Last week at our cabin I went blueberry picking. They came in a little later this year, so we were not able to make the delicious blueberry dessert for fourth of July. Cherry cobbler was a tasty substitution (note to self: buy a cherry pitter next time, man that was a messy task). Within a few days of our stay the small fruits gradually began turning from green to blue, getting fatter and juicier. When I could wait no longer, I grabbed the tin pail and began my picking. Koda and Summer sniffed around my feet and even tried a few blueberries off the low branches.

Just in case you are wondering the same thing I was, blueberries are safe for dogs to eat. In fact I read that they’re also good for your dog. All the antioxidants and fiber in the blueberries provide the same benefits for your dog’s body that they give yours. It is even suggested to use frozen blueberries for a crunchy treat. Wow, who knew? Summer seemed to like it, especially pulling her own off the bush.

As each round berry hit the tin of the pail with a “kerplunk” I was reminded of another one of my favorite childhood books, Blueberries for Sal. This Caldacott award winning book was written and illustrated by Robert McKloskey in 1948. It is a sweet story about a mother and her daughter Sal who go picking blueberries, and a mother bear and her cub find themselves on the same Blueberry Hill preparing for winter. My mom read this to me and I was Sal and she the mother. Then years later I read this to my children, and envisioned myself as the mother bear. Both mothers worriedly search for their young ones when they are separated on the hill. I won’t spoil the ending, but highly suggest reading it.

It’s a classic. I distinctly remember the illustrations in simple navy blue ink and pale yellow. His other book, Make Way for Ducklings, used the same color pallet. It, too, covered the theme of motherhood. The books that my mother read to me as a child remain emotionally etched in my mind. I can even hear her voice and see her long fingers turning the pages as I leaned my head against her chest. How lucky I was that she read so often to us, and let us snuggle with her page after page. She probably put aside many tasks to spend this time with us.

I am reminded of that with these puppies. Koda and Summer will grow quickly, so now is the time to shower them with attention, training and love. The laundry folding can wait. Let’s go walk outside and see if more berries are ready for picking!