Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Enrichment Activities for Cats
Dear Critter Corner: My one-year-old cat is super smart and needs to be kept busy throughout the day, or else he sometimes gets into places/things that he’s not supposed to. Luckily, I do work from home and am able to spend quite a bit of time tiring him out during...
How to Stop Your Dog from Barking During Training Classes
Dear Critter Corner: We just started training class with our new pup, and he sat and barked for the whole class. The instructor gave us some tips, but I am curious how you would approach the constant barking in class. This is something that happens in many training...
Supporting a Cat Through Construction Noise
Dear Critter Corner: Loud noises make my cat very nervous and there is going to be construction outside of my home for the next three months. I’m worried she’s going to be stressed out. How can I prepare my cat for this? Changes in the home environment and nearby...
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...