The awesome folks at Animal Friends of Pittsburgh, whom I’ve featured several times before — see here and here — do it again, with a sweet, upbeat spay and neuter message.
Dogs in International Costumes: Bone Voyage!
Not everyone can afford to travel overseas with a pet, and those with large dogs are at a particular disadvantage. Today’s Pet Travel Thursday post therefore takes you on virtual world journey. I’ve aimed at breed appropriateness — and Halloween costume inspiration — wherever possible. Mexico A chihuahua and a taco may be a bit…
Master & Commander: Decoding Dog Training Terms
I like to think I’m sensitive to the nuances of language. I spent a great deal of time in graduate school doing close readings of literary texts, especially poetry, and as a writer I struggle for precision, laboring over every sentence, sometimes every word. I also know that good dog training is based on communication.…
Spay & Neuter with a Smile 10/16
There’s no link to a shelter here or to a website of the song’s creator and singer, Stan Wilson. Nor can I find anyone by that name who’s alive and singing country western music. So thank you, Stan, whoever and wherever you are, for an upbeat and inspirational version of this important message. No shots…
Blog the Change: Puppy Mills, Petland USA & Public Awareness
Often I think I live in a bubble, one where animal welfare is part of the conversation. In the “real” world, issues that are crucial to me are simply off the radar. The other night I had dinner with a couple who seemed very enlightened — into organic food, meditation, and general save-the-world concerns. In…
Travel Thursday: Tailing John Steinbeck
I love serendipity.* I had made plans to interview John Woestendiek, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the author of Dog Inc., for Animal Cafe because I thought a top-rate writer who was on the road for a year with his dog might have interesting things to say about pet travel. I didn’t know anything about…
Karen Pryor Academy Training, First Hand: Part 2
Last week I explored the question of why the talented Deborah Flick decided to take a break from her blog, Boulder Dog, to attend classes at the Karen Pryor Training Academy. This week I get into the nitty gritty details of the experience, and find out what Deborah — and Sadie — took away from…
Pet Adoption Videos that Won’t Make You Want to Kill Yourself, 10/9/11
Five minutes of happy from the SPCA of Wake County. As their website warns, extreme cuteness ahead. Another warning: You might be singing ABBA songs the rest of the day. Question for Karen at Doggie Stylish. “Chance” the dog looks an awful lot like a Viszla to me. To you too? In case you’re wondering:…
Karen Pryor Academy Training, First-Hand: Part 1
If you’re like me, you have been missing the always insightful posts of Deborah Flick at Boulder Dog. Deborah has blogged occasionally, but wrote back in June that she was going to be busy studying at the Karen Pryor Academy and would return to more regular blogging when she completed the course. Being the impatient…
Introducing: The Pet Travel Book Club
Last week I told you about my exciting new venture, blogging about pet travel books and movies on A Traveler’s Library. I semi-jokingly said, “Can a pet travel book club be far behind?” Several of you expressed enthusiasm. We’re on. Phase 1 Here’s the plan. I will tell you — at least a month in…