Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate what they want, what they do not want, what their intentions are, and even their mood. It is also true our ability to read their body language is rather poor, in part, due to the dizzying diversity in canine form and structure. The kind of head shake […]
Dog Body Language: Head Shakes Read More »
Since dogs and cats do not come with trouble-shooting guides, you could be forgiven for missing a few cues here and there, particularly when a pet is feeling sick or troubled. Even for those of you most in touch with your pet’s feelings, evolutionary hardwiring will likely prevent the pet from communicating her wants and
8 Things Pets Wish They Could Tell You Read More »
Sleek and glossy black, Mister and Lady were easy to tell apart because Lady was always the first on scene when I catered mealtimes. And that was a problem for her everlastingly shy brother. Both cats loved wet food and, if Mister didn’t put himself out there, his sister would lap it all up. But
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 »
On a sunny morning I had finished watering the potted plants framing the dining area windows to notice T, a plump gray tabby, sitting at the opposite end of the kitchen watching me. Odd because his breakfast had been served and he never passed up a meal. As I approached the sink, T lowered to
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 »
Shy, sweet-natured Itta lived peacefully in a charming two-story house on a quiet Philly street. By the time I sat down with her owner, the plump brown tabby had a new feline housemate called Cubbon, named for his ginger fur and a personality so big his doting owner could speak of little else. To his
On the flip side The cat’s use of scent to maintain social equilibrium can cause problems in the human-feline relationship. With paws stretched wide, claws extended, scratching releases pheromones that give off a strong scent that reassures cats their environment is safe. Usually not a problem until this innate drive is directed at your furniture.
5 Basics of Cat Happiness 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 »
