Category: Dog parenting

Is your vet ripping you off?
I’ll have more to say about this issue (much more) in coming posts here, and here. For now, I happened across this segment from ABC’s “20/20” program, and from what I’ve recently learned (some of which I discuss in my book), this is really just the tip of the iceberg. See more US News from […]

Is Kroger engaging in willful ignorance?
You be the judge. I took the following pictures on Nov. 9, 2012 in a Kroger in Charlottesville, VA. (FYI, Kroger is one of the world’s largest grocery retailers, with over $90 billion in annual revenue.) In the dog food aisle I saw “Natural Flavor Unbasted Rawhide Twists for Dogs,” produced by “Pet Pride”: […]

Emergency Care & Poison Control Hotline
Info on the 24-7 Animal Poison Control Center Hotline and other resources to access in emergency situations.

Foods that can make dogs sick – or worse
How much do you know about which foods should never pass a dog’s lips? I was astonished at how little I knew.

“Live Like You Were Dying”
A recurring theme in the book I’m writing about Shayna is the value of time – whether we recognize it or not, and how easily it can pass, or be wasted.

Helpful info for deciphering fish oil labeling
Some friends recently referred me to a holistic veterinarian, to supplement the care that Shayna receives from our regular vet. In particular, a concern arose about her kidney function, and my friends said that they had excellent results with this particular holistic vet, who’d been studying herbal and alternative therapies for many years. Three […]

Golden Retriever “Tuesday” and a war hero help to save each other
This is one of the most heartwarming dog stories I’ve ever encountered – about a man on the edge, a “miracle” dog, and their amazing partnership: “Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him” Learn about Capt. Montalván and Tuesday at their website. Purchase his book at Amazon or at any […]

Dog expense assistance funds
A directory of some of the charitable organizations that help provide funds for people who are unable to pay for their dog’s medical care.

Basic etiquette: Always ask before giving food to another person’s dog
As noted elsewhere on this website, and in the book I’m writing about Shayna, I never could have anticipated that by adopting my first dog, I was actually becoming a “dog dad.” This is especially true in Shayna’s case, as she is so smart, and has psychological and emotional needs and phobias that one might […]

Research on the human-dog relationship
One in six Americans would pay for their dog’s medical treatment before their own (Reuters, April 4, 2011) Americans may be clipping money-saving coupons and delaying buying a new home, but when it comes to their pets they’re spending more than ever, according to a new survey. Between trips to the vet, specialty foods, treats […]
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