Cats are as individual as we are. One cat may enjoy being stroked while curled up on your lap while another prefers curling up in their own space nearby. Taking the time to understand your cat’s behavior, to provide their needs and favorite things will bring you a lifetime of joy and head bumps. Cat […]
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 »
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 »
The Litter Box Withholder introduces readers to Harry, a cat very easy to love. He is beautiful, friendly, and enjoys being cradled in his owners’ arms like a baby. So it’s no surprise that a few little meows at mealtime were met with smiles and extra attention. Harry’s keen interest in the intoxicating smell of
Can You Hear Me Now? Read More »
On the several occasions Harold’s doting owners traveled together, their beloved tabby would make himself personally available only to sink his teeth into me. In Harold’s contrary world there were two kinds of people: the owners who loved and accepted him and the soft targets who visited. Among the latter group he was known as
Why Harold Had So Few Friends Read More »
The majority of cats are faithful to their litter boxes. But when they aren’t, the reasons fall into two general categories: health problems and thinking-outside-the-box issues. In all cases taking the cat for a health checkup is the vet-recommended first step. If the problem is not health-related, a cat will use urine and feces to
5 Litter Box Stories Read More »
When I met Rosie in 1995, my head was still in the clouds as the first pet sitter to be named “Best of Philly.” This is the cat I credit with keeping me humble during those heady days. At the meet & greet her owners warned their beloved cat had issues while 3-year-old Rosie crouched
About a Cat and an Umbrella Read More »
Helping a dog to kick a strong barking habit is hard. But without your help, the dog is powerless to change the behavior you don’t like. It is a process that requires time, patience, and understanding, especially in the beginning when all efforts to affect change are soundtracked by a frustrated barker. Stick to the
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This photo captures the opening scene of a ten-day booking caring for three cats: two adult females rarely seen by outsiders and one very active juvenile male we’ll call Bizzy. Jet black with amber eyes, his real name and photo have been withheld to protect the guilty. Nearing 18 months of age, Bizzy had been
