It’s been a recurring theme in movies and has tantalized the human imagination for many years; what would it be like if our dogs could speak? We love to imagine what sort of amusing, insightful, possibly even incriminating things they’d say if we spoke the same language.  Although we can’t speak to each other in the traditional sense, we have cultivated an exclusive understanding of one another. Tone and body language are the primary tools we use to communicate with man’s best friend.  Just as we learn to read theirs nuances, your dog learns to read yours. Tone is generally...

Did your pets over indulge during the holidays?  Now that the festivities are over and the New Year is under way, treat your pet to some healthier habits that will benefit him throughout the coming years.    BREAK BAD HABITS With so much to do over the holiday season, daily routines tend to take a back seat not just for humans but for their pets, too. Meal times tend to be disrupted as well as exercise regimes and sleep cycles.  Changes in routines can cause anxiety in some pets which can lead to behavior problems.  If you were away from the home...

Many people believe that our pets should only eat the treats that are specially packaged for them. Like buying a sweet treat for a child, they are ok and not a big deal if they are eaten in moderation since many mass market prepackaged snacks are usually devoid of any nutritional value. While it is important to maintain a diet of healthy dog food, just as we encourage our loved ones to eat their vegetables rather than empty calorie treats, we can foster a love of fruits and vegetables in our pets. When those loving eyes gaze up at you...

When you decide to share your life with a pet, while a wonderful experience, there are many things to consider before making the commitment to care for an animal. Are you prepared to give him the attention he needs throughout his lifetime? If you change your lifestyle will you still be able to have room in your home and heart for a cat? Are you financially able to provide for him? The average cost of cat care is approximately $1,000 annually and that does not include dental care or treatment for chronic issues. If you are ready to start the...

Do you suffer from cynophobia, the pathological fear of dogs? Has anyone ever tried to tell you that if you just remained calm and not let him see you're afraid everything would be ok? Of course, that's easier said than done, especially when your heart is pounding and sweat is trickling down the back of your neck because you are standing within lunging range of either a Rottweiler or a tiny terrier.   When dogs look at a trembling, panicky human, what do you think they see, if anything? Do they sense your terror, and if so, does it influence...

Breakups can be tough, and the custody of a shared dog or cat can become a central issue when a couple separates or divorces, leading to anguish, arguments, and in some cases, a courtroom. In the eyes of the law, custody of your pet is not technically what a pet-owner should be expecting when they enter a courtroom. In all 50 states, animals are considered property, and many judges will not grant custody of a pet but rather award him as property. But animals fall into a separate category than replaceable or exchangeable property like cars or homes. Dogs and...