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 »
The first time I cared for Harry, he didn’t use his litter box until the third day. A big relief for both of us. Until then I was patting down patterned rugs, soft furnishings, checking under beds and inside closets convinced I would find proof Harry was thinking outside the box. He wasn’t and that
The Litter Box Withholder Read More »
The publicity photo of Babe is from an earlier victory, before she swept the field to win her first national field trial championship in June of 1996, days before we met. Her owner was and is a wealthy philanthropist and renowned dog handler who hired me to walk Babe every weeknight at 10pm. I was
Harley’s Big Splash 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 »
Mister was eager, friendly, outgoing, and a world-class trash can raider. The latter was an addictive practice that occasionally broke my schedule when his owner forgot to relocate the kitchen trash can to a nearby closet. In 1995 Mister was two-years-old and eighty pounds of glossy black handsomeness. To my everlasting regret, the photo is
Snow Is Better With a Dog 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
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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 »
Scout’s owners wanted their little dog to “talk” to them. Welcomed into their hearts and home at 9 weeks of age, Scout had reached the 16 week mark without a single woof. And the owners wanted very much to hear from her. Which they did about a month later when Mr. Doorbell beckoned and Scout
When I’m Calling Yoouuu! 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
4 Ways to Fix Problem Barking Read More »
Housetraining a puppy in the city can be more difficult because 1) city life can easily overload a naïve puppy’s superb senses, and 2) puppies are easily distracted. If your puppy won’t urinate outside, try this: First thing in the morning fill a large bowl with warm water and stir in a little wet food.
Puppy Won’t Pee Outside? Read More »
This story is from Philly in the 90s, back when it took days to process the film used to capture a puppy moment. The original image is so small and fuzzy, the puppy has been inset with an X to mark the spot he rested his butt all those years ago. The puppy is Shane
Housetraining @*#?!! Read More »
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
