dog

It's no coincidence that a dog is a man's best friend; they're more faithful than most other animals, and more faithful than many people.

Should My Dog Sleep on My Bed with Me?
As a dog owner and avid dog lover myself, I have always been curiously fascinated by this question. My little guy Theo is a toy poodle, so he’s always been small enough to snuggle with at night. For the most part, you won’t even know he’s there. But how many times have I heard from other fellow dog owners (my mother included) that dogs shouldn’t be allowed on the bed? Too many times to count. We hear stories about kids with autism or children who have disabilities that are coaxed into comfort with the companionship of a dog. A dog’s presence is unconditional and pure, without any harmful intentions that cause pain, hurt, suffering. We as human beings continue to collaborate with dogs to create a harmonious environment for those around us on a daily basis.
By Delilah Jayde8 years ago in Petlife
Grief and Carrying On...
Our dog died... there, I've said it. It's been a struggle this last month and to be honest I'm surprised it's only been a month. I keep expecting to look at the calendar and discover that, much like an old cartoon or film, the months have just flown past as if by magic, but they haven't. Poppy died late afternoon on Thursday, December 14, 2017; she was just six years old.
By Emma Booth8 years ago in Petlife
A Pet Owner's Journey (Pt. 15)
There is no one happier in the world to see you come home than your dog. You could have been gone an hour or a month and they will always greet you with their tails wagging. They are always excited to see you, to know that you are still part of their lives.
By Samantha Reid8 years ago in Petlife
Winterizing Your Dog: Tips of Warmth & Safety
If you, like me, have a four-legged family member that you love and want to do the best to keep them comfortable this winter weather, here’s how we can show them our love without worrying about the cost.
By Belle V. Rose8 years ago in Petlife
5 Foods You Shouldn't Feed Your Dog
Ever heard someone say "Shout-out to my dog for eating the same thing every day and not complaining?" Well, it's a lot easier to add some variety to your four-legged family's diet than you may think! First, I'm gonna list a few things to NEVER add to your pooch's bowl, and then a few green light items as well!
By Grace Kenner8 years ago in Petlife
"I Loved You at First Sight..."
(Some names have been changed.) It was a fall day I will never forget. It was October 7, 2015. It was my very first day at a new job at a local doggy daycare. I had worked at many animal-related jobs, including doggy daycares over the years. This one was the most special though. I was training to be a front desk supervisor. In order to get a better idea of the company, I had to be trained in all areas, including the play areas. The play areas were where all of the dogs were out playing in groups. It was often chaotic. The first group I went into was the small dog group. As soon as I entered, I was met with many excited little dogs. They were all jumping up on me, barking, and trying to win over my affection.
By Kelly Fox8 years ago in Petlife
The Puppy Test
Puppies are some of the cutest animals on the planet. They also are a great way to get used to working with children or having children in your life. It is a simple test my parents mentioned to me. If you are thinking of children, get a puppy and see where to go from there. They are a great start for some of the basic needs for learning how to raise children.
By Heather Wilkins8 years ago in Petlife
My Saviour
Before I met you, I was hopeless. I had lost all faith in the world and thought I would amount to nothing. Before I met you, I was depressed, anxious, and scared. I felt so worthless, like there was little point even trying. School was a nightmare, and home life was just the same. I felt alone, like I had no one in the world to talk to. I'd spend all day cooped up in my room, no longer interested in the things that used to interest and excite me. My books were left on the bookshelf, doing little more than gathering dust. My camera was left in its bag. I don't think I'd used it in months. I didn't feel like I had a purpose in life anymore.
By Sam Wood8 years ago in Petlife
We Always Loved You
I got her when I was ten. I lost her by twenty-three. She’s a part of my growing up, maybe even the biggest one. Anyone who’s been through what I have will understand. Anyone that hasn’t most likely can’t. But that’s okay. I don’t judge. When it happens, it happens. Pain or freedom. That’s the choice. Your decision. Not hers, but yours. Freedom for her, pain for you, and vice versa. There is nothing you can do when you’ve done all you can. You had the time you had together. You always knew it wouldn’t be forever. Sometimes, I function. Other times, I break. It’s getting better though, or easier at least. At times, it feels difficult to express what I feel. If I do I think that I will lose myself, isn’t that scary?
By Feliks Divelli8 years ago in Petlife
The Loss of a Best Friend
Our pets end up being way more than just a family member, they become a friend. They give us that unconditional love, the type of love that we all yearn for. Nobody tells you what to expect when you lose a loved one, let alone a pet. We don't think of what life would be like, so when the time comes we're hit with this huge brick of helplessness. Scamp A.K.A Scampi was born March 3, 2002 and passed away March 9, 2017. I knew the that the day would come, I constantly hoped he would go away peacefully. My dream didn't quite happen, I had to make the decision to euthanize him because he was getting sicker each day. He ended up having congestive heart failure and nobody believed me when I said that I knew something was wrong with him. How do we cope with loss? How are we to make it through the grieving process? We all will cope differently, I personally started writing letters to him and sharing memories because it is helpful. Going through the grieving process hasn't been easy and I understand that it is not going to. There is no length on how long you are to grieve because we are all different, we will face differently. Someone else may get through the grieving process within a few months, while others like me are still constantly battling the memory. I'm happy Scampi is now back with his best friend Chester. But man, do I miss him and still wish he were here. The loss of a pet I knew would be difficult, but to me it's traumatic. I'm lost without him and my schedule feels off. I will share a poem, and letter that I have written to him.
By Paris Patrick8 years ago in Petlife
More Than Just a Friend
This is my first story ever and the first subject I thought of was above. I am just back from a walk with my caramel-coloured friend and realize that I wouldn't exchange it for anything. You know why? Well I hope you do, but if not, I will try to explain my thoughts about it.
By Diana Juodinyte8 years ago in Petlife
Not Just For Christmas
"He must be going soft," she muttered. She opened the door of her Fiat and the unmistakably ripe stench of dog muck and damp fur assailed her nostrils. She wrinkled her nose and picked her way over the muddy carpark.
By Hazel Hitchins8 years ago in Petlife