Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Introducing Your Cat to a New Home
Dear Critter Corner: After moving into my new home, I kept my cat, Pele, in the bedroom for the first night, but she kept meowing, pacing, and scratching at the door so I let her out into the rest of the apartment. Now she keeps darting around or hiding. What should I...
Introducing a Rescue Cat to a Young Child
Dear Critter Corner: I recently adopted a senior cat, and she is a bit timid but has been coming out of her shell nicely with me. My sister’s 6-year-old daughter is scheduled to stay over at my place during one of the weekends this month and has limited experience...
Harnesses for New Pups
Dear Critter Corner: We will be bringing home a new pup soon, and we want to be prepared with the right type of equipment to use for them. What are your suggestions for a young puppy? There are many different types of equipment options out there to choose from, so...
Helping a Cat Through a Move
Dear Critter Corner: I’m in the process of moving and will have movers coming in the next few weeks to pack and move my home and belongings. I’m nervous about having my cat around while the movers are here, but I don’t know where else she can go. Any suggestions? If...
Preparing Your Home for Rescue Cats
Dear Critter Corner: I recently met an 11-month-old bonded pair of cats that I fell in love with and have committed to adopt from a local rescue. The rescue staff mentioned that they are on the shy side and will require some patience before they come out of their...
Helping Your Dog with Visits to the Vet
Dear Critter Corner: We just returned from our pup's annual vet visit, which didn’t go so well. What can we do to make next year's visit more comfortable for all parties involved? Many pups have a difficult time with the processes that take place in the vet’s office....
Minimizing Shedding and Preventing Hairballs in Cats
Dear Critter Corner: My cat has been shedding a lot on the carpet and furniture and coughing up hairballs. Any remedies for this? As the summer months approach, our kitties will start to shed some of their winter coats to prepare for the warmer months. As they...
Her Cat Is an Escape Artist
Dear Critter Corner: My cat has been an escape artist all of his life, and might I add a very determined door dasher since he was a kitten! He is an indoor cat but does really like being outside to sunbathe. He will wait by the door and zoom past me as soon as I open...
Teaching Your Dog Tricks
Dear Critter Corner: Can you give us a few ideas for some fun, easy tricks that we can work on with our pup and that our kids can help with? Teaching tricks is always a nice break from your training and a great way to get the kids involved in the training as well....
Tips to Teach a Dog to “Come” When Called
Dear Critter Corner: I am struggling with teaching my dog to come to me reliably when called. Can you give me some tips to help with this? Many owners struggle with this issue. We tend to muddy the cue ‘come’ by repeating it too much and without a follow-through when...