Unless you live in the Outer Hebrides or have been in a health or work-induced coma, there’s no way you could have missed the brouhaha and public outrage over South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s admitted shooting of her 14-month-old puppy, Cricket. Nothing unifies people of different opinions and persuasions than animals, especially dogs. There are more photos of dogs on peoples’ desks than there are of humans. And if you’re in a client meeting, there is nothing that breaks the ice in a conference room or Zoom call than when someone starts talking about their […]
Are shelter dogs America’s throwaway dogs? It’s #NationalPetDay, so it’s a good time to ask this question. I did some digging. I went to 11 shelter websites in CA, NV, TX, AL, SC, and NY, and looked at their adoption fees for adult dogs/puppies. The range for all dogs was $0 to $150, with the average adoption fee of $70 for an adult dog. Now compare that $70 average fee to a “Family of Four Feast” at Red Lobster for $136.99, an annual Netflix subscription for $167+, or a monthly cell phone bill for an […]
What do Brooklyn, Kosmo, and Numi have in common? They were adopted from shelters. They were returned to the shelter by their adopters shortly after their adoption. They’re all dead. This is not a post meant to depress, but to raise awareness of a heart-wrenching reality that often goes unnoticed in the world of animal rescue: the plight of returned rescue/shelter dogs. Did you know that six out of ten dogs adopted from a shelter are returned within two months? For many people who decide to add a dog to their home, they opt to […]
Hello, future dog owners! Today, we’re going to talk about something really important but fun—your future dog’s personality, or what we like to call their “temperament.” Just like people, dogs, and certain dog breeds, have their own unique personalities and personality types. Some are super playful and energetic, while others might be more laid-back and calm. Knowing about these different types of personalities can help you find the perfect doggie friend for your family. Why Dogs’ Personalities Matter Imagine you’re a person who loves to chill at home, watching movies or reading books. Now, what […]
Are you thinking about a puppy for the Holidays? Are you a first-time dog owner? I’ve owned dogs for close to 35 years, multiple breeds, and raised dogs from puppies to seniors. If there’s one thing I know, it’s dogs. If you’re a first-time dog owner, here’s my take on dogs that would be good for you/your family and followed by dogs that while popular, you should avoid for your sanity. Every person/situation is different, but if you’ve NEVER owned a dog, or, it’s been longer than 15 years since you’ve had one, then this […]
You’re seriously thinking about adopting a dog. It’s that time of year for gift giving, right? Stop! Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t. 1. You’re not ready for a baby; you’re not ready for another child. A puppy is a 4-legged baby; a dog is a 4-legged child. If you’re not ready for a baby or another child, do NOT get a dog. 2. You’re unwilling to make a lifestyle change. You love going out with friends shopping, to sporting events, the restaurant scene, nightlife, or to places that don’t necessarily allow you to […]
I had a scare with my Boston Terrier, Thumper recently. Why is that important? Because it can happen to you and your dog. Found this lump on Thumper (L) one morning. Appeared out of nowhere. Reminded me of five similar lumps that Chipper had (R) beginning at age five years. Thumper is five years old. Chipper’s lumps were mast cell tumors, the most common form of skin cancer in dogs. They come out of nowhere, are hard to the touch, can change shape, and can be found on the paws, legs, stomach, and other parts […]
The Bidens are once again in the national news, or rather their dog is. Commander, the Bidens’ German Shepherd, has apparently been chomping on a string of Secret Service agents. Between October 2022 and January 2023, he exercised his canines 10 times. And recently, it’s number 11. So what exactly is going on here? When the Bidens first entered the White House, they had a 13-yr old Shepherd, Champ and a younger Shepherd, Major. Champ was described as a sweet tempered dog, who regrettably passed away. Major, was a rescue, who chose to forego his […]
Dog socialization is more than just a buzzword in the world of pet ownership. It’s a critical aspect of raising a well-rounded and well-behaved dog. In this post, I’ll delve into why dog socialization matters, what it entails, and how to ensure your pup gets the best out of this essential aspect of their development. Understanding Dog Socialization Dog socialization begins at birth with the mother dog and the breeder. This is why it is so important to the dog’s early development that it is not removed from contact with its mother or siblings prior […]
Three yrs ago today, Sept. 13, I unexpectedly lost my 12 year old German Shepherd, Olympia, to sepsis. Backtrack in time ————- Fifteen yrs ago, I and my six-month old German Shepherd, Czarina, drove from Chicago’s western suburbs to Michigan to pick up the little tyke, Olympia, from the breeder. On the way home, I drove with the windows closed since she wailed so loudly in her crate, I thought someone might report me to the ASPCA for animal cruelty. I pulled over at a rest stop, took her out of her crate, and she […]
Are you thinking of adding a second dog to your family? Here are some points to consider before you detonate that adopt button. 1) Your first dog’s temperament. This is THE key. Not age. Not gender. Not breed. The photo below is 12 yr old Shepherd, Czarina, with 2 yr old Allegra. Some dogs are best suited to being an only dog, while other dogs, with careful introduction, may be accepting and will get on well with the second dog. Nirvana is when both dogs become BFFs. A meet-and-greet between your dog and the potential […]
You’ve decided you want to get a dog and you’re on your way to the shelter. STOP! Before you walk through the shelter door: — Do you know what size, temperament, and type of dog is right for your lifestyle and family? Or, were you just thinking about walking up and down the shelter aisles and see which dog appeals to you? (Note: six out of ten dogs are returned within two months of adoption. Please don’t be a statistic.) — What are your expectations for your new pup? Some dogs acclimate quickly, while others […]
It’s been three years this month since I lost my beloved Czarina. No matter how many dogs we may have in our lives, there will always be that ONE who sings to your heart, who knows you better than you know yourself, and whose unflinching love and loyalty makes you wonder how you ever deserved an alter-ego so dear. I already had three pups, two Bostons & a Doberman, when Czarina came into my life. I like even numbers, so I needed a 4th pup. Working from home made it easy to care for the […]
If you’re on the fence about getting a dog, here are 10 reasons for your to consider getting off that fence. But remember, be 100% sure that you’re ready for a dog before you adopt. I’ll start. No particular order. #1) A reason to get up in the morning. When I was a little girl, my mom told me, “I don’t have time to get sick or hurt. I have to take care of and love you.” That’s why I’m a pup mommy. #2) You learn what unconditional love is. No judgment on how you […]
In the last month, I’ve read four posts in different FB groups I belong to where people are crushed with grief having lost their dogs, one as young as 9 months, to the dreaded medical emergency, commonly known as bloat, or the medical term gastric dilatation volvulus, or GDV. What makes this more earth shattering is that bloat is pretty much preventable, and yet most people are completely unaware of what this medical and surgical emergency is all about until it happens to their dog. I’ve owned dogs for over 30 years, and bloat can […]
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