By Karin Krisher

At one time, we would have dropped the phrase “Fat Cat” with our minds on the money. But this is not that time, and our minds are on something much more widespread, anyhow: Obesity.

We know that in the United States, obesity is an epidemic among humans. Our pets often inherit our health problems, and obesity is no exception. Today, it’s estimated (by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) that 55% of cats are obese. The Banfield Pet Hospital’s 2012 report notes a 90% increase in overweight or obese cats since 2007. That’s 90% in just five years!

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By Karin Krisher

Greyhounds are the coolest. Let’s be clear: I’m not saying they’re the best breed, because what’s best for one person might not be best for another, because all breeds have their attributes, and because all dogs are dogs. I would never discriminate!

But in my experience with Greyhounds, I’ve learned that they’re really cool. Make-a-joke-and-everybody-laughs cool. Wear-crazy-patterns-and-people-think-it’s-a-trend cool. So when I had a chance to speak with Thea Churchill Robson at Northern Greyhound Adoptions in Saint Albans, Vermont, I was thrilled to learn more.

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By Karin Krisher

Dogs’ whiskers are pretty intriguing things. The skin around them starts to gray to give you your first sign that your pup is on the dog side of pup, finally. They accidentally rub against you and give you a tickle on the arm when you’re cuddling. And they just look cute.

So we know why they matter to us humans. But why do dogs have whiskers in the first place? Do they serve some sort of purpose? We’re here to tell you that their purpose is greater than you might have imagined.

What Are They?

Just hairs, right? Wrong.

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By Karin Krisher

Mark Buerhrle loves his dogs. And he loves baseball. But when Buerhrle switched teams from the Miami Marlins to the Toronto Blue Jays, the two came at odds—because Ontario has a pit bull ban.

Rather than leave Slater, one of four pups, behind, Buerhrle and his wife are splitting their time between homes, leaving their children in a state of questioning Ontario’s legal choices on a much more personal level: Why do we have to give up dad or Slater? Why can’t we all stay together?

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By Karin Krisher

I really, really want a dog. It’s not normal want. It’s the whole-lot-so-bad-oh-my-gosh-I-gotta-have-one-puppy-fever-to-the-max type of want. But (there’s always a but) I have a problem.

I don’t drive. It’s a problem because I can’t get a dog to the vet (as much as I would love to take one on the bus). A huge part of being a responsible pet owner is scheduling and keeping regular vet appointments for your animal. I want to be a dog owner, but not badly enough that I will be an irresponsible one.

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