ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

I adopted a year-old dog from the SPCA (a Chipoodle). He is protective, but only in the house. When we're out on walks, he's fine if I stop and talk to anyone, or if anyone approaches. But at home, when the doorbell rings or anyone enters the house, he starts barking loudly.

He doesn't growl. If I give him a bunch of treats, he ...Read more

Every tattoo has a story. Some are good; others may leave a nagging sense of regret.

Those tattoos that make you cringe are at the heart of a contest that the PetSmart superstore company launched this month.

Dubbed the "Redo Tattoo" contest, PetSmart is offering five winners a chance to replace tattoos they regret with a portrait of a pet.

...Read more

Spring is a great time of year to get your pet’s annual wellness exams done.

These exams are great to see if your pet gained (or lost) any weight over the winter, discuss with your veterinarian the development of any medical or behavioral trends, and focus on keeping your dog as healthy as possible so you and your dog can enjoy the ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I recently have spent time with a dog trainer on a social level. In these settings, the trainer has commented about her dog training methods that don't seem compatible with your column or my own experience.

This trainer boards and trains dogs at her facility. She appears to be successful and gets dogs regularly. However, she ...Read more

Matt Wood wants to get inside the mind of cat. That’s the driving force behind his indie project “Little Kitty Big City.” Inspired by his own feline friends, Mario and Roxy, and conceived with help from his children, he crafted a game focused on the nameless, at least initially, feline protagonist who falls from the safety of its window ...Read more

(UPI) A cat rescued from between two walls by firefighters in England is going viral on social media thanks to its amused facial expression.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said on social media that crews from Preston responded when the "curious cat" was found trapped between two walls.

"Our firefighters carefully chiseled them out safe and...Read more

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, and allergy season is in full swing. Common allergens that can affect dogs are things that can be inhaled (like mold, dust mites or pollen), different foods and skin irritants.

To help dog owners manage and help relieve their pup’s allergies, the American Kennel Club offers the following ...Read more

(UPI) The London Fire Brigade came to the rescue of a cat who fled from his owner's vacuum and spent two days trapped in the chimney.

The brigade said its Bexley and Greenwich Red Watch crews responded to the Erith-area home to rescue the cat, named Oreo, when his owner started to grow concerned that he wasn't coming down on his own.

"Oreo the...Read more

(UPI) A pet insurance company is inviting the public to vote on some of the most unusual animal monikers for its annual Wacky Pet Names prize.

Nationwide said the most bizarre names were chosen from the company's currently-enrolled pets and split into three categories: dog, cat and exotic.

The finalists in the dog category are Boots With the ...Read more

Some dogs will only eat kibble when it is soaked in gravy. Others must be stopped from eating rocks. Whether Fido is a refined diner or a food fiend, it is the owner's responsibility to make sure their foods are safe. Most know not to treat their pup to chocolate, but other dangers lurk in the most innocent-looking ingredients. Apart from over-...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I am a first-time adopter of a six-year-old shelter cat. I've raised dogs all my life, but after my beloved Westie passed away a few years ago, I missed having a pet. Due to my age, I felt a senior cat would require less maintenance and make a nice companion.

I have had Tucker for several months now, and he is still quite skittish ...Read more