DrPetMom

Interview: Pup N’ Iron Canine Fitness Owner, Laurie Williams 🐶

Each September we celebrate National Dog Week, the last full week of the month. Many of you know about my ‘bipetual’ nature – I love cats and dogs!! Oscar, my adopted rescue cat, is my best friend. And I keep a warm place in my heart for many neighborhood dogs.

I’m happy to share my interview with Laurie Williams, owner of the Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness & Learning Center. Pup ‘N Iron is a daycare, fitness, activity, behavioral training, and wellness center for dogs located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Employee Benefit: Pet Adoption 🐱 🐶

While we’re still in lock down mode, I miss the office therapy dog. It was fun to to visit our rescue dog, Rosie, a four-year-old Retriever. Petting time with Rosie was the highlight of my day. We have virtual visits these days…it’s just not the same. But one company believes in the well being of its employees and offers an employee benefit for pet adoption!

September Pet Awareness Days 🗓️

September is a good month for cooler weather and promoting animal awareness events. September awareness events encourage pet adoptions for less-popular animals.

Supporters can use creative social media to help special needs pets gain attention. The month ends with a day to remember homeless animals around the world.

Treating Dog Depression and Anxiety 🐶

What is a health condition common to dogs and humans? Mental illness. Depression, loss of appetite, anxiety, withdrawal, self-injury, and changes in behavior are symptoms of mental illness.

Anxiety and depression go hand in hand. Loss of a family member, a new baby, moving to a new home, boredom, or spending too much time alone can trigger anxiety and depression in your dog.

Pet Adoptions: Kittens, Special Needs and Senior Cats Too! 🐱

The month of August seems to be a peak season for kittens. Weather permitting, kitten season can run from spring into winter. I volunteer for a local animal rescue, Bay State Animal Cooperative (BSAC). Since late July, I’ve processed adoption applications mostly for kittens. But I’m excited to share that more people are also looking for senior cats or special needs cats!

Summer Pet Safety: Indoors and Out 🌞

The summer of 2020 stands out as a challenging time for the planet. Summertime is supposed to be outdoor time. But many people are shuttered indoors. Pets and their pet parents are spending more time together. And quality time includes pet safety – indoors and out.

August Animal Events Calendar 🗓️

August is a big month for cats and dogs everywhere.

Below is the August animal events calandar for your cats and dogs…

PAWS Act (Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers): Help for America’s Veterans 🎖️

America’s veterans deserve all the best services we can give them. Many veterans served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Gulf War or the Vietnam War. But between 11% and 30% veterans (more women than men) suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Microchipping Can Save Your Pet’s Life 💻

My daily walks take me through a maze of different neighborhoods, including mansions, low-income and middle income homes. But I noticed some strange things in my neighborhood: An uptick in posters of missing pets.

It’s strange because I rarely see these posters. I noticed a poster for an orange cat named Paws, missing for a few weeks. Paws’ poster is stapled to many telephone poles around town

July 10 Update: Dr. Pet Mom’s New Book! 📚

Summer is here and July feels like a time for new beginnings. And speaking of beginnings, this week’s book update is a short one.

I recently invited a gifted animal photographer and animal lover, to contribute to my book, Dr. Pet Mom’s Pet Parenting Guide: How to Enjoy the Love and Friendship of Senior and Special Needs Pets. And I’m happy to announce that Lori F. graciously agreed to write the foreword for my book!