Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Petlife.
Good boy, Cody!
His nickname was Cody Coyote and he deserved every bit of it. Everything about Cody was bigger. He was bigger than the average husky, for one thing. His zoomies were zoomier. His naughtiness was naughtier. It wasn't that I didn't understand huskies, my purebred, Katie had given me a crash course in husky weirdness. But this boy was wild! Frankly, he was jumping on my last nerve.
By Dawn Kline3 years ago in Petlife
A Lifetime of Dog Years with Tommy. Top Story - December 2021.
As always in December, Tommy’s been on my mind. I thought about him as we trimmed the tree with the pictures and dog tags of the seven dogs who've walked by our sides these last 24 years. I thought about him as we ate a tuna casserole one Sunday in December because tuna was his very favorite food, so much so that when we visit his grave we bring a can of tuna instead of flowers.
By Barbara Andres3 years ago in Petlife
Peanut: Unleashed, untrained, unrestrained and unchained
Peanut untrained My maternal great grandmother passed away in August 1975 and a few weeks later her daughter, my great aunt Gladys sent her sister, my grandma a cute little puppy. He was tan and my brother said he looked like the inside of a peanut so we named him Peanut. He was with a liter that was found near my aunt's home and she thought we would like one of the puppies. I never found out what happened to the rest of the pups.
By Cheryl E Preston3 years ago in Petlife
The homeless and their pets
I know you've all heard of the good ol' saying A dog is a man's best friend. I used to be a cat person but some where along the way I found myself with the cutest 4 week old all white miniture poodle/chihuahua who I named Lucky. How typical... He was who I considered to be my son. I ended up homeless after my boyfriend went to jail. Now that I think back I've been trying to fill a void with dogs to replace the love of my life who is still currently serving time. Yet I had convinced myself my son Lucky needed a companion. Yes I got my dog, a dog! Now my mother was stuck babysitting 2 grandchildren Lucky and Loki which she eventually got fed up with and refusing to enable my irresponsibility any longer she sent them to live with me indefinitely. I had no idea how to care for 2 dogs 24 hours, 7 days a week and remind you I was living on the streets. If all of this wasn't enough a small Jack Russell I now call chupies decided to adopt me and refused to leave. He turned out to be the most Loyal and protective dog I have. He would die protecting me without hesitation and I for him. Needless to say I was overwhelmed but my heart as big as it is found a way to adapt. It took me months to get used to taking care of them. Feeding, training, bathing, cleaning, screaming, breaking up fights and the biggest challenge of all locking them up before I could even cross the street. Loki is an escape artist and dogs learn fast. It only takes them seeing 1 dog do something for them all to learn the bad habits. Loki has been hit by a car. His leg was split down the middle but thanks to Pets of the Homeless and the East Bay spca he recovered 100%. My dogs are all vaccinated, chipped, spayed, and nutured. The resources are out there even if you don't have a dime you just have to go out and look for them. I'm a homeless woman who often builds in homeless encampments or as they're called tent cities. My dogs which now is a total of 6 Loki, Chupies, oso, Lucy, Minnie, and My lil Fat Daddy I've yet to name plus 1 kitten i think I'm naming Cat (she's a bigger handful than all the dogs put together) I now care for effortlessly. They keep me safe and warm at night. They keep me on my toes. Days when I don't want to keep pushing forward or even get out of bed I hear 1 bark and remember I have to. They're my responsibility if I don't feed them then they won't eat. I owe them my sanity. I truly believe if it wasn't for these crazy amazing little creatures I wouldn't be as humble, grounded, responsible, or sain as I am today after 2 very hard years. I get overwhelmed yes because they are a great responsibility and it isn't easy by any means especially financially but I would never give them up because they're the most loyal and loving creatures put on this planet. If you see homeless people with pets or dogs who aren't as fortunate as I am to care for their animals before you judge them or call the pound why don't you see what you can do to help. Buy a bag of food or some flea medicine. Help them search for resources before you call animal control because I guarantee no one on this planet can love a pet more then their owner and the pound is no better place for them to be. My Lucky was picked up and it cost $372 for me to get him back only for my baby to die in my arms because he got sick in the animal shelter. I'm homeless, I'm a drug addict and I'm not proud of it but I'm not ashamed either. I'm barely getting a grasp on life and I know my dogs play a huge role in why I haven't completely lost my way. My dogs are fat and healthy, flea free, chipped, vaccinated, and happy. Stop taking pets away from the homeless and help them instead of judging their situation. You don't know what that cat or dog may mean to them and you don't know what they might mean to that cat or dog.
By Stephanysays.blog3 years ago in Petlife
How dog nutrition affects quality of life
What is good dog nutrition? Good nutrition is feeding your dog the building blocks and energy components that allow them to grow, develop to their potential and stay active throughout their life.There are many ways to feed your dog and hundreds of diets to choose from. Most people tend to use dry and canned dog food for convenience and cost. However, for owners who are open minded about their dog’s diet, there are alternatives to dry and canned dog food that may offer better nutrition for your particular dog.
By Grecu Daniel Cristian3 years ago in Petlife
Even More Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing
As I said before, the response from my first piece, Things Vet Techs (And Vets) Are Tired of Hearing, was overwhelming. It was something that I never expected. I shared it with other veterinary professionals on Facebook, and they were quick to share things that they were tired of hearing.
By Shelley Wenger3 years ago in Petlife
Why Do Cats Meow?
Because we love our pets so much, we want to understand what happens to them and what is the significance of any of their gestures! You may not be able to speak her language, but you can certainly try to understand what the little cat wants to tell you!
By Mike Sanders3 years ago in Petlife