Sept. 20, 2013 I am re-posting this review of Kerasote’s book largely because it covers the complex issue of early spay-neuter, which is beginning to be discussed on forums and, thankfully, between families and their veterinarians. I will continue to post on this topic: if you live with animals, you have a moral responsibility to […]
multi-species families
Friendly Animals
What a Multi-Species Family Looks Like
Simple Steps to Deepen the Bond Between People and Animals
How do we deepen the bond between humans and animals? Start with this handout I gave away at a recent seminar on this topic moderated by noted animal communicator Joan Ranquet. Mindset Change your mindset, change your world. When we look at the world as equals, we learn that humans aren’t in charge of the world, we’re […]
Pet Guardianship: What Happens When Your Animals Outlive You?
I ended up in the ER on a Sunday evening last month. While I was facing a potentially serious health crisis, there was one thing I didn’t worry about: my dog, Alki, and Grace the Cat were provided for. Sort of. That’s what the human-animal bond, my concept of multi-species families, includes: taking care of […]
Signs, Symbols, and Surviving Grief
It’s been six months since I lost my beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Murphy. The devastating fog is lifting, but the sadness lingers. I’ve received many wonderful stories from people who’ve been touched by my family’s journey through grief as recounted in my e-book, My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary. Somehow […]
My Dog Is Dying: The Real Life Crappy Choice Diary, Entry 21 (How the Human-Animal Bond Meets, and Survives, Death)
It’s hard to say goodbye to a beloved animal companion. It’s harder to live the goodbye. Murphy and I managed to live our goodbye, accompanied by Alki and Grace the Cat. We found the courage, fortitude, and love to fully and gracefully embrace it, adding depth to the many years we’d shared. It’s not easy, […]
“Murphy’s Choice”—Save Our Dogs
I know, wishful thinking that this is the face of the last dog who died from splenic cancer. Truth is, splenic cancer is epidemic in the United States. They say they don’t know why, but they are lying to us. It’s early spay/neuter. Yes, early spay/neuter is causing splenic cancer in our dogs. Maybe other […]
Our Birthday Wish for Your Animal Family
Today, July 16, 2012, my beloved Murphy would have been 14 years old. Instead, I lost her on March 8, 2012, to splenic cancer, one of many diseases I now learn is linked to early spay/neuter. Yes, my grief is compounded because I did what the animal care community, from veterinarians to shelters to breeders, […]
“Murphy’s Choice”: Save Our Dogs, Stop Early Spay/Neuter
Sometimes an issue is so politicized, the cultural issues so huge, you can’t imagine making a difference. But you know you have to try. I am calling this issue “Murphy’s Choice.” Because I want your dogs, your beloved animals, to live. Please. Help me take down the animal welfare community as it currently exists. End […]