that it might add a smile to your day and build hope within you. The notes will be more personal — reflecting the views formed from walking alongside, talking to, and playing with Togo (one of the most sentient beings I have ever known) and other genuine folks who tend to see the good around them.

Far too much of what we see, hear, read, and experience is negative. I believe that there is a lot more of life to live within the realm of the positive. I hope that you will continue to subscribe. It will cost you nothing other than some time if you choose to read. If you find yourself regularly deleting these before you read them, feel free to unsubscribe. You won’t hurt my feelings. Or, if you enjoy the possibilities, share them with your friends.

Almost without fail, Togo Goes was sent out every Friday morning. I can’t make a commitment to that schedule at this point for Notes from Casa de Togo. This may be a short-lived experiment. But I think it’s one worth trying.

Welcome to Notes from Casa de Togo.

Abilene, Texas. March 1, 2024