Czarina's Corner

adopting a second dog - avoid these mistakes

28 Aug

Adding a Second Dog – Don’t Make These Mistakes

Adoption, For New Dog Owners, Owner Stories

If you think that only first-time dogs owners make all the mistakes, rest assured that is not the case. I saw this post recently on one of my social media feeds. In short, the owner of two Bernese Mountain Dogs, aged three years and one year, wants to rehome younger of the two. Why? Because the older dog, who is recovering from double elbow surgery, and going to physical therapy can’t handle the puppy exuberance the of one-year-old. But, wait! There’s more! After the initial rehoming post, the owner has now paused the request, because […]

14 Aug

Rufus Finally Comes Home – Micro-chip Your Dog

Feel Good Stories

This is one of those feel good stories to be shared. Rufus, a deaf Blue-Heeler, escaped the family home and went missing. Rufus’ owner, Marisa Martinez, was frantic and began looking for him, finally enlisting the aid of dog rescue group, Team Frijoles. Rufus remained missing for 11 months, until he happened to be seen by a motorcyclist, who then snapped a picture and sent it to the rescue. They were able to locate Rufus, set a trap and took him to the shelter while they contacted Mrs. Martinez. What makes this so incredibly heart-warming […]

13 Aug

Euthanasia and Your Dog – Knowing When It’s Time

Medical/Behavioral Issues, Tough Decisions

Euthanasia is an extremely difficult topic for all dog owners. In this post, I’ll share my experiences (and mistakes) in how to know when it’s time, or not, but more importantly, making the best decision for your dog. Because bottom line, it’s about your dog, it’s not about you. I should know – I’ve had to euthanize six dogs in the last 14 years. Having to make the decision to euthanize a dog, or in other words putting a dog down, does not necessarily equate only to elderly, senior dogs who have lived a full […]

31 Jul

Thinking about Adding a Second Dog? How to Do It Successfully

General

This post is for you if you’re thinking of adding to your pup family. You already have a dog and now, you’re thinking of adding a second dog. But should you? Are you really ready for another dog? Let’s see. Coming from a multiple dog family for over 20 years, starting with one, then 2, then three and finally adding a fourth, I can speak from plenty of experience. Plus, I’m a one-person household, so I know the daily rigors of caring for multiple pups, a house, and a full-time job. But let’s talk about […]

23 Jul

Your Dog Needs Surgery – The Questions To Ask the Vet and Yourself

Medical/Behavioral Issues

There are two words that cause the most heartache and concern for dog owners. One is cancer and the other is surgery. I speak from experience. How much experience? Let me show you. These canine surgeries are just from the past 20 years of dog ownership. I could have put a fully furnished addition onto my house with what I’ve spent in vet bills. The pup’s name, how many surgeries and the type each has had is shown. Whether you are a single owner or have a family, when you’re told your dog needs surgery, […]

05 Jul

4th of July Fireworks and Your Dog – Tips to Keep You Both Sane

For New Dog Owners, Medical/Behavioral Issues

For every dog who is not afraid of fireworks, or thunder and lightning for that matter, there’s a dog who is afraid, who may pant heavily, look for someplace to hide, panics and gets destructive, or just plain runs. Here are some quick tips and tricks I’ve learned in how to handle dogs and fireworks (or other loud noises) from close to 35 years of owning dogs. Tip 1: Know where your dog is at all times This can be somewhat difficult especially if you have pool parties, barbeques, and other fun going on, and […]

26 Jun

Bloat Can KILL Your Dog

Medical/Behavioral Issues

In the last month, I’ve read five grief-crushing posts in different FB groups I belong to, where people have lost their dogs, one as young as nine months, to the dreaded medical emergency, commonly known as bloat, or the medical term, gastric dilatation volvulus, (GDV). What makes this more earth-shattering is that bloat is pretty much preventable, and yet most people are completely unaware of what this medical and surgical emergency is all about until it happens to their dog. I’ve owned dogs for over 30 years, and bloat can happen to any dog, but […]

16 Jun

10 Tips for Vacationing with Your Dog

For New Dog Owners, General

Summer is here and where I live, it’s currently 97 degrees. For many of us, we’re planning, or have planned, our summer vacations and getaways, including our four-legged best friends. So here are some tips about traveling/vacationing with your dog. Whether you’re an experienced or first-time dog owner, take a scan through just to make sure you don’t forget anything. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped. And if you adopted your dog, make sure the micro-chip is registered to your name and not the previous owner. Be sure your dog is updated on all its […]

11 Jun

The Dog Days of Summer – Don’t Let Your Dog Over-heat

For New Dog Owners, General

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is now behind us. As we march on to the 4th of July, that means fun in the sun with your four-legged buddy. Whether it’s hiking, jogging, camping, or just going for a walk and throwing the ball, you and your pup are all in for a great summer. But, along with the fun, you have to keep an eye on your pup (just like with children) especially when those temperatures start to soar. If you’re new to being a dog owner, or if you haven’t had a […]

15 May

Surrendering Your Dog – You Can No Longer Care For It

Tough Decisions

This is a third in a three-part series for people who are thinking of surrendering, giving up, getting rid of their, their dog. Whatever terminology you want to use. This is not a judgmental post. I merely try and help you decide whether you should surrender your dog because you can no longer care for it. So let’s delve into these reasons. Reason #1: Financial Hardship As an owner, are you experiencing financial hardship, where it’s a choice of paying medical bills, rent, mortgage, car payments, school, food/clothing, the kids, vs. dog food and other […]

08 May

Surrendering Your Dog – We have No Time for It

Tough Decisions

This is a second in a three-part series for people who are thinking of surrendering, giving up their puppy, getting rid of their dog. Whatever terminology you want to use. Surrendering a dog is a personal and difficult subject for me, because I’ve rehomed two dogs in my life, a female and male Doberman. And thankfully both ended up in homes better than mine, at least from a space and financial standpoint. But I digress. Back to your situation. You’re seriously thinking about surrendering your dog because you no longer have the time to spend […]

08 May

Reasons for Surrendering Your Dog – Aggression

For New Dog Owners, Tough Decisions

This is the first in a three-part series for people who are thinking of surrendering, a.k.a. getting rid of, their dog. Whatever terminology you want to use. In Part 1, I will try to help you decide whether you should part with your pup because of its aggression. Full transparency. I speak from experience because in my almost 35 years of owning pups. I have rehomed two pups because of their aggressive behavior and lived with one until its death, trying to manage it. So, if you’re having significant problems with your dog’s aggressive behavior, […]

13 Mar

The Rescue of Missy – It Takes a Village but the Village Begins with One

Feel Good Stories, Rescue

I begin with the moral of this story: never underestimate the difference one person can make in the life of an animal. This is Missy. She was being held in Miami Dade Animal Care & Control (ACC) since October 23, 2021. I first came across her when she hit my Twitter feed in late December 2021. She was tweeted from another Twitter account that is heavily into broadcasting animals in shelters. Missy at this point was retweeted 539 times9 (shown in green at the bottom of the photo). Having people like and retweet , in […]

04 Feb

Is Your Dog Safe?

General, Tough Decisions

You’re a dog owner. You love your dog. Do you ever worry what might happen to your dog if it encounters a law enforcement officer in the line of duty?
Two separate events in the past two months are receiving quite a bit of social media and local news attention. Police officers were involved in the killing of two owners’ dogs, despite no outward show of aggression from the dogs.

17 Jan

You Adopted a Dog — Did You Make A Mistake?

Adoption, For New Dog Owners, Rescue

I’ve owned, loved and cared for dogs for over 30 years, and I want to help you form and have the same special relationship with your pup that I’ve had with all of mine. And that includes dealing with the problems that occasionally crop up that leave you wondering “am I the only one with this problem” – no you are not. Let’s talk. But first, know this. If you surrender your dog to a shelter that’s run by your city or county, know that this kind of shelter is a kill shelter, because that’s […]