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Second in a series Father and son trundled off in the family station wagon to a somewhat dilapidated quasi-farm. In the corner of an ancient barn sat a plywood enclosure of delightful Britanny puppies scampering around their haggard-looking mama. Looking back, it’s clear how badly she needed a break from the unrelenting demands of puppy production. Because I was a boy it somehow made sense to me that a male puppy would be a good choice. The first cuddler to hop into my lap was my immediate BFF. My father’s childhood cocker spaniel was named Scott; my dog would be his namesake. I was the luckiest kid on the planet. I am older now, wiser and a bit battle scarred, but still lucky. Now it was time for Responsibility. No more fun and games. Vaccinations for puppies, a concept in its infancy at the time, got my attention next. I…

First in a series I’ve always loved pets. I remember watching Lassie and Rin Tin Tin on TV, enthralled with the loyal bond between these dogs and their children. By age 8, I just had to have one of my own. Making it happen was a long shot. My father was not an approachable man but I somehow mustered the courage to ask if I could have a puppy. He intoned, with stark clarity, that I alone would be responsible for all dog-related chores: feeding, training, exercising, and clean-up. I was committed – more than ready, although I had no idea. The stars must have aligned. To my astonishment, he consented. I was quietly delighted a couple of days later when he arrived home with a copy of the Complete Dog Book from the American Kennel Club. I opened this tome to a random page. Staring back at me was…

Question: A therapy dog has a developed a phobia of his owner’s vehicle. Maybe something traumatic happened at the groomer, since that’s when it started. It’s a 2 year old collie named “Laddie”, related to the movie dog(s) Lassie. I thought of feeding him in the vehicle for a week or two, tossing hot dogs inside, using a ramp with a line of hot dogs. I’m pretty sure forcing him into the vehicle is a bad idea. Dr. Nichol: Wow – related to Lassie? I’m star struck just answering your question. You have the basics but you’ll need to slow this down, way down. Refusal to get into a car can result from a crash, hard braking, or a sudden swerve that thrashes a pet. Fear of a destination like a groomer or veterinary clinic can also do it. Laddie can overcome his dread if he is slowly and methodically desensitized.…