Hellos and Goodbyes to Beloved Family Pets (Expert)

All life is filled with Hellos and Goodbyes. The longer we live, the more we will suffer the loss of loved ones: people, beloved family pets, things, ideas, jobs, house, friendship, season and so on. As Pet Partners how do we say Goodbye to a beloved family pet?   I want to read you a … Read more

Animal Jokes and Riddles (EXPERT)

Q. What kind of cars do cats drive? A. Catillacs!   Q. What do you get when you get when you cross a sheepdog with a rose? A.A Collie-Flower   Yuk, yuk, Everyone loves jokes about our beloved friends, our pets.   These are just a couple of the riddles in our newest  book Animal Jokes, … Read more

Why Kids Relate To Animal Stories? (EXPERT)

Animal stories appear in a variety of forms, styles and genres. However, most include one or more animals as the focus of the story. Some may involve pets of human children. The child may be the hero (like Old Yeller) but the pet is the crucial player in the drama.   Why do animal stories … Read more

Bringing A New Dog or Cat Into Your Fur Family (EXPERT)

When you’re ready to add a new pet to your household, it can be a very exciting thing for your family. Whether you are seeking a puppy simply as a home companion and an extended part of your fur family, or buying a show dog, not everyone may be pleased. Your current dog may or … Read more

Kids, Chores & Pets—Who Is Responsible? (EXPERT)

Children who do chores at home do better in school.  They do better in sports and other extra-curricular activities.  The house gets fairly clean and organized and the whole family has more time to do things together.  Our goal is to teach responsiblity  but….. who is in charge of the pet? But what happens when … Read more

6 Dog Personalities & Temperaments (EXPERT)

It is helpful to know what kind of personality your new dog will have; so that you can more easily adapt him/her to your family.There are six basic types of dog personalities. In addition to personalities all animals have temperament. Temperament is also the other factor that influences how the dog interacts and reacts with others … Read more

Is It Time To Euthanize Our Pet? How Do I Tell The Family?

This answer was provided by Karen Tiede to a question of a young adult on Quara.  I found the answer so fullfilling that I asked permission to quote it here. This particular question and others are often asked of me on my radio show on the Human/Animal Connection. Please join us at www.blogtalkradio.com/auntieartichoke   First, … Read more

Young Adults Remember Past Pets

Growing up; we were always surrounded by feline pets, cats of all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. There was one particular “Kitty,” who I adored as much as she adored me. They say a “rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Well this “Kitty,” was like no other, she would patiently wait for … Read more

Golden Retriever Dogs and Children

Should You Buy a Golden? Beautiful Golden Retrievers have quickly become one of the most popular dogs in America. Although the breed was originally bred for hunting, they show such versatility that they are often used in search and rescue and as Seeing-Eye dogs.   But, in recent years, they have come to be the … Read more

Pet Loss & Children (EXPERT)

There is such a strong animal-human connection. As Marjorie Garber said: “If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness.” The loss of a beloved pet may be the first death experience children face. It is … Read more