When I was a full-time travel writer, I often said that my lifestyle bore no relation to my income. It was part of my job description to check out posh hotels and resorts for a variety of guidebooks and magazines, either hosted by the destinations or paid for by the publications (I lost count of…
Dental confessions: A brief digression
As those of you who read my blog regularly know, I’ve been writing a lot lately about canine dental care. It started with my New Year’s resolution to brush Frankie’s teeth; I went on to discuss the problems with anesthesia-free cleanings. I plan to continue with the topic, to review dental chews and give instructions…
The cost of dog care: Where do you draw a line?
It’s peculiar and very unpleasant to be sitting and writing an article while listening to the proceeds of your work go down the drain. Literally. It started with a leaky faucet in my kitchen. It would be an easy fix, I figured, an extra expense, sure, but a manageable one. The plumbers came, agreed it…
Why cheap, anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is really costly
Having made the decision that Frankie’s teeth needed to be cleaned professionally, I asked around about a good place to have it done. The veterinary practice I go to seemed like an obvious choice, but they charged $400 — too rich for my budget. “Do you really want to put Frankie under anesthesia?” one friend…
Clean my dog’s teeth? Seriously?
When I first adopted Frankie, I resigned myself to the many things I had to do to keep him healthy and, yes, presentable. Regular checkups, including vaccinations. Keeping his coat from getting matted. Nail trimming to prevent discomfort that can mimic arthritis — and to head off that annoying click click clicking on my hardwood…
A New Year’s resolution with teeth
I mean this title literally. In 2010 I am going to brush Frankie’s teeth. A little background, concerning both New Year’s resolutions and teeth. I used to make sweeping, vague New Year’s resolutions. I would be a better person, I vowed. I would cook more, eat out less. I never stuck to any of these…
2009: It wasn’t so bad for me. How was it for you?
I know, I’ve been a grouch lately. Bah humbugging Christmas. Accentuating the negative on animal welfare groups. Dissing people who don’t appreciate pets. Discussing diseased dog butts. Grousing about defunct writing markets. But 2009 was far from disastrous for me. And I don’t want to finish the year with a bad taste. Consider this my…
Pet charities: Some year-end musings
Writing a book about dogs, starting a dog blog, becoming involved in an online dog community… It’s been a year of continuing education and revelation, including the realization of just how useful an online community can be. The flip side: As a result of connecting with other pet advocates, I learned some things I (almost)…
Pet peeve: Second-guessing dog gifts
According to an informal survey on About.com’s Veterinary Medicine blog — sorry if you didn’t vote yet and this is a spoiler — 62% of pet owners said “Of course” they bought their pets presents for the holidays. That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve found, however, that those who don’t share their lives with a pet…
Welcome to my Christmas-free zone
Tired of carols and forced jollity? Think that giving and receiving shouldn’t focus on a single day of the year? You’ve come to the right place. I’m here to assure you that you’re not a loser, curmudgeon, or bad person just because you’re not involved in the holiday frenzy (though, for all I know, you…