Bandit the Labrador at the Dubuque railroad Bridge by Kathleen Riley What do you do during the holiday season when your companion isn’t able to travel with you? You may prefer a family member, friend or pet sitter look after your pets, but sometimes that isn’t as simple as you might hope. If that is the case, you’ll want to look at boarding facilities in your area. The thought of boarding your dog may make you nervous, but there are options that will fit your needs and here are some tips...

Banshee the Chinook and Abby summer in Minnesota wildflowers. These are questions we get a lot from customers — hopefully the answer will help you feed your dogs more easily. WATER Water is the most important piece of feeding pets, and all pets need a constant supply of clean, fresh water. Water is important all year, but this is especially true during warm weather. Using a smaller bowl and refilling it often is a great way to keep your pet’s water supply fresh. Want to really be on top of the...

Labrador retriever Ella by Kathleen Riley For dogs, the smell of chocolate is almost as tempting as a big, thick, juicy steak. That temptation is exactly why your dog may rip into your bags of Halloween, Easter or other candy. Even though your dog loves chocolate, it isn’t good for your dog. Chocolate is processed from the bitter seeds of the cacao tree, which contain compounds known as methylxanthines. Methylxanthines contain caffeine and a related chemical called theobromine. Both are...

Dalmatian puppy with a patch Finding A responsible breeder is an important part of selecting your new furry family member. To find a responsible dog breeder, start by going to a dog show or visit the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club web sites to learn more about the breeds and breeders.After doing your homework, find a fancier that is knowledgeable about their breed, and be certain you are comfortable with the people too. The biggest key to having success in selecting a puppy or dog...