I always ask my clients to let their dog greet me at the front door they way they would with any other guest. I like to see how a dog reacts to the arrival of a stranger on his home turf; it tells me a lot about the dog’s temperament and standing in the house. If I could describe the greetings I have received over the years in a poem, here then is an ode to the exuberance of dogs at the door: How do I greet thee? Let me count the ways. I greet thee by body-checking you at ful

On any given day, Pretzel is both a sweetheart and the terror of the neighborhood. Pretzel is a Cockapoo with two owners. One of Pretzel’s owners – let’s call her Debbie – adores Pretzel. The dog is in her lap whenever she sits down. Pretzel follows her throughout the house, even when she is in the bathroom. Debbie swears that she and Pretzel have a very special bond, that they communicate with each other without words, that they are soulmates. Pretzel’s other owner – Dave –

It’s the existential question for humans and dogs: where is my place? If dogs could meditate, PLACE could be their mantra. PLACE…..PLACE…..PLACE…… if I had a PLACE, I could go there when…… Whoever is cooking in the kitchen doesn’t want me underfoot; When there are guests that don’t particularly like dogs; At mealtime, so I don’t beg at the table; I need a quiet place to go when I’m feeling overwhelmed; I’m really hungry and dinner isn’t ready yet; Before a walk, so I don’t go

After spending some time recently at my local dog park, I have decided that there are lessons to be learned there. For example, contrast the arrival of a newcomer to a high school in any teen movie, say, Mean Girls, with the appearance of a newly arrived dog at the dog park. The new girl in school is usually scrutinized, avoided, and gossiped about. She is made into a pariah unless another teen, one who had been treated just as shabbily as she in the past, takes pity on her

The pandemic makes life challenging for us in so many ways, big and small. Its not just people who are attempting to live this new kind...

The first thing you notice – if you are a dog person, of course – if you travel to any European city, is the exceedingly polite behavior...

Oscar is a Lab Shepherd mix, 4 years old, and recently adopted by a young and very earnest couple. No one knows, of course, what Oscar’s...

Just like the shy little kid who hides behind her mother’s legs rather than talk to anyone, Aristotle is wary and skittish around people....

Dallas and Laredo are two male un-neutered Shih Tzus, nicely groomed, well fed, healthy, and old enough to know better. Though not...

In consideration of International Homeless Animals Day on August 18, 2012 , I am going to use the F word. Foster. Wait! Don’t stop...

Shelton is a 4 year old Yorkipoo that was recently adopted by a young couple. The rescue group had minimal information about Shelton. All...

Wendy’s two dogs might have had some obedience training at one time, but you would never know it if you visited her house. There are pee...

Jacey lives on the third floor of an apartment building in downtown Albany. Jacey is a five year old Labrador mix that sorta kinda looks...

Denver is a 7 month old English Labrador Retriever. He was born to serve. But first, he is busy getting an education. Denver already...

Simon is a social butterfly. He has a friend at nearly every house in the neighborhood. Simon is a super-friendly Boxer. He never met...

The owner of Papillion puppy Chelsea had to make a decision. She wanted to enroll Chelsea in an obedience class for socialization....

Here’s a MadLib for you. Replace the word “child” in the following paragraph with the word “dog.” My child goes to school. My child has a...