Last week I commented on the issues involved when your dog gets old. Obviously there are physical problems you and your dog have to deal with. An important one is mobility. Chimo is finding it difficult to get up and walk around. She makes the effort, but her body can’t always respond the way she expects. I really sense that… read more →
In a previous post I discussed some issues and concerns regarding Chimo our 14 1/2 year old Black Lab Mix. Our feelings about Chimo parallel those we feel about any elder family member. We make accommodations and lower our expectations. We make life less demanding. Yet, we look for ways to make sure she is enjoying life. Chimo’s devotion to… read more →
Chimo is 14 1/2. That’s on the upper end of life expectancy for a Black Lab Mix. She struggles getting up sometimes and her walking is unsteady. But, she goes through her daily routines like a trooper. All things considered she’s pretty healthy. Her hearing is fading but her eye sight is good and she still likes to sniff around.… read more →
The events at the Cincinnati Zoo made me realize that it is cruel to keep gorillas in captivity. My response is in this YouTube video. If you agree, please share and spread the word.
Separation anxiety is among the most common afflictions that plague family dogs. It’s an affliction because it’s a very real psychological condition that produces suffering. If it isn’t addressed and becomes chronic, it will seriously disrupt family life. It too often results in a sad trip to the local animal shelter. The irony is that the deep bonding and devotion… read more →
Snoopy and Lassie tell us a lot about the dramatic changes in the status of the family dog that began in the mid-twentieth century. Snoopy has his famous dog house. He lives outside. He is fed outside. This is consistent with the life of most family dogs up to the time that Charles Schulz began drawing his Peanuts strip. Dogs… read more →
Some dogs become extremely agitated around fireworks. No doubt the explosive sound can be very upsetting. If your dog is susceptible to fireworks distress, you will discover it right away. Depending on how sever the reaction is comforting and reassuring your dog might not be enough to overcome the anxiety. The simple solution is to keep your dog away from… read more →
JP Morgan Chase is running a new commercial for their Chase Freedom card. If you haven’t seen it, here is how they describe it: “Watch as these adorable dogs rock costumes ranging from leprechauns to baskets of balloons and patriotic outfits (including the tiny striped hat). Oh, and don’t forget the Chihuahua wearing the bling.” Watching it made me cringe.… read more →
One of my neighbors keeps their German Shepard in the garage. The garage has a small outside yard enclosed with a chain link fence. The sign says “Beware of Dog”. When they got the dog, as a puppy, she was bred as soon as possible. They sold her puppies and made a nice profit. The family has kids but they… read more →
This week thousands of excited children will be given a new puppy for Christmas, just like in this scene from a recent McDonald’s commercial. What could be more adorable than puppies and kids? Too often it turns out poorly though when the realities set in. Here are three tips to help improve your new puppy’s odds of making it. 1.… read more →