Wellness

I visited my area animal shelter today and noticed a beautiful one-year-old female Springer Spaniel mix for adoption. She was a stray and she is rooming with another stray with whom she gets along.

We all grow old; however, it’s not until we see Tippy stumble going up the stairs or the wet spot on Sadie’s bed that we realize that our canine pals are no longer puppies. Sadly, most of us dog parents will live to see our dogs depart this world before we do (as Agnes Sligh Turnbull wrote, “It’s their only fault, really”) and as much as we don’t want to think about it, being prepared will help with the transition.

Just who are "play dates" really for?

Decoding grass chewing in dogs.

Like many people in need of inspiration, I turn to my dog. When it comes to the ladies, Oliver is consistently confident in his approach and the chick-mutts seem to dig him. Observation leads me to believe that his shiny black, reshly-washed coat might have something to do with his success. Hmm. Human-grade dog products, you say? And, suddenly, I have a new tactic. If all these self-enhancing products can help Oliver to smell better, look better, score better…well, it’s worth a shot.

Though people have been helped by specialists for generations, this is an emerging industry in veterinary medicine. In the past, veterinary specialists were traditionally attached to universities and other veterinary schools. They were mainly teachers, and accessible only to determined, passionate pet owners. Sometimes they were called upon to treat valuable prize-winning animals such as Thoroughbred horses.

It might even improve your dog's social life.