Czarina's Corner

31 Oct

Meet Silverspoon: The Unseen Side of Shelter Adoption

Silverspoon is a 70-pound bundle of gentleness, patience, and loyalty. Described by the shelter as adaptable, she’s the kind of dog who will snuggle on the couch all day or trot by your side on a brisk run. She’s house-trained, kennel-trained, and has impeccable leash manners. She’s gentle, loving, and adored by everyone she meets. And yet, this beautiful 5-year-old dog has been returned to the shelter three times. Silverspoon’s story isn’t unique — it’s part of the darker reality of shelter adoption that we don’t often hear about. Approximately 60% of adopted shelter dogs […]

21 Oct

Navigating the World of Breeders Workshop

Uncategorized

Have you finally decided that now is the time to add that new puppy you’ve always wanted to your life? But now, comes the scary part, finding that reputable, ethical breeder who you can trust. I’ve put together a 1-hour workshop, “Navigating the World of Breeders” October 24, 2024 at 7pm CDT/8pm EDT/5pm PCT, that will help you with the following: If you would like to join me, the workshop is $47 and will provide you with the information you need to be comfortable when interviewing breeders and making the decision that is right for […]

29 Aug

Safe From the Badge: What to Do With Your Dog When Police Arrive

For New Dog Owners, Global Animal Issues

When you’re in a situation that requires calling the police, your primary concern is often the immediate safety of yourself and others. But if you’re a dog owner, there’s an additional, sometimes overlooked, concern: the safety of your pet. Tragically, there have been numerous incidents where family dogs have been shot by police officers during routine visits or emergency responses. These incidents are more common than you think. The recent shooting by a police officer of a Labrador Retriever mix in front of the owner and her children is the reason for this article. You […]

03 May

Kristie Noem Shoots her Dog and Herself (in the foot)

Owner Stories, Tough Decisions

Unless you live in the Outer Hebrides or have been in a health or work-induced coma, there’s no way you could have missed the brouhaha and public outrage over South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s admitted shooting of her 14-month-old puppy, Cricket. Nothing unifies people of different opinions and persuasions than animals, especially dogs. There are more photos of dogs on peoples’ desks than there are of humans. And if you’re in a client meeting, there is nothing that breaks the ice in a conference room or Zoom call than when someone starts talking about their […]

11 Apr

Are Shelter Dogs America’s Throwaway Dogs?

Adoption, Rescue

Are shelter dogs America’s throwaway dogs? It’s #NationalPetDay, so it’s a good time to ask this question. I did some digging. I went to 11 shelter websites in CA, NV, TX, AL, SC, and NY, and looked at their adoption fees for adult dogs/puppies. The range for all dogs was $0 to $150, with the average adoption fee of $70 for an adult dog. Now compare that $70 average fee to a “Family of Four Feast” at Red Lobster for $136.99, an annual Netflix subscription for $167+, or a monthly cell phone bill for an […]

21 Mar

The Untold Story of Shelter Dogs

Adoption, Rescue, Tough Decisions

What do Brooklyn, Kosmo, and Numi have in common? They were adopted from shelters. They were returned to the shelter by their adopters shortly after their adoption. They’re all dead. This is not a post meant to depress, but to raise awareness of a heart-wrenching reality that often goes unnoticed in the world of animal rescue: the plight of returned rescue/shelter dogs. Did you know that six out of ten dogs adopted from a shelter are returned within two months? For many people who decide to add a dog to their home, they opt to […]

04 Feb

Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: A Guide for 1st Time Dog Owners

Adoption, For New Dog Owners

Hello, future dog owners! Today, we’re going to talk about something really important but fun—your future dog’s personality, or what we like to call their “temperament.” Just like people, dogs, and certain dog breeds, have their own unique personalities and personality types. Some are super playful and energetic, while others might be more laid-back and calm. Knowing about these different types of personalities can help you find the perfect doggie friend for your family. Why Dogs’ Personalities Matter Imagine you’re a person who loves to chill at home, watching movies or reading books. Now, what […]

10 Nov

Best and Worst Dog Breeds for the 1st Time Owner

Adoption, For New Dog Owners

Are you thinking about a puppy for the Holidays? Are you a first-time dog owner? I’ve owned dogs for close to 35 years, multiple breeds, and raised dogs from puppies to seniors. If there’s one thing I know, it’s dogs. If you’re a first-time dog owner, here’s my take on dogs that would be good for you/your family and followed by dogs that while popular, you should avoid for your sanity. Every person/situation is different, but if you’ve NEVER owned a dog, or, it’s been longer than 15 years since you’ve had one, then this […]

31 Oct

5 Reasons NOT to Get a Dog

Adoption

You’re seriously thinking about adopting a dog. It’s that time of year for gift giving, right? Stop! Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t. 1. You’re not ready for a baby; you’re not ready for another child. A puppy is a 4-legged baby; a dog is a 4-legged child. If you’re not ready for a baby or another child, do NOT get a dog. 2. You’re unwilling to make a lifestyle change. You love going out with friends shopping, to sporting events, the restaurant scene, nightlife, or to places that don’t necessarily allow you to […]

Chipper Bandaged from Surgery after Mast Cell

12 Oct

Mast Cell Tumors – The Most Common Skin Cancer in Dogs

Medical/Behavioral Issues, Owner Stories, Uncategorized

I had a scare with my Boston Terrier, Thumper recently. Why is that important? Because it can happen to you and your dog. Found this lump on Thumper (L) one morning. Appeared out of nowhere. Reminded me of five similar lumps that Chipper had (R) beginning at age five years. Thumper is five years old. Chipper’s lumps were mast cell tumors, the most common form of skin cancer in dogs. They come out of nowhere, are hard to the touch, can change shape, and can be found on the paws, legs, stomach, and other parts […]

Socializing Your Dog - A great dane and puppy

25 Sep

The Art of Dog Socialization: Why It Matters

For New Dog Owners, Medical/Behavioral Issues

Dog socialization is more than just a buzzword in the world of pet ownership. It’s a critical aspect of raising a well-rounded and well-behaved dog. In this post, I’ll delve into why dog socialization matters, what it entails, and how to ensure your pup gets the best out of this essential aspect of their development. Understanding Dog Socialization Dog socialization begins at birth with the mother dog and the breeder. This is why it is so important to the dog’s early development that it is not removed from contact with its mother or siblings prior […]

13 Sep

Losing Olympia – When a Dog’s Grief is More than Your Love

My Dogs

Three yrs ago today, Sept. 13, I unexpectedly lost my 12 year old German Shepherd, Olympia, to sepsis. Backtrack in time ————- Fifteen yrs ago, I and my six-month old German Shepherd, Czarina, drove from Chicago’s western suburbs to Michigan to pick up the little tyke, Olympia, from the breeder. On the way home, I drove with the windows closed since she wailed so loudly in her crate, I thought someone might report me to the ASPCA for animal cruelty. I pulled over at a rest stop, took her out of her crate, and she […]

11 Sep

Adding a Second Dog? What to Consider First

Adoption

Are you thinking of adding a second dog to your family? Here are some points to consider before you detonate that adopt button. 1) Your first dog’s temperament. This is THE key. Not age. Not gender. Not breed. The photo below is 12 yr old Shepherd, Czarina, with 2 yr old Allegra. Some dogs are best suited to being an only dog, while other dogs, with careful introduction, may be accepting and will get on well with the second dog. Nirvana is when both dogs become BFFs. A meet-and-greet between your dog and the potential […]

02 Sep

Adopting a Dog from a Shelter? — STOP

Adoption, For New Dog Owners

You’ve decided you want to get a dog and you’re on your way to the shelter. STOP! Before you walk through the shelter door: — Do you know what size, temperament, and type of dog is right for your lifestyle and family? Or, were you just thinking about walking up and down the shelter aisles and see which dog appeals to you? (Note: six out of ten dogs are returned within two months of adoption. Please don’t be a statistic.) — What are your expectations for your new pup? Some dogs acclimate quickly, while others […]

03 Aug

My Czarina – A Memoir of a German Shepherd

Feel Good Stories, My Dogs, Owner Stories

It’s been three years this month since I lost my beloved Czarina. No matter how many dogs we may have in our lives, there will always be that ONE who sings to your heart, who knows you better than you know yourself, and whose unflinching love and loyalty makes you wonder how you ever deserved an alter-ego so dear. I already had three pups, two Bostons & a Doberman, when Czarina came into my life. I like even numbers, so I needed a 4th pup. Working from home made it easy to care for the […]

Meet Silverspoon: The Unseen Side of Shelter Adoption

Navigating the World of Breeders Workshop

Safe From the Badge: What to Do With Your Dog When Police Arrive

Kristie Noem Shoots her Dog and Herself (in the foot)

Are Shelter Dogs America’s Throwaway Dogs?

The Untold Story of Shelter Dogs

Understanding Your Dog’s Personality: A Guide for 1st Time Dog Owners

Best and Worst Dog Breeds for the 1st Time Owner

5 Reasons NOT to Get a Dog

Mast Cell Tumors – The Most Common Skin Cancer in Dogs

The Art of Dog Socialization: Why It Matters

Losing Olympia – When a Dog’s Grief is More than Your Love

Adding a Second Dog? What to Consider First

Adopting a Dog from a Shelter? — STOP

My Czarina – A Memoir of a German Shepherd

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