Most of our encounters with other peoples’ pets occur while dogs are being walked on a leash. If you choose to approach a dog but something about the animal communicates unease — even if the owner is telling you their dog is friendly — go with your gut. Both the dog and its owner are […]
13 Signs a Dog is Uncomfortable Read More »
Her owners would brag that Jordan practically house-trained herself. Adopted from a local refuge at 5 months of age, Jordan readily adapted to her new owners’ long work hours, earning their trust by staying out of mischief and never, ever soiling in the house. In exchange for being awesome, the owners would walk Jordan to
The Nearest Park or Bust Read More »
Just in time for holiday wish lists and New Year’s resolutions, the following canine basics will bring out the best in your bestie:
5 Things Your Dog Needs From You Read More »
Homer did not fit the profile of the typical dog daycare member. He was a chunky 7-year-old terrier mix that had spent his entire life sharing quiet evenings and weekends with his bookish owner. Yet he was the first to arrive at daycare on his welcome day. Because his owner was desperate. Homer’s attention seeking
Homer Goes to Daycare Read More »
As the holiday season approaches, pet parents may question if it’s really such a bad thing to share the feast with four-legged family members. Pets are loved and it is the season for giving. Surely a little bit of turkey is okay, right? Nobody likes a holiday buzzkill. And among children and guests, it is
Holiday Food Pet Safety Read More »
Tugger was a champion English cocker spaniel, the kind so handsome he spent years in the show ring alternating between four-square poses and trotting around the ring alongside his handler until invited to the stand to have his long lush ears pulled forward over his eyes while a judge conducted a knowing frisk. Maintaining favorite
The Petty Larcenist Read More »
Pets are family. Now more than ever pet owners want to feed their dogs and cats as they feed themselves: natural and free-from. Pet food companies have acknowledged the inner circle status of pets by offering a broad range of solution-oriented kibble diets boasting high quality ingredients to improve health at every stage of life.
How Fresh Is Your Pet’s Kibble? Read More »
Carmen was a gift to a brilliant veterinary student the breeder believed had saved the life of his dog and her unborn puppies. The student was enthralled with the delicate little dog, naming her after a favorite opera while building a contact list of canine couturiers. Just like that Carmen scored a personal physician and
From Fearful to Fun-loving Read More »
Friendly, sweet-natured Periwinkle spent the pandemic years holding down a sofa, a commitment on full display the afternoon I met with her owner. She did not budge when I knocked on the front door and, amazingly, did not bark. Around the open living area were bags of dog food and assorted treats, most within reach
Princess Drop & Drag Read More »
Never underestimate what your dog (or cat) can or will do when they want something badly enough. The Mischief-Maker is about Homer, a little dog that only wanted his owner’s time and attention but ended up feeling grumpy all the time because his favorite human was exasperated and exhausted by his persistent attempts to get
Is Your Pet Demanding? Read More »
Homer was 7 years old when we met, a short-legged roly-poly terrier mix with coarse grizzled fur, a black nose, and bright dark eyes under bushy brows. He looked like an animated stuffed animal yet behaved at times like a Borgia having a bad hair day. Homer and his owner were very unhappy. She was
The Mischief-Maker Read More »
Confident, athletic, and clever, Pepper’s adolescence had been particularly vexing for his owner, a busy corporate executive who desired the companionship of a dog without realizing how trying it can be to raise one. She had adopted Pepper at 6 months wanting to bypass the demands of house training, while hoping they could skip right
Turnabout is Fair Play Read More »
