Blog
Is this possible? Can you choose the great feline friend who will be the faithful excellent companion you have always wanted? I think you can but there are many “ifs” involved. This is an issue that is both simple and rather complicated all at once. I’d like to start by asking whether you are a cat person, a dog person, or a pet person. People with a strong preference for one species know why they feel that way. For these folks it’s pretty straightforward. You relate to that species largely because of who you are. You have clear expectations because…
Read More
Why it Happens; What to Do Dogs are our best friends for some really strong reasons. They’re always delighted to see us, they’ll follow us anywhere, and they’ll never run off with somebody else. Those traits are hard to find in another human. Most everybody I know does their best but, in some ways, dogs are the most special friends. They’ll never leak a secret. So what can you do if the dog who has stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? How is this possible? This dog loves you beyond words. More than frustrating, separation anxiety can…
Read More
Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) There is a definite calming influence that comes with having a cat sharing my home. They are delightful creatures but even the best-behaved kitty isn’t perfect, though, is she? When I list the reasons for this love affair, like companionship, affection, entertainment, and a great example of living in the moment, I recall the sacrifices that the cat-crazy among us conveniently forget – like our shredded house. There are aspects of cat-parenting that we must accept but modern science can make things better. The Nichol family has 2 cats who don’t damage their people…
Read More
If you think that spaying and neutering is the right thing to do, well, I would never argue. On the other hand, if you did not subject your dog to surgical removal of the testicles, ovaries, and uterus, procedures I have done thousands of times in my career, I wouldn’t challenge you to a duel. Either decision can constitute responsible pet ownership. I believe that taking the time to read this blog qualifies you as a committed dog parent. You’re not going to allow unrestricted, willy nilly, gratuitous, canine promiscuity. The hugely important priority of controlling runaway growth in the…
Read More
A ScareCrow will Prevent Intrusions by Neighbor Cats Question: I have a spayed female cat who mostly stays indoors and but likes to go out in the evenings when it cools down. She has her claws and can defend herself but there are a couple of male cats who wander into her territory. Sometimes she lets them know that she wants nothing to do with them. However, there have been occasions where the angry, fighting, howling cat words are loud and scare me. So far, she has not been in an actual fight but if she ever was I wouldn’t…
Read More
Kindness – on everybody’s part – is a key ingredient. In my work I see life lessons on the power of kindness every day. A few months ago a little girl and her big scared dog were students and they were teachers. The story of Buster the boxer, and the little girl who loves him, will have meaning for anyone who cherishes dogs and values kindness. Long before the arrival of their daughter, Shelly and Bill adopted Buster as a puppy right after they moved-in together. Buster went everywhere with his pet parents. They were an excellent family of 3.…
Read MorePanic is No Fun for Anybody Buddy was a really cute 2 year old dog when we met. Her problem was that she lost her composure and released a bladder full of urine with almost any hint of excitement. She didn’t show up alone, though, but with her Mom in tow. Buddy may be an unusual name for a girl dog but I am nobody to judge the monikers other people bestow on their non-human companions. I call my dog Miss America and that works just fine for both of us. So there was Buddy, in the reception room, ready…
Read More- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3