We have a cat and we'd like to add a beagle to the family but are wondering if the two would get along. I understand a beagle is a hunting dog and might see the cat as something to track and, well, hound. Any stories here?
posted by xmutex
on Apr 6, 2013 -
19 answers
My dog has bone cancer, and spends most of his time gimping around on three legs due a gross tumor on one of his hind legs. He's already a pretty striking dog (obligatory photos
here and
here and
here), so people already often stop to talk to me about him and comment. Now, he has a very pronounced three-legged gate, and people comment on that too. I'm having a hard time dealing with explaining to people "he has cancer" multiple times a day, and watching their faces drop. Any suggestions as to how I can handle this better so I don't ruin my own and other people's day by making everyone think about awesome dogs dying?
[more inside]
posted by Grandysaur
on Mar 28, 2013 -
19 answers
The internet is full of lame gimmicks, wannabe dog whisperers, and advice on crating. Help me housebreak my poor, dumb, dog for real.
[more inside]
posted by littlerobothead
on Mar 4, 2013 -
20 answers
If anyone recognises this story, please can you tell me the author? I think the story is about five years old. An ordinary man with low self-esteem is dumped by his beautiful intelligent accomplished girlfriend. She gives him a dog as a pity present, with a snide subtext that the dog is better than he is. Gradually through caring for the dog, a magnificent Alsation, and taking pride in it, the man recovers his self-esteem and becomes sought-after. It's a story that feels as if it has a lot of undercurrents and as if it's not as simple as it looks: in some way the dog stands in for the guy, or represents the guy or becomes a totem for him. Or something.
posted by glasseyes
on Mar 3, 2013 -
3 answers
I love my dog. Every once in a while, I feel utterly heartbroken that I will most likely outlive him. While it doesn't happen often and it's not overwhelming, and I realize that it is perfectly natural to be sad about something like that, can you give me advice about how to turn these thoughts into something positive?
[more inside]
posted by halogen
on Jan 7, 2013 -
42 answers
What are some good dog boarding/kennel services in Seattle (or, even better, on the Eastside) that will know how handle my sweet but incredibly nervous and poorly socialized dog?
[more inside]
posted by iamfantastikate
on Dec 14, 2012 -
13 answers
I want to train my dog to stay, come, and heel (or, "come in closer, but you don't have to come right up to me"). How do I do this?
[more inside]
posted by jsturgill
on Sep 24, 2012 -
12 answers
Can someone recommend a good boarding kennel in London? We will be leaving the country for about two weeks for a visit home, and need to find a place for the pets while we're away.
[more inside]
posted by jonobarel
on Jul 24, 2012 -
2 answers
In the wake of a
recent hoarding incident in Pennsylvania a local shelter has a large number of chihuahuas who will soon be needing permanent homes. I have previous experience dogsitting a family member's chihuahua for long periods of time so I know how to take care of adults, but some puppies are also available for adoption and I think that might be a rewarding experience. Everyone in the household has experience with dogs, but we have not raised a puppy. I was wondering if you could link me to the best guides for what to expect and how to raise a puppy, and specifically for the unique challenges of a chihuahua puppy.
[more inside]
posted by furiousxgeorge
on Jul 22, 2012 -
4 answers
NameMyDogForTheMillionthTimeFilter: On Saturday I'll be bringing
this guy home from the shelter. He's incredibly shy and distrusting of humans. What shall I call him?
[more inside]
posted by Roman Graves
on Jul 16, 2012 -
81 answers
I meant to make MaPo tofu but didn't, and now have 1/2 pound of ground pork in the fridge. It looks and smells fine, but given that I had previously frozen it before its 3 day stay in the fridge, I'm not going to eat it. Is it safe to cook it up, refrigerate it, and give to my dog a little at a time? I often give him meat scraps on top of his dog food. Please note: I am not asking about the wisdom of feeding him "people food." I am asking about his risk of food poisoning.
posted by Wordwoman
on Apr 25, 2012 -
15 answers
Our dog is decidedly more manic when left alone with me. Is it normal for dogs to behave very differently with two different caregivers? How can I make things better for her where I'm concerned?
[more inside]
posted by peripathetic
on Mar 22, 2012 -
9 answers
What kind of household is a good match for a miniature pinscher? When does their high energy become a problem?
[more inside]
posted by mintchip
on Feb 11, 2012 -
8 answers
Looking to buy/acquire a puppy in (North) London. I am worried about vaccinations etc. and have some questions about ethics of the whole thing. Can I get a puppy from a shelter? Or should I feel happy about paying for one from a 'good' home through a website?
[more inside]
posted by bollockovnikov
on Jan 9, 2012 -
22 answers
If personality isn't supposed to be genetic, then how are pet breeds able to be differentiated by personality?
[more inside]
posted by divabat
on Jan 5, 2012 -
15 answers
My husband has anger issues. We are considering getting a dog, but I'm not sure I trust him to appropriately express his anger around the dog. What should I do?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Dec 9, 2011 -
33 answers
I'm looking to adopt my first dog. I have some general ideas down. Medium size, medium activity, short coat. I have space for it and all the time in the world for it as I'm home 24/7. What I need to know are people's experiences with mental illness and owning a pet.
[more inside]
posted by kanata
on Oct 28, 2011 -
36 answers
My dog has cancer. Am I hurting him if I spoil the heck out of him the next few months?
[more inside]
posted by werty
on Oct 13, 2011 -
16 answers
I'm sending my brother + SIL a handmade baby bunting that has been around cats...and they have a dog. It is reasonable or rude to let them know this in case the dog finds it irresistibly chewable?
[more inside]
posted by FlyByDay
on Sep 17, 2011 -
10 answers
Please help me win my FaceBook debate (or, at least, learn something new): MUST dogs be walked? Is it truly better for cats to be only indoors? Are cats less domesticated than dogs? I'd like fact-based support, not ASPCA party line. Gimme Science!
[more inside]
posted by _paegan_
on Sep 1, 2011 -
30 answers
My family is about to welcome a sweet little female
Yorkie puppy into our family. We are terrible at coming up with pet names. Can you help us brainstorm?
[more inside]
posted by karizma
on Jun 29, 2011 -
69 answers
I'm afraid I may have to find a new home for my dog, and I'm really brokenhearted about it. How can I best make this decision?
[more inside]
posted by katy song
on May 13, 2011 -
21 answers
DisasterFilter - What steps can I take to ensure my pets survival in the case where a disaster strikes and I can't get home?
[more inside]
posted by MShades
on Apr 2, 2011 -
7 answers
I'm going from FL to the DC area (and back again) in May. I'm trying to figure out how to best manage my elderly, senile dog when I go.
[more inside]
posted by galadriel
on Mar 23, 2011 -
13 answers
First time dog owner here: How do I deal with the fact that my dog will die (eventually)?
[more inside]
posted by Gucky
on Mar 22, 2011 -
24 answers
A dog bit our son. How do we keep this one bad experience from turning into a lifelong fear of dogs?
[more inside]
posted by scrump
on Mar 10, 2011 -
36 answers
What is this strange phenomenon happening with ostensibly house trained dogs soiling the house? I just threw out three area rugs that my 4 yr. old Beagle has ruined by pooing and peeing on them, even to the point of blackening the hardwood floor beneath. The very FIRST thing my son's dog does when she visits is crap and pee right in front of us! No shame....
[more inside]
posted by ~Sushma~
on Mar 5, 2011 -
11 answers
My wife and I want to get a pet. I've always considered myself a dog person, my wife's open to think about a cat, but I wonder if we're really pet people at all.
[more inside]
posted by Sir Cholmondeley
on Jan 17, 2011 -
37 answers
where can i buy a dog door with a timer OR how can i make one OR is there somewhere i can commission such a thing?
[more inside]
posted by dontmesswithseth
on Dec 4, 2010 -
8 answers
My best buddy, an Australian Cattle Dog named "Willie Nelson" has Cushing's Disease , and will require medication for the remainder of his life (he's 14). The prescription is for Vetoryl (trilostane 60mg), and through my Vet it's $100, but he said he would be happy to write a Rx for an online provider. I see prices as low as $67, but I want to make sure Willie is getting just what the Dr. ordered. Which online provider do you use? which ones do you avoid ?
posted by lobstah
on Dec 2, 2010 -
11 answers
Why did my totally toilet trained dog just cock a leg on the couch right in front of me?
[more inside]
posted by Wantok
on Nov 30, 2010 -
17 answers
My dog relieved herself (both, I think!) in the cold-air return for the furnace. Help?
[more inside]
posted by Buffaload
on Oct 4, 2010 -
1 answer
It's my dog's first move and I suspect it will be a rocky time. Help me figure out how to transition and help her not stress out!
[more inside]
posted by actionpact
on Aug 25, 2010 -
6 answers
I adopted a dog a few years ago and now I'm considering the possibility of giving her up. I feel awful about it and I'm not sure what to do. Good reason for doing it: starting med school. Not sure if it's a good or bad reason: Boyfriend hates her. Really long, but if you can handle it, I'd love some insight.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Jul 22, 2010 -
54 answers