Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

Where is the Cat?

Do you see a fuzzy white cat? The correct answer, for this invisible kitty, is no. He’s hiding, not because he is afraid, although that can be a very good…

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Bitter Pill for Pain? It just got Better

german shepherd

Limping is a strong clue, but a dog who’s not prone to drama may just get up more slowly or try turning back on leash walks. Arthritic cats might quit…

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Puppy crazy, jumpy, nippy mouthy

dog biting

Have you thrown a can of pennies? How about yelling and jerking? A different home? You’re breakin’ my heart. It can be much easier and a lot more fun.

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Don’t Say “No to Drugs”. Say “Yes” to Modern Medicine

koko

Last in a series Koko’s anxiety extended far beyond her antipathy against aerial aliens and her TV predator panic. She pestered for attention, nudging and pawing her people to distraction.…

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Don’t Let a Good Kitten Go Bad

kitten

House soiling, fighting, furniture damage – you don’t want it. A great cat’s life is not a random event. Good behavior starts with a healthy structure.

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Hiding from Life’s Problems: A Good Strategy

dog waiting at door

Fourth in a series Koko’s fear of her backyard and its airborne threats were making her crazy. There would be no point in applying human behavior solutions; she wasn’t a…

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Dog Parks – the Good the Bad & the Ugly

dogs playing

Running and playing with other dogs is good exercise and fun for everybody – unless your dog or someone else’s reacts badly. Should puppies go too?

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Airborne Monstrosities – High Anxiety

Koko

Third in a series Jan and Marty enjoyed watching the hot air balloons drift over their Corrales home but Koko’s arrival changed that and a whole lot more. This wigged-out…

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New Baby Dog

Mick

The Nichol family is planning to add a puppy. I’ll share my preparations and training plan. Everybody can win.

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