In the annals of stories that are too weird not to be true, add this little ditty… We’re the proud owners of a house full of rescued stray dogs. And I do mean full! Needless to say, we have a big yard that’s fenced in to keep the inmates from escaping the asylum. They all spend ample amounts of time outside, which led to the strangest thing I’ve ever witnessed in 30 years of pet dog ownership. The certifiably insane pooch in question is named “Haley,” a deceptively normal name for a decidedly abnormal canine. Little did we know when we lovingly adopted ... [continue reading]

Mice are probably one of the few creatures that can enable us to jump on the first available chair and emit a piercing shriek or stand nearby cooing as we gaze at their cuteness. Maybe it has something to do with their coloring. After all, white is the color of innocence and purity. Most pet mice are white, while their counterparts, field mice are gray in color. White mice, one of the least expensive and smallest pets to own, are relatively easy to please when it comes to feeding time. Create a mix of canary, parakeet, or sunflower seeds, guinea pig or rabbit food, and uncooked oats. To... [continue reading]

Ah, if you are reading this, you may have fallen into the exact trap I fell into. Browsing your local fish store, you were charmed by an adorable little green fish. He was swimming up and down the side of the tank, begging you to take him home, wasn’t he? Just like a little puppy dog. About an inch long, looking so friendly, you bought him. Now that you’re back at home, there are a couple things you need to know about your cute little guy. The first, and most important, thing you need to know about these guys…they are NOT community fish! Throw a puffer into a tank with your other fish ov... [continue reading]

Choosing what type of pet to include in your family is a major decision – just like buying a house or a car. The decision to adopt a pet can have lifelong consequences and rewards. I say lifelong because you are making a commitment to the animal for the rest of his or her life and that needs to be a factor in your decision. Some dogs live for up to 15 years, cats can live even longer. The benefits of pet ownership are immeasurable. Owning a pet improves the quality of your life and can even improve your health. Studies show that people who own pets live longer and have happier lives... [continue reading]

With the rising costs of veterinary bills and new treatments available, may pet owners are considering health insurance for their pets. Treatment options such as radiation therapy that were once only available to humans are becoming commonplace at veterinary hospitals. MRIs and other diagnostic tools now detect health problems that in the past would have gone undiagnosed and untreated. A kidney transplant for a cat with renal failure can cost $8,000 to $10,000, and $600 a year for medications to suppress their immune system. A pacemaker for and an elderly dog with a failing heart can cost $... [continue reading]

Ah, the late spring and early summer! What a great time to be outdoors, work in your yard, or take the pooch for a long drive or hike! But this time of year also brings severe weather to many parts of the country. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe this time of year. Depending on where you live, the late spring and early summer can mean breathtaking days, followed by hail, thunderstorms, lightning, and rain. These epic storms pose threats to homes and cars, and also your pets. The most important safety rule for pets is IDENTIFICATION! Always make sure that your pet is wearing... [continue reading]

Christmas is the time of year that many of us become stressed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Generally, we’re out of the house more often than not, whether it is a trip to the store for holiday shopping or out visiting family and friends. The one thing you want to do is make sure your pet is healthy and happy during the holidays. With our lives so busy, some of us may forget about our canine and feline friends at home. Here are some tips on keeping your pet safe during the holiday season. First of all, many like to decorate their homes with plants and seasonal items during... [continue reading]

Thinking about getting a dog and don’t quite know what to look for? Here are six questions you should ask yourself before you starting shopping for a dog. Do you want a male or female dog? This is a basic question, but few potential dog owners don’t bother to ask themselves this question. A dog’s gender plays into their size, disposition, and trainability. Potential dog owners need to ask themselves what size dogs do want? It matters because you don’t want a huge dog that needs a lot of room when you have a small apartment. Do you want a puppy, adolescent, or an adult dog? All three h... [continue reading]

Pets are valued members of our family. You wouldn’t leave your children with a stranger, yet you may be forced to leave a beloved pet in the care of a virtual stranger. Professional pet sitters are qualified to take care of your pets while you are away, yet, as in all things in life, there are those who give pet sitting a bad name. Here are some tips to help you choose the pet sitter that is right for you and your pet. Choose a certified pet sitter and ask for credentials and references Be sure the pet sitter is polite and courteous. If she treats you badly, she will treat your pet worse. A... [continue reading]

If you currently reside with the canine species, you may be in the same position that I am. I do not own my dog. My dog owns me. Catering to my dog’s needs on a daily basis just seems to be what I do. I work in real estate, which thankfully, allows me to have a flexible schedule. I basically go by Moxie’s schedule. If I’m out on the road, I constantly stop by my home to make sure she’s okay or to let her outside to do her thing. I don’t make plans if I know it’s going to take too long and nobody else would be home to let her out. My life is based on my dog’s life. If my... [continue reading]