Life’s Never-ending Lessons from Our Companions

February 28, 2023

If we ever think we know all there is to know about our companions and their various personalities, a new lesson will always pop up that we did not expect, even after years and decades of experiences and thinking you’ve seen it all. Sometimes I am equal parts humbled by the new lesson and exhausted […]

Old Dog, Old Cat, Old Companion… it’s the Same

October 18, 2022

Trudy Mae passed away yesterday. She had a mouth full of cancerous tumors. I didn’t know that and I certainly didn’t see losing her. At least not yesterday.

Sami, aka Grammy Sam

Sami Moves Inside

February 6, 2022

I just came across this photo of Sami yesterday. Also known as Sami Sosa and Grammy Sam (because she is a grandmother), she showed up outside the fence in the back yard sometime in the first half of 2016. Pregnant. She found a crook in a tree that had fallen across the fence during Hurricane […]

Found a Peanut

October 9, 2021

Remember that song? Well, this isn’t about that song. It’s about a dog named Peanut who I met today. Peanut’s family is looking to re-home her. They also have two of her puppies from her first and only litter: two girls. But sometimes there are fights among them — one of the babies vs mom. […]

Cat's reaction to eating ice cream

Ice Cream Drama Queen?

October 22, 2020

Do cats get brain freezes or is this cat just overly dramatic about ice cream? This makes me laugh.

Slippery Dumplings

Recipe: Sussex County Slippery Dumplings

July 24, 2020

In a large pot, place chicken, giblets, onion, celery, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add enough water just to cover the chicken.

Fireworks Fear in Pets is Very Real

July 1, 2020

The 4th of July is the busiest day of the year in shelters as many pets, fleeing the noise and lights of fireworks, get lost, injured, or killed. Here are some options to consider.

Buckeye butterfly

How do you bury a butterfly?

June 21, 2020

As I stepped out on the back stoop last night, something fell to the ground just in front of me landing with a bit of a thud. It was so odd to step out and be almost hit by something falling out of the sky. I looked up and saw nothing. At first glance at […]

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Can My Dog Eat This Fruit?

December 11, 2019

It’s so tempting to share what we are eating with our canine companions, but when it comes to fruit, should we? Sometimes NO.

Letting Go is Really, Really Hard to Do

October 31, 2019

It’s been more than a decade and a half since that late Friday afternoon when a skinny, white kitten walked out of the woods across the street from my house just talking, talking. What exactly he was saying, I am not sure, but he was talking and walking towards me. When he was just a […]

Rural Pet Sitting: You Never Know

July 27, 2019

Just by virtue of living in the country, pet-sitting is a fluid responsibility. You never know who will be there or what to expect.

Squeaker the cat

“There’s a special place in heaven for you.”

July 26, 2019

When someone hears of the large number of cats and dogs I have or have had, they often respond, “There’s a special place in heaven for you.” And quietly in my brain a thought bubble pops up and says, “I hope so because this work has certainly been hell at times!”

How an Animal Communicator Found Boogee, My Deaf Dog

December 13, 2018

I have worked with animal communicators several times. I have friends who have also worked with them. And it has always been an enlightening experience

FREE Rescue Alert Sticker for your Home

October 18, 2018

FREE and almost free rescue alert stickers! You download them, print them, add your info and put in a window or on your front door. Or order them online for a small fee.

Baseline of 2017 Veterinary Costs for Services

December 10, 2017

It’s sometimes the fear of the unknown that keeps us from doing some things. Taking our pets to the vet is no exception. It can be expensive, I know.

Flea Meds Dosage Chart

Flea Med Dosages for Cats & Dogs

September 25, 2016

A dosing guide for cats and dogs for several of the top flea medications.

Dogs in cars in summer: bad idea!

How long does it take for a car to get HOT?

July 12, 2016

Yep, it’s that time of the year in the northern hemisphere: summer. And without fail, there are people who somehow feel that their dog will be just fine in the car with the window cracked because they won’t be gone long. Well… that just ain’t so! Tests have shown that cracking windows open does not decrease […]

Treat or Poison to Cats

January 22, 2016

This Treat vs Poison infographic shows you which common snacks may be harming your cat, and highlights a few healthy options you may not have considered before. Source: Vet Medic

10 Fun Cat Facts

Fun Cat Facts

November 2, 2015

Did you know that there are more than 73 million domesticated cats in the United States and more than 500 million worldwide?

Is Fruit Safe For Dogs?

Can Your Dog Safely Eat These Fruits?

October 29, 2015

Did you know that many of the fruits you eat can also be given as treats to your dog? Just cut it up into pea-sized pieces for a healthy, low-calorie snack.

De-worming Your Dog

De-worming Dogs

September 18, 2015

Ever wonder which wormer kills what worm? If you know what specific parasite is affecting your dogs, you don’t need to spend the money on a broad spectrum dewormer when a specific anthelmintic will suffice. Why attack something that isn’t there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . […]

Boogee, my deaf boy

Deaf Dog Humor

August 25, 2015

I stumbled over this list of things owners of deaf dogs know all too well, but maybe didn’t realize about themselves. You Know You Have A Deaf Dog When … Your dog ignores you by turning his head. Your dog doesn’t care if her favorite toy has a squeaky or not. Your dog likes to […]

Treat vs poison for dogs

Treat or Poison for your Dog

August 22, 2015

This Treat vs Poison infographic shows you which common snacks may be harming your dog, and highlights a few healthy options you may not have considered before. Source: Vet Medic

Is my dog dehydrated?

Is My Dog Dehydrated?

July 27, 2015

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs Dehydration occurs when the total body water is less than normal. Usually it involves loss of both water and electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium, chloride and potassium. Dehydration is caused by either a lack of food or water intake or an increase in water loss through illness or […]

Dosages for Dogs of Human Medicines

Dosages for Dogs of Human Medicines

July 16, 2015

Some human medicines can be used for dogs and cats. You can see a list here. For use in dogs, here are a few human meds and the dosage to use for dogs. Always check with your veterinarian before administering any drugs to your pets. Medicine Canine Dosage Used for Buffered Aspirin 5 mg per […]

Simpson's dog Santas Little Helper and cat Snowball

Late Night Home Treatments

July 3, 2015

This information is meant as a guide for you in an urgent or late-night situation.  It is not meant to replace the examination and diagnosis of a veterinarian.  These treatments are generally safe when administered as described, but may not be appropriate in every case.  Use this information at your own discretion. Vomiting – Remove food bowl […]

How to pick a Pet Sitter

How to Pick the Right Pet Sitter

July 1, 2015

What to do with your pets when you go out of town or are away from an extended amount of time? The simplest — and least stressful — is to do nothing with them. Leave them home in the environment they know the best and have help come to them. Hire a pet sitter! But how […]

What Not To Feed Your Pets

February 12, 2015

It’s so easy to give your pets a bite of what you’re eating, but many foods can make animals sick, and it’s important to know the foods you should avoid. Click image to view larger version. Right click to download it.   This infographic provided courtesy of GoCompare.com.

Home Treatment of Diarrhea in Cats

Home Treatment of Diarrhea in Cats

January 22, 2015

Note: If your cat appears to be in distress or severely depressed, you should seek IMMEDIATE veterinary attention. Episodes of mild diarrhea/soft stools lasting no more than a few days are not unusual. If your cat is eating and alert, there is no cause for alarm. Switch to a bland diet and feed a normal […]

Fast Eddie

12 Homeopathic Remedies For Your Dog

October 13, 2014

Homeopathic remedies number in the thousands and are made from anything and everything. But you only need to learn some of the rules of homeopathy and have about a dozen remedies to be off and running. You may want to go out and purchase these commonly used remedies to have on hand in case the […]

Top 10 Reasons Dogs and Cats go to the Vet

Top 10 Reasons Dogs & Cats to Visit the Veterinarian

October 12, 2014

Dogs Skin Allergies Ear Infection Non-cancerous Skin Mass Skin Infection Arthritis Upset Stomach/Vomiting Upset/Diarrhea Periodontitis/Dental Disease Bladder or Urinary Tract Disease Soft Tissue Trauma (Bruise or Contusion) Cats Bladder or Urinary Tract Disease Periodontitis/Dental Disease Chronic Kidney Disease Excessive Thyroid Hormone Upset Stomach/Vomiting Diabetes Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea Lymphoma Upper Respiratory Infection Skin Allergies Resource: Vet Practice […]

Canine diarrhea

Treating Your Dog’s Diarrhea

October 4, 2014

Most of the time, diarrhea is caused by a dietary indiscretion or stressful circumstances, and is self-limiting. Diarrhea is not a disease; rather, it is a symptom of a dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Feline constipation remedies

Feline Constipation Remedies

September 20, 2014

Untreated cat constipation can lead to a chronic problem called megacolon, where the colon abnormally dilates and becomes too enlarged. As a result, the colon loses its ability to contract, which can cause obstipation – a complete blockage. To avoid health complications in your pet, consider the following home remedies for cat constipation: 1. Pumpkin […]

Treating canine constipation

Simple Canine Constipation Remedies

September 19, 2014

Having recently been through this, I researched remedies for canine constipation and here’s what I found (in no particular order). Select ONE remedy to try. The combination of remedies can cause things to go the other way and create severe diarrhea which could result in dehydration. If the problem continues for more than a few days, if there’s blood […]

Scoring your Dog’s Poop

September 12, 2014

Okay, this is dog poop — up close and personal. So be forewarned before you scroll down any further. The image may be more graphic than you want to view, but it will help you better understand what you are seeing. So, here we go: Sample #1 is from a constipated dog. It’s a little […]

Foods That Are Dangerous To Dogs