Ah, pet food. We love it for the convenience, but as responsible guardians, we need to be concerned about the ingredients and what happens when a company starts changing recipes, buys inferior foods or gets bought out by a big corporation! This can happen with kibble and canned, but also with frozen raw. In my 30 years studying dog and cat nutrition, I have seen excellent small pet food companies bought out by large corporations . This resulted, in most cases, that the foods

As our animal family (and human) age, there are many new choices we have to make. How much exercise is okay? Do they need to have a change in diet? Extra supplements? If so, which ones? It can be a bit overwhelming. Each ageing dog, cat, horse, bird, bunny... have their individual needs. Challenging issues can creep up slowly or manifest overnight. What's the best plan of action? Overall Check Up/In In middle age (six or so for dogs, seven or so for cats), dental problems can

Plastics, plastics everywhere, but not for your beloved furries, right? But where can you find "green," recycled or upcycled quality gifts for animal family members? I've complied some websites and ideas for you to check out. Remember to read labels and look to be sure materials are "sustainably sourced," "Free Trade," recycled plastic, hemp, which is strong and makes great woven toys and bedding, organic cotton, organic catnip, organic chews... You get the idea. 1) Inhabitat

What if this Thanksgiving we express appreciation along with gratitude? Marie Forleo shared a wonderful idea on Marie TV. She suggested that when we sit at the table with family and friends, each person shares a specific appreciation for the person sitting next to them. Here's her formula: "(name) Sheila, I so appreciate your (quality/trait) loving presence in my life. I say this because (specific details), I always feel totally loved and accepted when I am with you." I want

As an animal communicator of 30+ years, I am interested when scientists become interested in "deciphering" how dogs and other animals "pick up" on our thoughts and intentions, meanings and feelings. Cognitive Biologists are the scientists who are usually at the forefront of these studies which explore how animals, think, feel and more recently ask if dogs possess "Theory of Mind," the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others. Dr. Karen Becker recently shared a

Sometimes it's hard to know if your cat is stressed. Cats are notorious for hiding pain, discomfort and stress from their people. However, there are signs to watch for as well as ways to prevent stress for your fabulous feline friend. Why? Why do our cats try to "hide" uncomfortable feelings from us? In a word, instinct. In the wild, any sign of illness can be seen as a "weakness" that leaves them vulnerable to competitors or larger predators. Hiding one's vulnerability can w