Czarina's Corner

10 May

7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Dog

Adoption

Thinking about getting your first dog Most first-time owners make at least one of the mistakes I’m about to share… and some of those mistakes are heartbreaking and expensive to fix. As someone who’s owned, trained, and loved dogs for over 30 years, and helped clients find the right dog so they can be as happy as I’ve been, these are 7 mistakes that I’ve seen people make again and again — and I don’t want that to be you. 🟥 Mistake 1: Choosing a Dog Based on Looks That teddy bear face? The soft […]

05 May

Doberman vs German Shepherd: Real-World Comparison from an Owner of Both

Adoption, For New Dog Owners

Thinking about a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd? Can’t decide? I’ve owned both; I can help. The Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd are two of the most popular and iconic breeds. If you’re on the fence, not sure which one is best for you, I’m here to help. Both dogs have some shared traits but there are also major differences. And depending on your life, your home, your experience, one may be a far better fit than the other. The Basics These are two of the most popular breeds in the country. But, […]

08 Apr

Breeds Not for First-Time Owners – Meet the Smart but Exhausting

Adoption

If you’re getting a dog for the first time—or the first time in a while—I’m here to help you find the right one for your lifestyle, personality and one that you can safely handle. With nearly 35 years of hands-on experience, owning, loving caring for dogs, multiple breeds, large and small, puppies to seniors, I’ve seen what happens when people pick a breed that’s too smart, too stubborn, or just too much dog. In today’s post, I’m sharing 5 popular breeds that are not a good match for first-time owners—no matter how cute or cool […]

07 Apr

The Puppy I Almost Didn’t Bring Home (A German Shepherd Love Story)

Adoption, Feel Good Stories

I went to the mall for vacuum bags. I came home with the love of my life. I wasn’t looking for a puppy that day. I just saw the sign: “German Shepherd Puppies.” Inside the pet shop, a 40-year community staple, there were three pups: two males and a female. The little girl caught my eye. I held her. Played a little with her. She was adorable. But I had an appointment with a respected German Shepherd breeder in a few days, and I was pretty sure this puppy came from a backyard breeder. So […]

31 Oct

Meet Silverspoon: The Unseen Side of Shelter Adoption

Adoption, For New Dog Owners

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 […]

7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Dog

Doberman vs German Shepherd: Real-World Comparison from an Owner of Both

Breeds Not for First-Time Owners – Meet the Smart but Exhausting

The Puppy I Almost Didn’t Bring Home (A German Shepherd Love Story)

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

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