How to Calm Older Dogs with Music [a case study]

I’ve always celebrated all of my dog’s birthdays and remember them all to this day. No big birthday cake, but I always do something special to honor the occasion. It usually involves a new toy, treats, and extra time with my birthday dog enjoying an...

Is Mother’s Day for Dog-Moms?

Mother’s Day is not the easiest of holidays for me. I have no human children and have never been called “mom.” No one has ever said, “Happy Mother’s Day mom, I love you!” But, can we be mothers to species other than humans? I am the single provider for two dogs,...

Sound and Dogs: How We Communicate

I am recovering from a sore throat and am giving my vocal chords a day of complete rest. That also means no speaking to my dogs. It’s made me realize that they don’t use verbal communication with me (well, rarely), so I’m now participating in our...

Advice from a Dog

    After reading “Advice from a Dog” on a beautiful card by Ilan Shamir of Your True Nature, I started thinking about everything my dogs have taught me. I have two “career change” dogs from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Sanchez is an 8-year-old Yellow Lab. If...

How to Keep Dogs Safe in the Car

My dogs, Sanchez and Gina, can often be found riding in my car. I don’t have a completely fenced in yard at home, so I opt for a lifestyle in which they are with me often. I work from home, so when I run local errands, they hop in the car with me. Fortunately,...