Affiliate Links It may have been scientifically proven that dogs feel the same emotions we do, but that doesn’t mean we speak their language. With Jasper proving to be such an unexpected challenge in our lives, my husband and I need extra, super-sized tools to deal with his fear aggression and separation anxiety. I  I first received Decoding Your Dog at a press dinner here in New York for Steve Dale, the nationally-syndicated pet journalist and author. Steve edited the book, from interviews with Drs. Debra Horwitz and John Ciribassi, both board-certified veterinary animal behaviorists with… [Continue Reading]

The little monster…:-) Adopting a dog from a shelter can be tricky. It’s why I likened it on social media to the famous Forrest Gump quote, “Life is like a box of chocolates….” You never really get the full history of the dog. If you’re lucky, your new pup comes without much baggage. Oftentimes, because they’ve either been surviving on the street or coming from a less than ideal home life, there are challenges to overcome. To me, part of the beauty of adopting a shelter dog is helping teach them the tools to be successful… [Continue Reading]

Doggy Mom & her little chargePhoto credit: Louis Holingsbee / The Sun Dog mom’s, Bark and Swagger has a Mother’s Day gift just for you! We are partnering with a very cool company called Dog is Good, which celebrates all things dog and the wonderful things they do for us everyday. Before I tell you what dog lovers gift Dog is Good is donating, I have to tell you a bit about this company, because I love the work they are doing. Dog is Good (D.I.G.) makes a variety of products featuring dogs, clever sayings pertaining… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Vicki Rae Thornephoto courtesy ofEarth Heart “I fell head over heels in love!” exclaimed Vicki Rae Thorne, founder, master herbalist and aromatherapist of Earth Heart, describing her introduction to essential oils. Thorne had suffered a car accident that left her with painful fibromyalgia. Her five year old son was on and off antibiotics for chronic ear infections and she was looking for a better way. An aromatherapy class presented itself and she took the plunge. That was 22 years ago and Vicki has never looked back. From… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links JJ, the inspiration I just turned the last page on a charming new children’s book called JJ THE AMERICAN STREET DOG And How He Came To Live In Our House. Written by Certified Humane Education Specialist, Diane Rose-Solomon, and illustrated by graphic designer/illustrator, Rachel Cellinese, JJ is a street dog story that illuminates the important message of rescue and adoption. Winner of the Mom’s Choice Award and critically acclaimed, the book is written for children ages 5-9 years old. JJ The American Street Dog… [Continue Reading]

Affiliate Links Chloe Polka Dot Kissesphoto courtesy of Candice Katayama YouTube did it. I have no idea what I was searching for, but I saw this precious, bright-eyed little Yorkie face and clicked “Play.” That was my first introduction to Chloe Polka Dot, and it hooked me forever. I say polka dot kisses, because Chloe’s mission is to be an ambassador for creating smiles (like little puppy kisses) around the world. And, she’s succeeding. How does she do it? The cutie pie face does draw you in, but with… [Continue Reading]

Safe Humane Chicago’sLifetime Bonds ProgramIn Action Labs are big in the service dog arena. A good friend of mine and owner of a gorgeous black lab named Finn, told me about an organization she’s involved with who takes lab pups, specially selected, and has prisoners train them to become military dogs and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder service dogs for veterans. The program is called Puppies Behind Bars, and it’s amazing. My husband and I attended their annual fundraising gala last fall, and got to see, firsthand, the veterans these dogs are helping and the woman who… [Continue Reading]

Nikki Moustaki &Her Dog Whether you live in a big or a small city, there are certain encounters our dogs will have that differ from the experience of country canines. From the time Sophie was 3 months old, she had to adjust to wailing sirens, hordes of pedestrians, and a bombardment of dogs and children of all sizes and shapes And, that was just on our walks! Apartment living is an adjustment, as is managing the social environment of parties, big department stores or doggy daycare our babies may be faced with. So, when I learned that… [Continue Reading]