Having lived with dogs all my life—I feel uniquely qualified to warn you about the perils of dog ownership. Sure, they look adorable in those Instagram posts, but here’s the unfiltered truth about why you might want to reconsider that trip to the shelter.

10 Reasons To Rethink Getting a Dog

1. Your Vacuum Will Become an Extension of Your Arm

Remember when you bought that fancy vacuum and thought, “This will last for years”? Yeah. No. Your new full-time … Read More

Actually, when is it NOT tick season? Unless temps stay well below 35 degrees F, these little critters can be on the move.

But, you say, there’s snow on the ground. Think if there’s snow, you’re safe? Think again! Snow cover actually provides insulation for ticks, allowing them to survive even when air temperatures drop below freezing. They can emerge quickly when the snow melts, and temperatures rise, even briefly. This is why many veterinarians and researchers have documented tick … Read More

Safe Road Walking: A Guide for You and Your Dog

Walking your dog is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial activities you can share with your dog. It provides exercise, mental stimulation, and an opportunity to bond. But walking your dog on roads, especially busy ones, comes with its own set of challenges and risks.

As someone who shares life with three dogs, I’ve learned that walking them safely on roads requires more than just a leash and good … Read More

When we choose to share our lives with animals, our lives are often enriched in ways we could never imagine. And we add new levels of worry that didn’t exist before. This can be especially true for people who live alone and have animals.

I’ve been “blessed” with a lot of unusual life experiences. Like, when I lived alone and had two houses totally destroyed by fire in the same year. Neither fire was my fault. And, yes, I lost … Read More