I read an interesting article the other day in the Washington Post. It was about grieving for a deceased pet and made comparisons about the grief associated with the loss of a human family member.

The subject hit home with me and reminded me of a conversation I'd had recently with the wife of a goof friend that had died in a tragic accident.

When I spoke with her after the incident one of her comments struck me. "First my dog and now my husband, how am I going to survive this" she asked?

She knows I'm a vet, which is probably why she mentioned this to me.  I counseled her long distance during the illness and subsequent death of her dog. She clearly hadn't gotten over it yet.

The fact is, grief over a lost pet is very similar to that of a lost loved one of the human variety.

In some cases it can be worse.

Continue Reading "Mourning the Loss of a Pet is Just Like Any Other Family Member" »

Although the whole country was dealing with an uncertain economy in 2011, pet owners didn’t appear phased. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) released 2011 pet industry spending figures, announcing that overall spending in the pet industry was at an all time high in 2011, surpassing $50 billion. The forecast in 2012, despite a skeptical economy, is even higher - a projected 3.8 percent increase in spending to in excess of $52 billion.

Continue Reading "No Recession for Pet Pampering" »

I don’t know what has gotten into Marleigh and Maizie. I think they have lost their furry little minds. This past week they have been acting like...well...animals.

Maybe it is the change in the time or the weather, but something has gotten into them. And it is driving me insane.

Continue Reading "Something's Wrong with Maizie and Marleigh" »

It can be shocking how much money people are willing to spend on their pets. I am no exception. Yes, I’ll admit it, I spoil my two fur-babies. Not to the point where I will indulge them with a collar that costs more than $6, but I do go a little crazy when it comes to toys.

I don’t want to know how much I have shelled out on Maizie and Marleigh when it comes to squeaky toys, plush critters and bones. They have a whole basket dedicated to their addiction (OK, my addiction) to toys. However, no matter how many toys I buy them, there are somethings that are just far too entertaining to pass up.

Continue Reading "What's in a Toy?" »

Sometimes you don't need to say anything at all. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to realize how lucky you are to have the things you do. Especially the things that give you happiness when you need it most, comfort when you can't find it anywhere else, laughter when you have forgotten the sound and love when ever you need it.

Love your pet today.

-- Chloe Ochse --

I was going to chalk up Marleigh’s antics during her first day of class to pure excitement. Thus I had high hopes going into day two. I should have known better.

Things started off much the same. Attempting loose-leash walking means having to stop every time Marleigh pulled me. When you put five dogs in front of her, she will practically hang herself to get to them. Like a bad teacher, I ignored the first lesson because if I didn’t I never would have made it to class.

Continue Reading "'Settle' isn't in Marleigh's Vocabulary" »

I have heard the term “attached at the hip” quite a bit from my friends and family when talking about me, Marleigh and Maizie. What’s funny is they don’t even know the half of it.

When I am at home, Maizie and Marleigh do not let me out of their sight. It is always heartwarming to see their little faces when I walk in the front door, but, sometimes they can be a little too clingy.

Continue Reading "Sleeping Beauties" »

Here’s to a year full of wiggly butts and wet noses; belly rubs and long walks; barking at nothing and laps around the living room. Whatever this new year is going to bring you and your four-legged companion, I hope it is fully of memorable moments and unforgettable tails.

Have a very happy 2012!

-- Chloe Ochse --

I know, I know - I missed last week. I was way to busy recovering from a cold I caught while traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. That, and, trying to get my life back in order after traveling across the great state of Texas with two tiny terrors in tow.

At the beginning of the trip everything was going great. I laid down the seats so Maizie and Marleigh had the whole back of my Jeep to themselves. Surprisingly, this worked. In the total 10 hours we spent in the car together, I only had to yell once “Don’t make me come back there!”

Continue Reading "When the Road Goes on Forever..." »

Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect on all of the things we are grateful for. Family, friends and all of the loved ones that surround us are what makes the holidays so special.

While you are giving thanks for the bountiful feast, the friends and the family that surround you, I encourage you to take a minute and say thanks for the furry loved ones. Too often we find ourselves caught in the hustle and bustle of the days, let alone the chaos of the holidays, and we forget about the ones who are always there for us no matter how crazy the days seem.

Continue Reading "Giving Thanks for Our Pets" »