Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Shepherd mix guards her home with lots of noise
Dear Miss Behavin’: My family recently moved to a new home with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in our living room. We love our new view, but our shepherd mix, “Beauty,” has taken to barking at everything and everyone that goes by. How can we restore quiet to our...
Dog is the great escapee from backyard
Dear Miss Behavin’: Our dog is constantly breaking out of our backyard when we’re at work. Fortunately our neighbors bring him home, but he’s already been picked up twice by animal control. Reply: Of the hundreds of dogs I’ve met, I can count on one hand how many of...
Help kitten learn to use the litter box
Dear Miss Behavin’: I just adopted a kitten and he seems to think the carpet is his litter box. Please help! Reply: It can definitely be tricky to adjust a new kitten to a new home. If you adopted the kitten from a shelter, many of the cats and kittens are housed in...
Give scared dog a safe spot to hide on Thanksgiving
Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog, “Fuzzy,” is a shy boy, and runs to hide whenever visitors come over. We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and I’m worried he’ll be overwhelmed. How can I make the holiday bearable for him? Reply: Just like people, dogs have different...
Husband needs training to not feed his food to dog
Dear Miss Behavin’: My husband loves to feed our dog everything but her kibble. He gives her scraps at the table, lets her lick his dishes, and even shares sweets with her in the evenings. How can I convince him to stop? Reply: Many of us express our love through...
Some surprising facts about black cats
Dear Miss Behavin’: I’m interested in adopting a black cat, but am not so sure, because it’s also almost Halloween. Do you think a black cat would make a great pet? Reply: Black cats have definitely had their fair share of bias due to superstitions, but especially...
It’s tough to teach a dog not to bark
Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog always barks when he goes outside in our backyard. During the day it’s the squirrels, and at night it’s all of the little nocturnal critters. How do I get him to stop? Reply: Barking and vocalizing are two of the most challenging behaviors...
Kitty hides out when people visit her home
Dear Miss Behavin’: My kitty hides out whenever people come over to my house. Is there way to help her feel more comfortable when we have company? Reply: Depending on your visitors and how many there are, there are certainly a few things you can try to encourage your...
Prepare your pets for arrival of a baby
Dear Miss Behavin’: We’re expecting a baby. Do you have any advice on how to prepare our “furry baby” for the new addition to our family? Reply: You’ll want to prepare your “furry baby” for the big changes ahead, months before your due date. If your companion animal...
The big question is, puppy or mature dog?
Dear Miss Behavin’: I’m considering adopting a new dog, but I am torn whether to get a puppy or more mature dog. Any advice? Reply: Everyone considering getting a new dog should ask themselves this question. Many people opt for puppies, but afterward realize that the...
