Blog

Tue 06.30.09

As Independence Day weekend approaches, I thought I would send out this quick reminder to all: Animals are inherently terrified of ultra-loud, explosive blasts of sound such as those of fireworks. In our neighborhood we seem to see more "Lost Dog" and "Lost Cat" signs in and around our parks just after the 4th of July holiday. It's not a stretch to suspect that having been subjected to the sound of fireworks, these pets darted off in sheer terror. Cesar Milan has... Read more

Thu 06.18.09

I'd heard on the news last year about the passing of Bella, the lab mix who died at the ripe old age of 29. The story of her long, loving life brought a big, ol' smile to my face. A friend of mine recently reminded me of that story, and I found myself on a roll, researching the world's oldest dogs and cats, both living here on earth and living over the Rainbow Bridge. I just learned that Chanel, a doxie mix from Long Island, N.Y., recently celebrated her 21st... Read more

Wed 06.17.09

I believe that traditional and integrative veterinary medicine play equally important roles in an animal's well-being, and that both modalities can and do complement each other. I bring Opal and Dixie to their traditional, "family" vet annually for their check-ups. Although neither of them has ever had a serious illness, were either of them to fall ill, I would first bring them to their regular vet. After a diagnosis were made and treatment prescribed, if I felt... Read more

Mon 06.15.09

We had to put our beloved Nini to sleep Friday morning. I've thought of so many things to write for this blog, but having written long, endless emails to friends and family all weekend, I'm afraid that I am all talked out. You can only imagine how heartbroken we are to have lost our little girl. She was such a huge part of our lives for so many years. We'd had her since we'd found her at 5 weeks old, trapped within the hood of a car. She was only a tiny, squeaking,... Read more

Thu 06.11.09

Why do people not think twice about leaving their pets tied up outside as they shop or run into Starbucks to grab a cup of coffee? Don't they realize that leaving a dog outside unattended is no different than leaving a baby in a carriage outside unattended? Whether a tiny Yorkie or a large Akita, dogs are helpless out there; they're sitting targets for a dognapper looking to heist a dog to sell for research or for use as bait for dog-fighting training. Within moments... Read more

Thu 06.11.09

As the author of Make Your Own Cat Toys: Saving the Planet One Cat Toy at a Time, I?m a big proponent of homemade cat toys. The book shows you how to make eco-friendly cat toys that are fast, fun and super-easy to create.


Since writing the book, I have not purchased a new toy for Furball. I find there?s more than enough ?make your own? cat toy ideas in the book (52 in all) to keep him busy. As well, I just can?t help myself. I keep inventing new homemade cat... Read more

Thu 06.04.09

Among the most tragic victims of this wretched economy are pets. As I was driving home yesterday I heard a gut-wrenching news report on the radio that had me so teary-eyed that I nearly rear-ended the guy in front of me.  In these tough financial times, pets are being surrendered to pounds, shelters and rescue organizations in record numbers as people can no longer afford to take care of them. As the number of dogs and cats being surrendered rapidly increases, and... Read more

Thu 06.04.09

I?ve always heard that clay litter wasn?t good for the environment, but never really knew why, I decided to investigate and learn more. The more I learned, the more I?m glad that my cat, Furball, has never used clay litter. If you?ve been sitting on the fence about switching to an environmentally friendly cat litter, here are some good reasons to switch litters.

 

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Fri 05.29.09

There is so much controversy over the dangers of over-vaccination these days. What I've learned is this: there are two essential vaccines for cats, and two for dogs. Most others, you?ll just need to use your and your vet?s judgment on.

The rabies vaccination is a must-must-MUST for both dogs and cats. It is typically administered once every 3 years. Rabies is a viral, neuroinvasive disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in warm-blooded animals.... Read more

Wed 05.13.09

We hear it again and again? owning a pet keeps us healthier and happier in myriad ways. A wealth of studies have proven that companion pets can lower our blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, they can help us live stronger and longer after a heart attack, boost our spirits and moods, and provide invaluable service and comfort to disabled individuals. I'm not quite sure which I enjoy more, their love and... Read more

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