To Train or Not To Train That is the Question August 10, 2011

Well, it SHOULDN’T be the question!!!!  There should be NO question about it!  TRAIN!!!   I’ve been doing this stuff for almost 30 years – between being a vet nurse and an animal control officer – and I’ve seen the results of untrained dogs time and time again.  I’d say a good 95% or more [...]

The Humane Society of the United States Offers Tips for a Safe Fourth of July for Your Pets July 5, 2011

WASHINGTON (June 27, 2011) — The nation’s largest animal protection organization, The Humane Society of the United States, reminds Americans that our beloved pets can become distressed by the additional noise and commotion involved with the Independence Day holiday. In fact, animal shelters across the country are accustomed to receiving “July 4th” dogs—dogs who run [...]

Summer Reminder To Keep Pets Safe May 30, 2011

Ok, it’s official – it’s summer.  So here are some reminders to keep your pets safe…   NEVER leave a pet in a car.  EVER.  I don’t care if the windows are cracked. It’s still TOO warm.  Try it yourself and see how long you can last with a fur coat on.   This is especially [...]

April Is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month April 11, 2011

You see it all the time, but may not recognize it.  Animal cruelty.  It can be as simple as neglecting to properly care for a pet or it can be as obvious as beating a pet.   April is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month and the SPCA is hoping to educate so that animal cruelty can [...]

When Adopting, What About The Pet’s Background? March 31, 2011

Dear Liz – I’ve heard that adopting from a shelter is a wonderful thing but my concern is that you never know the background of the dog.  What are your thoughts? Signed, Curious in Cromwell Dear Curious: That’s always a good question!  I will say, though, that sometimes when an owner turns in a dog [...]

Is It Too Early To Start Flea & Tick Prevention? March 18, 2011

Dear Liz – Is it too early to start flea and tick prevention for our pets?  I’ve already seen bugs out there! Signed, Scratching in Southington Dear Scratching – It’s never too early!!!   With the thawing going on hot and heavy now, it’s time to get that protection ON!  And I’m not just talking about [...]

Liz Explains Pet Adoption Process February 18, 2011

Dear Liz: We went to Petco last weekend in the hopes of adopting a puppy from you that day. We were very disappointed to find out from you that we would not be able to take one home from the event and wondered why.   Signed: Sad in Somers   Dear Sad: It was my [...]

Pet Insurance August 20, 2010

Dear Liz; lately I’ve heard a lot about pet insurance.  Is this really a good thing? Signed; Curious in Clinton. Dear Curious; Actually, it depends on the dog!  Some breeds, for instance, have more of a tendency to get certain types of disorders or illnesses. If you have a breed with a deep chest, like a German [...]

Moving With Pets July 23, 2010

Dear Liz – We’re moving next month but I’m not sure how to do this without stressing my pets out.  Got any suggestions? Signed, Excited in Essex. Dear Excited – Congratulations on the move!  My first thought is that depending on the age of the animals you have, you might want to do a few [...]

Stray Cats July 14, 2010

Dear Liz – We live in an area with a population of stray cats.  We’ve been feeding them while trying to place them but no shelter wants them.  What do we do? Signed, Strays in Seymour Dear Seymour:  First, let me thank you for trying to help!  The stray cat population has exploded in CT, [...]