Archive for 'Pets'

Pet Matters: Diagnosing common health and behavioral problems

Pet Matters: Diagnosing common health and behavioral problems

By Isabel Alvarez Our pets often behave in ways we find annoying, disgusting or burdensome, but we can’t seem to correct it despite a great deal of effort. For some reason, telling them to “stop it” [...]

An unexpected crash course in caring for newborn pups

An unexpected crash course in caring for newborn pups

By Isabel Alvarez I fostered a mama dog and her eight puppies over the holidays — an unforgettable experience. The family was pulled from a shelter in rural Virginia. The shelter, considered high kill because of [...]

Potty training problem solving

Potty training problem solving

By Isabel Alvarez Oh, the joys of potty training, that lovely time when we join forces with our pets to keep floors clean, homes harmonious, and their bladders and colons happy. Potty training is a process. [...]

Pet Matters: Ignoring aggression sets your dog up for failure

Pet Matters: Ignoring aggression sets your dog up for failure

In January, the Alexandria Times reported on an incident in which a woman was forced to shoot her dog to save her boyfriend from being mauled. I was just settling into the workday on the morning [...]

Pet Matters: Titan and Sox: proof that love exists

Pet Matters: Titan and Sox: proof that love exists

My dogs, Titan and Sox have an amazing relationship. Their love story began just under four years ago and watching them interact makes even the most cold-hearted and jaded of humans believe in unconditional admiration. The [...]

Pet Matters: Losing a best friend and gaining perspective

Pet Matters: Losing a best friend and gaining perspective

On Christmas Day a year ago I received devastating news from home. My adorable bichon mix, Baci, was very ill. About 14 years old, Baci enjoyed a very full and happy life. She passed away just [...]

Pet Matters: Do a superstitious dance, make food appear

Pet Matters: Do a superstitious dance, make food appear

Years ago when I adopted my little savage, Sox, I called a dog trainer to help me tame my wild puppy. During one of the first training sessions, her trainer, Chris, said something along the lines [...]

Pet Matters: Alexandria is the perfect place to be a pet during the holidays

Pet Matters: Alexandria is the perfect place to be a pet during the holidays

Visit a pet boutique this holiday season and find a gift that will drive your pet crazy with delight. The present also may inspire a stern shake of the head from your disapproving spouse. While at [...]

Black Friday deals extend to local shelter

Black Friday deals extend to local shelter

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is getting in the spirit of holiday shopping again this year, offering to waive fees for all black or partially black pets on Black Friday. Finding homes for black animals, [...]

Pet Matters: Digging a hole for retractable leashes

The retractable leash is the bane of my existence. [...]