ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

I have a three-year-old Shih Tzu mix who has brought tremendous joy to our household. The one major issue is her anxiety when traveling in a car. She pants incessantly throughout the ride but is fine as soon as it’s over. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 5-minute trip or a longer drive.

We’ve tried over-the-counter and ...Read more

The year has started fairly positively for the shelters and rescue facilities caring for homeless kitties. In most parts of the country, shelters recorded notably lower rates of cat surrenders in 2024 than in 2023 and 2022, with around 340,000 cats surrendered to shelters by December of last year, according to Shelter Animals Count's intake ...Read more

During the winter months, everyone is trying to keep the heat in and the cold out. The use of heating devices and candles, while effective, can be a serious fire hazard. Especially with a four-legged friend running around.

The American Kennel Club offers these tips to help prevent home fires and keep your pets safe:

Install smoke detectors...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have two small dogs, neither of which are housetrained – a five-year-old “shorkie” I got four years ago, and a 10-year-old Shih Tzu mix that I just added to the family.

When I first got the “shorkie,” I tried to crate train him, but he would go berserk. He had been thrown out of a car, so was likely very traumatized. ...Read more

CHICAGO -- The Field Museum’s lakefront building isn’t original to the “White City” constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, but its collection began as a permanent home for many of the items exhibited at that famous fair. One of these 19th century specimens, a taxidermy tiger, is now prominently displayed in an array of ...Read more

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, yet it carries itself with the confidence and charisma of a much larger dog. Known for their larger-than-life personalities and strong bond with their owners, Chihuahuas have become a beloved breed for many pet enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the ...Read more

Socializing your pup is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Making sure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved around others is critical and should start early on in their training. It is key to start exposing your puppy to new people, places and situations as soon as you can for them to feel happy and confident throughout ...Read more

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral condition in dogs that can lead to significant stress for both pets and their owners. It occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to their human companion and experiences extreme distress when left alone. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and practical treatment strategies for managing ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Two months ago, we adopted Fred, a Shar-Pei/Lab mix, through a rescue. He was found severely malnourished and covered in sores. After two months in foster care, we adopted Fred. He has bonded well with our five-year-old dog and is learning to be his own dog. While he’s made significant progress, he still struggles with some ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I read your advice, "Preparing Feral Cats for Winter." While our country is riddled with invasive species of plants, animals, and insects, feral cats are also invasive, invading the limited habitats of today's urban and rural landscapes.

The article mentions you as a "pet expert," yet you seem to lack significant knowledge about ...Read more

When most people think about vaccines, they typically think about humans: Experts warn that when large numbers of people are unvaccinated, it can lead to severe consequences, including disease outbreaks and higher rates of illness and death, particularly among the most vulnerable. The economic costs to society can also be substantial.

...Read more

For dog owners, few things are as routine as the daily walk. It’s a time for exercise, bonding and exploring the world together. But how a dog is walked—specifically, whether they wear a collar or a harness—can make a significant difference in their safety, comfort and overall walking experience. Many veterinarians, trainers and ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I got a two-year-old Shi Tzu from a private party. I wanted a lap dog, but she hides under my recliner. She will come for treats and follow me around the house but mainly stays under the chair. I got her a crate, but she only goes in to get a toy or a treat. I covered it with a blanket, but that didn't help. I did find out they ...Read more

Choosing the right dog breed is a big decision that can shape your life for years to come. With countless breeds to choose from, finding the perfect furry companion for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a jogging buddy, a cuddly lap dog, or a loyal family protector, these 10 tips will help you make an informed ...Read more

I teach a course on New England witchcraft trials, and students always arrive with varying degrees of knowledge of what happened in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692.

Nineteen people accused of witchcraft were executed by hanging, another was pressed to death and at least 150 were imprisoned in conditions that caused the death of at least...Read more