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A product recall warning symbol.

Salmonella in Pet Food

People who feed raw diets to their dogs are generally aware of the risks of pathogenic bacteria that, and handle those products and their serving dishes accordingly. Foods that have been produced via a method that absolutely kills pathogenic bacteria—that is, extruded and baked dry foods—that have tested positive for Salmon are more concerning.
Being prepared can save both you and your dog during an emergency.

Weathering Storms With Your Dog

Even if you don’t live in an area where natural disasters occur often, it’s a good idea to keep some kind of emergency kit on hand. I’ve only had to use mine a few times, thank goodness, but it’s been invaluable when I’ve needed it.
A animal rides in a cabin with their owner.

Psychiatric Service Dogs and Flying

If you have flown anywhere lately, you are likely aware that there are many dogs flying with their owners these days
New bills would help with affording veterinary procedures and care.

A Law to Help With Veterinary Fees

If you think veterinary fees have gone up recently, you’re correct. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows pet services have risen 60% over the last 10 years—and over 7% in just the last year.
There is help available for victims of domestic violence and their pets.

Help Is Available for Dogs Owned by Victims of Domestic Violence

People who commit domestic violence rarely abuse only the people with whom they have been in a relationship; they often target anyone or anything that their victims care about, and frequently this includes pets. There are growing numbers of domestic abuse shelters that allow pets.
Dogs can smell human stress and detect other signs of tension.

How Much Does Human Stress Affect Dogs?

If I’m having a rough day, I can fully expect to find a chin on my knee and big, worried brown eyes gazing up at me. Even if I think I’m hiding my stress well.
The perfect dog is the one you live and love now.

The “My Last Dog Was Perfect” Syndrome

At some point, our “last dogs” become our sainted, perfect last dogs. Their behaviors are remembered fondly, with humor—unlike the painful or messy behaviors we are dealing with our new naughty puppy.
How deeply does breed affect behavior?

Exploring Breed and Behavior

In my experience, it’s possible to make some guesses about future behavior based on the breed of the dog, the temperament of the parents, the skills that run in the genetic line, and so on. If there is one thing that growing up around a breeding kennel has taught me though, it’s that every dog is an individual.
Unplanned litters are a major strain on animal shelters.

How Will Pet Overpopulation Ever Get Solved?

A lack of access to affordable spay and neuter appointments has led to an overabundance of unwanted puppies and kittens. Charitable organizations are organizing to deal with the problem, but more needs to be done.
A dog understands more of the spoken word than we might initially think.

Use Your Words: Communicating with Dogs

A study published in PLOS One on August 28 proved that dogs can recognize, comprehend, and respond to words from soundboards. The results open up a world of opportunities for expanding our ability to communicate with our dogs.
Adopting a dog is a big decision, and it can't be made out of guilt or shame.

“Save Me! I Have Only a Day To Live!”

Euthanasia lists are not an answer to overcrowded shelters. Animals adopted just to save them often end up neglected, or back in the shelter system.
Few things are as heartwarming as a well behaved grandchild and dog spending pleasant time together.

Grandkids and Dogs

Oliver came to California for an end-of-summer, two-week visit with us. I most enjoyed watching Oliver when he didn’t think anyone was watching him, playing with, talking to, and wandering around our property with my dogs.

Latest Blog

Have a Happy (and Safe) Halloween with Your Dog

Halloween can also traumatize dogs, or cause them to go missing (all those open doors and distracted door-answerers!). Here are some tips to make sure your Halloween is a safe and happy day for your dog.