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Month: August 2016

On Expectations And Disappointments: Love The One You’re With

On Expectations And Disappointments: Love The One You’re With

About two and a half years ago, in February of 2014, I brought home my very first show puppy. He was twelve weeks old, and perfect in every way.  A handsome blue merle Sheltie, the pick boy of a lovely show litter with beautiful movement and a strikingly gorgeous face.  I drove 12 hours round-trip to pick him up from his breeder in North Carolina on a cold, windy day.  He slept curled in his crate in the back seat…

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Biting The Hand That Feeds: Dealing With Owner-Directed Aggression

Biting The Hand That Feeds: Dealing With Owner-Directed Aggression

Perhaps it began with a look.  A sudden, hard stare as you sat down on the couch beside your trusted family dog, or reached for a toy in his mouth.  Nothing overt, but… a strange feeling.  Hairs standing up on the back of your neck.  Something not quite right. Or, perhaps the first sign was something much more obvious and seemingly out-of-the-blue – a snarl and growl, a snap or even a bite that drew blood as you reached for…

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White Coats and Doctors and Needles, Oh, My! Making Vet Visits Fun and Easy

White Coats and Doctors and Needles, Oh, My! Making Vet Visits Fun and Easy

It’s that time of year again… your reminder card has arrived in the mail, and Buster is due for his annual wellness exam.  Or perhaps he’s limping, or coughing, or his skin allergies are flaring up.  Whatever the reason, you know what it means – a trip to the vet. If you dread veterinary visits because your dog is so anxious, you’re not alone.  I would estimate that on any given day, at least half of the patients I see…

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