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Pet Fire Safety Day

If you envision a fire truck in your mind’s eye, you mostly likely also see the Dalmatian sitting on top of the bright red fire truck.  The history of Dalmatians and firefighters dates back a century to the days of the horse and carriage.  The Dalmatians, known for their stamina and endurance, would typically run beside the horse and carriage, fending off other dogs or animals that might startle the horses on their way to the fire.  As wagons replaced carriages, the Dalmatians continued to play a key role partnering with the firefighters.  They would alert passers-by to s...

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was officially observed in 1868 to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers by placing wreaths, flowers, and flags on their graves.  We continue to honor those who lost their lives in service to our great nation every Memorial Day which is celebrated on the last Monday in May.

As man’s best friend, dogs have served side by side our military men and women and have played pivotal roles in wars throughout history.  The early Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks used dogs to break through enemy lines and in roles as couriers, scouts and sentries (guard do...

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com) recognizes January as Train Your Dog Month.  While it’s true that you can teach an old dog new tricks, the best strategy is to start training your dog right off the bat.  Check out the ADPT website for videos on common training topics and other valuable resources.

The benefits of training your dog include the three S’s:   safety, socialization and eliminating reasons for owner surrender.

Safety:  Dogs demonstrate an admirable level of intelligence but they cannot be expected to make split second decisions that impact their own safe...

As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, the family dog can often be found begging around table for his share of scraps that he is thankful for .  However, you can avoid an unplanned trip to the vet with a sick dog if you know what foods to avoid giving your dogs this holiday season.

 Foods to avoid include

• Cooked bones
• Dressing
• Onions, garlic, chives
• Yeast dough
• Grapes and Raisins
• Chocolate
• Fatty and spicy foods
• Salted foods and nuts

Theobromine found in chocolate and xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many foods including some peanut butters and gums, are often deadl...

The word “cancer” is a dreaded word to hear whether it affects you, your loved ones, or your  canine companion  According to the Comparative Oncology Program of the US National Cancer Institute , there are 65 million dogs diagnosed with cancer , with 6 million new cases added every year. Over 50% of dogs over the age of 10, die of some form of cancer. Research and treatment protocols are providing hope for longevity, improved quality of life and ultimately a cure for cancer not only in dogs but also their human counterparts.

Early intervention and detection usually yields the best outcomes so...

Halloween 2020 will be like no other.  Social distancing and masks have become the norm…and we aren’t talking Halloween masks.  Community involvement in Halloween festivities may be scaled down this year, but your neighborhood may still choose to safely welcome trick or treaters

If your dog fits the mold of a typical dog, (and I know you are asking what a “typical dog: is ?)  he doesn’t like people knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell.  This is particularly true if every 5 minutes , his plans of an evening of solitude are interrupted by masked ghouls and goblins begging for Snickers, ...

“Doesn’t matter if you can dream it or not, all that matters is if you can begin it or not? Take that first step.”                                                                                CA Vikram Verma

 As long as I can remember, I have been a dog lover. I attribute this love of dogs to my maternal grandmother Linnie Anderson , aka Nanny,  who was one of the original dog rescuers.  I remember Nanny walking across the road to a barn in the small town of Hortonville, Indiana to nurse Laddie back to health.  Laddie was a local stray shepherd / collie mix who had gotten his leg caught in ...

As we solemnly remember the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country, we take time to acknowledge the role that our canine companions played in the recovery efforts.  In the aftermath of the World Trade Center collapse, canine search and rescue teams were deployed to skillfully search the rubble for signs of life.  The dogs suffered many of the same challenges as their human handlers; cuts and abrasions from the debris, breathing difficulties due to the dust and other respiratory irritants, and mental and physical exhaustion from their daunting task of searching for survivors.  These dog...

Arggh !  I've been kissed by a dog !  Contrary to popular belief, Lucy, a dog's tongue is so much more useful for a dog than simply for kissing.

A dog's tongue is used for greeting, eating, drinking, grooming and panting. That relaxed mouth and loose tongue is your dog's way of inviting you to interact with him. No one can resist sloppy puppy kisses or the friendly, compassionate kisses of an older faithful companion. Sometimes those kisses may be to investigate the taste of salt from your skin or the remains of the fried chicken you just had in your hands.

Your dog's taste buds can discern ...