Living Off The Land
Dear Frankie,
My parents just inherited a farm in Northern Maine. It’s on a river, forty minutes from the nearest town, and has neighbors you’d need binoculars to see.
My parents’ plan is to open a farm stand to sell the maple syrup they make, and fruits and vegetables they grow. The problem is wearing overalls and trapper hats have never been my thing.
So, if they move, what do you think about me surrendering to a local shelter and taking my chances that a nice local family who lives near a dog park will come along and adopt me?
Shelby
Dear Shelby,
Forty minutes from town, no neighbors in sight, that’s remote. But before you pack your leash, let’s look at the upside. Learning how to tap a tree, chasing critters, summer swims in a river. That’s not a punishment, that’s a story most city dogs would kill to tell.
How about asking your parents if they would consider a one-year trial before making Maine their permanent zip code.
As for the shelter, I’ve been there. Trust me. The floors are hard, and the blankets are thin.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
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