Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Planning to Go Back to the Office Part-Time
Dear Critter Corner: At the end of last year, I adopted a kitten from my local shelter, and she has grown quite a bit over the last few months. She is very active and has required a lot of attention throughout the day, which has been manageable in the past since I...
Prepping for Warm-Weather Outings with Your Dog
Dear Critter Corner: This is our first Spring and Summer with our pup, and we are looking forward to many outings. What are some things we should be aware of or pack for an outing? This is a great time to get out and bring your pup with you when you are able and if...
Preparing Your Yard for an Indoor Cat
Dear Critter Corner: As the weather starts warming up from winter, my cat is excited to get back outside in the yard and start exploring. Any tips on getting my yard ready for her playtime? As the weather warms up and the birds and squirrels are more active, it can...
Helping a Shy Kitten Settle In
Dear Critter Corner: My husband has finally gotten on board with adopting a kitten from our local rescue! The adoption coordinator has let us know that they have a couple of nine-week-old kittens who were found in our neighborhood and will be ready for adoption in the...
Our Dogs Are Fighting
Dear Critter Corner: We have 2 young male dogs that have started to fight with one another on occasion. The fights have not resulted in any injuries yet, but they sound horrible. Do you have any recommendations on how to get the two to stop fighting? I am sorry to...
Exercising Your Cat
Dear Critter Corner: My cat had his annual vet check-up last week and the vet said he could use some more exercise to help maintain his weight. He has lots of toys but doesn’t play with them. Any ideas? A good start would be to try to figure out what type of...
Overstimulated Cat
Dear Critter Corner: I recently adopted cat from my local shelter and they mentioned that she has quite a bit of energy but can also get overstimulated at times. Over the past week I have noticed that she is not too interested in the toys that I leave out for her to...
Teaching and Using the Cue, ‘Touch’
Dear Critter Corner: I would like to teach my pup the cue ‘Touch’ for coming to me. Can you offer me some guidance on the best way to teach it so that it is successful? This is one of my favorite cues to use for so many things. Using it in place of the recall is...
Volunteering at Your Local Animal Shelter
Dear Critter Corner: My family has recently lost our long-time family pet and really misses having a four-legged friend brightening up our home. Unfortunately, we are not quite ready to commit to adopting a new dog currently but would like to be able to help the...
Prepping for a Cat Sitter
Dear Critter Corner: I’m heading out of town for an extended trip to see family. It’s the first time I’ll be leaving my cat for more than a week. Any tips for when I leave her? First come up with a daily routine and emergency list that you can provide whoever will be...