I have attended two doggie weddings. Each was complete with a bridal party, flowers and cakes for dog and human guests. Both involved Chihuahuas. One was quite formal, the pretty Chihuahua bride was dressed in a lovely, long white gown and the groom looked quite smart in his tuxedo. The other wedding was a bit more casual. That wedding was for my oldest Chihuahua, Carl’s parents, BamBam and Baja. My dear friend, Barb, the owner of the happy couple … [Read more...]
Chester’s Final Journey – a rescue dog’s story
July 16, 2015 by
Several heart-warming stories about loving dog owners treating their terminal pets to a grand farewell have made the news recently. One was Neil Rodriguez from New York City who took his 16-year-old dog Poh on a seven-week, 12,000 mile bucket list trek across the country. But another story hit especially close to home because this one involved a shelter dog. His name is Chester, a mixed breed with maybe a little miniature schnauzer in him. In April, he … [Read more...]
Are Small Dogs Harder To Train Than Big Dogs?
July 2, 2015 by
A question I am often asked is, are small dogs hard to train? The simple answer is yes! The first small dog I had was a Pomeranian. He was only two pounds when I got him and completely adorable, that is until he started biting everyone in the house. He also decided that his favorite place to urinate was under the dining room table. Clearly, I had a problem. Charlie, as we called him was one bad little dog! But I was determined to train him … [Read more...]
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Summer Heat
June 25, 2015 by
With temperatures approaching triple digits in many places across the country, it is now more important than ever to take extra precaution in keeping your dog cool and safe during the the extreme heat. I have always subscribed to the guiding rule that if it was too hot for me outside, it was too hot for my pet. Many many pet owners forget that hot surfaces like asphalt and cement can be especially problematic. Animals walking so close to the ground … [Read more...]
Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Stuff?
June 11, 2015 by
Last weekend I gave a bath to Kate, my Long Coat Chihuahua. She looked so pretty, her cream colored coat was fluffy and soft. Kate smelled of French vanilla and white tea. All combed and dry she was allowed to go play outside. When she came back in wagging her lovely tail, I noticed a strong stench in the house. It was enough to gag the strongest of stomachs. It smelled like a very long dead ground hog. I went to investigate and found the unfortunate … [Read more...]
Are You Making Your Dog Fat?
June 4, 2015 by
When you go to the grocery store do you check out the calories on the food you buy? I do and would like to think I try to purchase healthy food items and snacks for me and my family. But what about your pet? But do you also check the calorie content of the snacks you buy your pet? Do you look for healthy food and treats for your best friend? If your dog is overweight, maybe you need to take a good look at what they are eating. When I had my two … [Read more...]
H3N2 Canine Flu – What You Need to Know
May 21, 2015 by
H3N2 Canine Influenza, the contagious respiratory virus, has continued to make headlines ever since reports surfaced in April of more than 1,000 dogs sickened in the Chicago area. Now positive tests for H3N2 have been reported in the past few days in Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia in addition to previous reports from Alabama, California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Iowa and Indiana. You can check out the Emerging Disease … [Read more...]
Heart Disease in Dogs
May 14, 2015 by
When my first Chihuahua, Carl was three years old, my vet gave him about six months to live. Little Carl was diagnosed with a heart murmur and a possible liver shunt. Needless to say I was devastated. However Carl seemed just fine and had no symptoms at all. His heart murmur was significant but it turned out he did not have a liver shunt. Carl’s liver enzymes were high but with some natural vitamins, (milk thistle is known to aid in liver support) his … [Read more...]
Reiki For Animals
May 7, 2015 by
Many people have asked me about my experience with Reiki for shelter animals and how I got started. About a year ago I began to feel the need to do more for animals less fortunate than mine. I looked at my pack of well-fed and pampered pooches and thought about the dogs that did not have homes and laps to sit in. I knew I had to do something. I began to work more closely with one of the local shelters called Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter. We … [Read more...]
Rosco and Brutus Get New Lease on Life
April 23, 2015 by
Here's a couple of heart-warming stories in the news this month about dogs who were given fresh starts thanks to medical advances and some caring owners. The first is a four-month old pitbull rescue named Rosco who was born with a rare deformity that left his front legs partially bent backwards like "flippers." But Asheville, NC veterinarian Dr. David Crouch performed surgery on Rosco to fix his limbs thanks in part to the Asheville Humane Society which … [Read more...]
The Truth About Pit Bulls
April 15, 2015 by
The first pit bull I met was at a dog show. He was called Petey, named after the dog from the The Little Rascals. Petey was extremely sweet and wanted to sit in everyone’s lap. He was not much of a fighting dog to say the least. Sadly many people think of these dogs as dangerous, vicious animals bred only for fighting. Unfortunately there are still people who associate themselves with this horrific sport. One famous case was that of football player, … [Read more...]
How Much Money Did You Spend On Your Dog Last Year?
April 2, 2015 by
Do you feed your dog the best and most expensive dog food money can buy? Do you dress them in cute costumes? Do you feel as though you are helping to put your Vet’s son through medical school? If you answered yes, you are not alone. The American Pet Products Association’s annual report on pet industry spending says Americans spent a record 58 billion dollars on their pets last year. The report goes on to say that most of the money is spent on food, … [Read more...]
Puppy Love and the Role of Oxytocin
March 26, 2015 by
Does your dog love you? I mean does it really feel the affection and emotional connection you feel for it? Some people would say that our pets only truly appear to care for us in a reciprocal manner because we feed them and take care of their other basic creature comforts. But even though I am no scientist, I do believe there is more to it than that. In my heart and mind, I love all my dogs unconditionally and sense they share that feeling. According … [Read more...]
Smiley, the Blind Therapy Dog
March 12, 2015 by
This week there was a lot of unsettling news from the dog show world. But stay tuned and I'll bring you the uplifting story of one golden retriever called 'Smiley' who was born without eyes yet still manages to work as a therapy dog. First, there was the death of champion three-year-old Irish setter named Jagger at Crufts, the world's biggest dog show hosted by the Kennel Club in the UK since 1891. The official autopsy showed that Thendara … [Read more...]
Are You Allergic to Dogs?
March 5, 2015 by
When I was a child, everyone in my neighborhood had a dog. However, I don't remember anyone claiming to suffer from pet allergies. In my home, we always had pets like dogs, cats, and assorted rodents. You name it, we had at least one or two or six. As a teenager I began to develop symptoms of pet allergies, especially to our cats. I was always sneezing and rubbing my itchy eyes. I asked my father (the doctor) if he thought I was allergic to cats. He … [Read more...]
In Dog World, A.I. Does Not Mean Artificial Intelligence
February 26, 2015 by
Many years ago, when I first entered the dog show world, my friend asked me to join her at an owner-handler meeting. The club honored and promoted those involved with the industry. Since I was brand new to the show world, I had no idea what to expect. As I sat and listened, they talked in great depth about the subject of A.I. To me, that term referred to artificial intelligence - like something in relation to computer software. There was even a Steven … [Read more...]
Beagle Miss P Scores Upset and Wins Best in Show at Westminister
February 19, 2015 by
For just the second time in history, a beagle has won top prize at the Westminister Kennel Club and Dog Show. Miss P, handled by William Alexander, is also the grandniece of Uno, who became the first beagle to win Best In Show back in 2008. Miss P pulled the upset Tuesday evening at the 139th edition of the famous event held in Madison Square Garden. David Merriam judged the final round, which also included Matisse, a Portuguese water dog that was the … [Read more...]
The 139th Westminster Dog Show Begins This Weekend
February 12, 2015 by
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is billed as the world's most famous and prestigious canine event since 1877. In a couple of days, thousands of people will converge on Madison Square Garden in New York City to root for their favorite breed. Millions more will watch the event on television. Some people may ask themselves what is really going on - what is the judge looking for and why is that dog better than the other one. A lot of people simply … [Read more...]
A Little History Lesson About The Westminster Dog Show
January 29, 2015 by
The Westminster Kennel Club's 139th Annual Dog Show will take place in February at New York's Madison Square Garden. Almost everyone is familiar with its name. But how did this famous show get started? Around the year 1876 a group of gentleman met in their favorite bar in New York City. They shared stories about hunting and shooting, certainly trying hard to out do one and other, I’m sure. But mostly their favorite topic was discussing the qualities and … [Read more...]
DOGS 101: What is a Chihuahua?
January 22, 2015 by
I am often asked questions about the Chihuahua, the breed I know and love. Maybe I can answer the most common inquiries, so here goes with Chihuahua 101. Like many dog breeds there are many theories as to where the Chihuahua originated. According to the “The Complete Dog Book” (The official publication of the American Kennel Club), most theories point to ancient Mexico where carvings and remains of small dogs have been discovered by archeologists. These … [Read more...]
Hope for Lost Dogs
January 15, 2015 by
Dogs go missing everyday, some escape their yards, others get away from even the most responsible owners, some are stolen and sadly some dogs are simply abandoned. Last week an older dog with poor eyesight wandered away from his home in our area. This dog was very well loved and his owners were heartbroken and desperate to find him. I first learned about the missing dog from our volunteer website for Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter. This dog had been … [Read more...]
New Dog Breeds For 2015
January 8, 2015 by
As we roll into mid January, The Westminster Dog Show looms around the corner. It is always an exciting time of year for the dog show community. Every year the AKC adds a new breed or two. New breeds that would like to achieve recognition must have a strong backing by their fanciers. Clubs are formed to support the breed and perfect the conformation of their dogs. Three hundred purebred dogs of a new breed are needed to be eligible for AKC … [Read more...]
Most Popular Dog Names of 2014 – Bella & Max Are Tops
January 1, 2015 by
So what are the most popular dog names of 2014? It depends on who you ask. So I peaked around the internet and found some interesting surveys and polls. Traditionally, people have named their puppies after descriptive traits. Hence names like Spot, Patches, Blackie, Whitey, Brownie, Midnight, Pepper, Ginger, Goldie, Fluffy, Freckles, Scruffy, and Tiny. Or they've used names that show personality like Lady, King, Prince, Princess, Cuddles, Nibbles, … [Read more...]
A Rescue Dog’s Christmas Poem
December 25, 2014 by
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES FOR 2015! Hope you all have a furry friend to snuggle with and lots of sloppy puppy kisses during this special holiday season. And thank you dear readers for all your wonderful support this past year. Here is one of my favorite poems. Please remember to support your local shelter. They need help throughout the year. A Rescue Dog's Christmas Poem ‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the … [Read more...]
Derby the Dog With 3D Paws
December 18, 2014 by
Derby was born with deformed forearms and front paws. However, a South Carolina-based 3D printing and manufacturing company has been able to give Derby a new lease on life by fitting him with 3D-printed prosthetics. Previously he had only been able to roam with limited mobility with the aid of a modified cart. And without that, he could barely get around on hard surfaces. Tara Anderson, a CJP Project Manager with Rock Hill, SC-based 3D Systems, was … [Read more...]
What NOT To Gift For Christmas
December 11, 2014 by
I was recently on a TV show called “All About Dogs.” The theme of this episode was toys for Christmas featuring toy dogs such as Chihuahuas. The producer and host, Pat Mock, an experienced dog person, affiliated with the Berks County Kennel Club was the interviewer. I brought Rocky, my smooth coat Chihuahua and puppy, Jacques, a long coat along with me. Pat and I discussed the various aspects of the breed, temperament, health, history, etc. It was a … [Read more...]
Dog Stories For This Thanksgiving
November 27, 2014 by
On this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, I'm highlighting a heartwarming story about the heartiness of the canine spirit. My own dogs' companionship and loyalty is something I am thankful for every day of the year. In Ecuador, a scruffy, miserable stray dog befriended a group of Swedish adventurers participating in the 430-mile Adventure Racing World Championship through the Amazon Rain Forest. Mikael Lindnord, of Team Peak Performance, who fed the … [Read more...]
The Challenges of Adopting a Puppy Mill Dog
November 20, 2014 by
According to the Human Society "it is estimated that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. Fewer than 3,000 of these are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture." Approximately 2.5 million canines are born in puppy mills annually according to The Puppy Mill Project. So what is a puppy mill? That depends on who you ask. The ASPCA considers it a "large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the … [Read more...]
How to Raise the Perfect Puppy
November 13, 2014 by
Puppies bring joy and unconditional love into a home. There is nothing sweeter than a soft happy puppy. But all that cuteness needs serious training to grow into a good dog. Many a “cute” pup ends up in a shelter because their human did not dedicate enough time to training. Puppies demand a lot of care and structure in their routine to learn good manners. I have raised and trained many puppies and have learned that a crucial element - and one that is … [Read more...]
November Is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month
November 6, 2014 by
Did you know that November is National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month? Of course there is never a bad time to consider taking in an older animal. In fact, according to a PetFinder.com survey, "less-adoptable" pets wait for a home nearly four times longer than the average adoptable pet does - and sometimes more than two years! The ASPCA published their Top Ten Reasons to adopt a an older dog. They include the fact that they are easier to train, they settle … [Read more...]
A Day at the Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter
October 30, 2014 by
Last Sunday, in the middle of the night, a young, purebred Pitt Bull Terrier was abandoned in the parking lot of Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The temperature was hovering just above freezing. The dog was left in a crate wedged between two dumpsters on the side of the building. At around 2AM the driver of the trash pick up truck spotted the dog as he was making his rounds. The dog was scared and cold but otherwise unharmed. … [Read more...]
Good News for Bentley the Ebola Dog
October 23, 2014 by
Last week I wrote about two dogs which had been effected by the Ebola virus. Excalibur was euthanized by Madrid authorities despite protests across Spain. However, there is great news for Bentley, the 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel belonging to Texas Health Presbyterian nurse Nina Pham. According to health officials with the city of Dallas, he has tested free of the virus and will remain in isolation for the remainder of his 21-day monitoring … [Read more...]
Ebola and the Life & Death of Two Dogs
October 16, 2014 by
As a dog lover, two recent stories involving the Ebola virus tugged at my emotions most dearly. First, we heard of the story from Spain where a mixed-breed dog named Excalibur was euthanized as a preventative measure. Its owner, Teresa Romero Ramosa, was a nurse's aid who had become infected with the deadly virus after taking care of a priest who died of Ebola in September. Then most recently in Dallas, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Bentley was … [Read more...]
Dog Intelligence and the Science Behind their Affection
October 9, 2014 by
In case you missed Sunday's fascinating 60 Minutes segment entitled The Smartest Dog in the World about the scientific research on dog intelligence. Anderson Cooper interviewed eighty-six-year-old retired psychology professor Dr. John W. Pilley Jr. Ph.D and his border collie Chaser, a dog who could identify over a thousand toys. It turns out that most two-year-old toddlers know about 300 words, and Chaser's vocabulary is three times that. In fact in a … [Read more...]
The Healing Practice of Reiki for Dogs
October 2, 2014 by
For the past few months I have been working on my certification to become a Reiki practitioner for both humans and animals. I have always had an interest in this practice and have received treatments myself in the past. But a few months ago I had what you could say was a a calling to learn Reiki. My ultimate goal was to use its healing power on shelter dogs as well as my own pets. I found a wonderful master teacher, Dr. Anthony Wojnar. He was a student … [Read more...]
Is My Mutt Smarter Than Your Show Dog?
September 25, 2014 by
Did you know that purebred dogs are becoming dumber with each generation? Well, according to animal behaviorist, Kenth Svartberg, modern breeding techniques have led to this problem. [Source: My mutt's smarter than your pedigree] He says that modern breeders only want “pretty dogs.” They are no longer concerned with what the animal was originally meant for, such as herding or hunting. He calls toy dogs, such as Chihuahuas, “handbag dogs” made popular by … [Read more...]
Causes and Treatments of Ear infections in Dogs
September 18, 2014 by
Our Japanese Chin, Yoshi is the only dog in the house who has had several episodes of ear infections. She started having problems a few years ago. I first noticed her scratching her ear, and shaking her head. Her ear was quite irritated and had an unpleasant smell. Off to the vet we went. Yoshi had an infection in both ears. Our vet put her on a regiment of ear cleaner and antibiotics. This helped and the infection cleared up nicely. But then it … [Read more...]
Do Dogs Go To Heaven?
September 11, 2014 by
Will Rogers once said "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go." I believe dogs go to heaven, how could there be a true heaven without dogs? Last week my beloved dog, Jack passed away suddenly. I am completely devastated. Words cannot express my sorrow. I first met Jack when he was five months old. I remember seeing him for the first time at a friend’s house. He came over to me and begged to be picked up. He had … [Read more...]
Did You Know About National Dog Day?
August 28, 2014 by
Tuesday, August 26th was National Dog Day. I am ashamed to admit I did not know there was such a thing. Of course everyday should be National Dog Day as far as I’m concerned. This special day, now celebrating its 10 anniversary, was put aside to appreciate our beloved dogs and also to raise awareness and help shelters and rescues find homes for the overwhelming number of unwanted dogs. We should always appreciate our best friends, but if this day can … [Read more...]
Does Your Dog Suffer From Anxiety?
August 21, 2014 by
Several of my dogs have some kind of anxiety. Jack is scared of loud noises. Gypsy doesn’t like it when the oven is on. My Corgi, Simon, was frightened of umbrellas. Penny seems to be scared of everything. Fears, phobias and anxieties in dogs are quite common. According to PETMD, “Fear is the instinctual feeling of apprehension resulting from a situation, person, or object presenting an external threat — whether real or perceived.” Some fears are … [Read more...]
How To Choose The Right Veterinarian
August 14, 2014 by
Choosing the right veterinarian may be the single most important thing you do to ensure the long-term health of your pet. All vets are not created equal. Be careful about choosing one based purely on convenience or because of clever advertising. Do your research. When I moved to Pennsylvania from New Jersey 22 years ago I went in search of a new vet. I adored my previous one and used to tell people I liked my vet better then my own doctor. He was … [Read more...]
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Is Important
August 7, 2014 by
I would like to say that I brush my dogs teeth everyday and they have perfect pearly whites. But I don’t and they don’t. I do give them dry food and I do give them plain rawhide and greenies to chew. This helps a little but it does not replace getting in there and brushing. Those of you who have toy dogs know it is almost imossible to get into those tiny mouths. I can get the front teeth but those back ones are hard to get at not to mention they hate … [Read more...]
Does Your Dog Get Jealous?
July 31, 2014 by
The first thing you learn when introducing a new dog to your household is that they all expect to be treated the same. I have had multiple dogs in my house most of my adult life and can attest that dogs do get jealous if you don’t treat them all in the same way. According to Brandon Griggs in a recent CNN report, “New research suggests that dogs can exhibit jealousy, a human emotion usually ascribed to squabbling siblings or the jilted third of a love … [Read more...]
Has Your Dog Ever Been Stung by a Bee? Be Prepared in Case of Emergencies
July 24, 2014 by
Several years ago while I was taking my two chihuahuas for a walk on a lovely autumn day, one of them was stung by a bee. I was a fair distance from my house and enjoying the beautiful day when I heard Carl, my four pound dog scream. It was literally a scream like I had never heard before. I had no idea what happened. I picked him up and checked him over. I saw a large yellow jacket on his paw. I brushed it off and then Carl went completely limp. I was … [Read more...]
Tips For Selecting a Pet Sitter
July 17, 2014 by
Roger Caras, the long-time host of the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as well as an accomplished writer and photographer, once said "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." Yet, any time I am about to go on vacation or even go out for a quick excursion, ALL I can think about are my dogs. In preparation for a two-day weekend getaway, I spend maybe 3 times that making sure my dogs will be well taken care of. These are my babies … [Read more...]
Why Do Dogs Howl?
July 10, 2014 by
Almost every morning I wake up to howling. It begins with Bill, our smooth coat chihuahua who sleeps downstairs with his brother Ted, who does not howl. Bill will start softly and build volume until Yoshi and Jack answer from the upstairs bedroom. Finally Carl will chime in. Yoshi, the Japanese chin is the most musical, Jack is tone deaf and Carl, the older chihuahua, is a baritone. What I find interesting is that the other dogs in the house never … [Read more...]
Does Your Dog Make You Smile? The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
July 3, 2014 by
Yesterday morning I rolled out of bed in a nasty mood. I was feeling stressed out about some upcoming events I needed to deal with. As usual, Carl (my oldest chihuahua) had awakened me with kisses, but I was still feeling blue. That was, until I saw Leeloo (second oldest chihuahua who generally stays in bed all day) running after Jack who is twice her size and happily teasing him with a toy in her mouth. She was so goofy and funny, I laughed out loud and … [Read more...]
Epilepsy: A Cause of Seizures in Dogs
June 26, 2014 by
When Jack (our long coat chihuahua) was about two he had his first seizure. It was a warm spring day and he had just come in from outside. I heard a commotion in the kitchen as the other dogs crowded around him. He was on his side in a twisted heap convulsing. I was horrified. At first I thought he had been stung by a bee. I picked him up and he was stiff and drooling. I immediately called the vet. By the time I got off the phone he was completely fine. I … [Read more...]
The Bryn Mawr Kennel Club Shows
June 19, 2014 by
The Bryn Mawr Kennel Club Shows were held Saturday June 14th and Sunday June 15th at Ludwigs Corner, Pennsylvania. These shows kick off the summer season for me. I have gone to these shows every year since I got my first show puppy. This July will mark seven years that I have been showing dogs. Most of the people I have met over the years have been involved in dog shows for much longer than I have. Several people I know started as children in juniors. … [Read more...]
Adopting A Senior Dog
June 12, 2014 by
If you are reading this, hopefully you are a dog lover. If you have time, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Or at least consider donating needed items. But for some real satisfaction, I highly recommend adopting a senior dog! A friend of mine volunteers by walking dogs at a local shelter. Recently she rescued a very old blind toy poodle that she claims is; "the love of her life.” She has three dogs. While chatting with her I said; “I … [Read more...]