Essay (31)
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I Escaped an Abusive Relationship — Thanks to My Dogs
By Mikkel Becker, Fri Apr 28 12:57:32 EDT 2017We love our pets — often, they are like family to us. But when a family dynamic is damaged by abuse or neglect, pets can suffer just like their humans. In domestic abuse, an abuser often exploits a… Full Article ›
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I’m So Happy You’re Still Here: A Love Letter to My Dog
By Amy Sinatra Ayres, Tue Feb 14 16:30:00 EST 2017Once my chocolate Labrador Retriever turned 7 years old, I spent each year dreading the fact that he was getting older — and fearing the end was getting closer. But after Grizzly turned 13, it was… Full Article ›
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Do You Have a Favorite Pet?
By Kristen Seymour, Wed Nov 16 14:38:00 EST 2016Call me a romantic, but I can easily fall in love about 20 times as I walk down a busy city sidewalk. Every time I make meaningful eye contact with a pair of dark brown, soulful eyes, I can feel… Full Article ›
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Love Me, Love My Dog: 6 Rules for Dating a Devoted Dog Person
By Mikkel Becker, Wed Feb 10 06:50:00 EST 2016Dating can be hard; there are so many pieces to finding that right person, the one you are truly compatible with. Pet ownership can add an extra layer of complexity — what if the right girl or guy is… Full Article ›
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Saying Goodbye to Bruce: A Moving Tribute to a Beloved Pet Pug
By Mikkel Becker, Wed Dec 16 13:17:00 EST 2015When our veterinarian delivered the news that Bruce’s cancer was back and that he most likely had only a few days left, I was devastated. But through the sadness and dread, I was aware that I wasn’t… Full Article ›
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Grief and Gratitude: Facing a Tumor Diagnosis With Hope, Love and Perspective
By Mikkel Becker, Wed Aug 19 16:45:00 EDT 2015We got some sad news last week about our beloved Pug, Bruce. For the past several weeks, Bruce has had a noticeable cough and has seemed to have less energy than usual. At first, his symptoms seemed… Full Article ›
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Dog Park Etiquette: What You Can Learn From My Mistakes
By Carolyn Magner Mason, Thu Jun 04 13:57:00 EDT 2015I don’t have any life experiences with dog parks. A fenced space designated for dogs would have confounded Old Man Doug, who was not particularly fond of his fellow four-legged creatures. But Hank… Full Article ›
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Adopting Hank the Handful: The Challenges of a New Pooch
By Carolyn Magner Mason, Fri May 15 14:07:00 EDT 2015It took nearly a year to convince my husband to consider adopting another dog after the death of our dearly beloved Old Man Doug. “How does never sound?” was his usual answer to how long before we… Full Article ›
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5 Reasons Shelter Cats Are the Best Cats
By Caroline Golon, Thu Apr 30 22:52:00 EDT 2015It’s National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and we’re ready to celebrate! Anyone who’s ever adopted a cat knows how special rescued kitties can be. Here are our top five reasons we think shelter cats are… Full Article ›
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Teaching My Cat to Love My Husband — Step 2
By Kristen Seymour, Thu Apr 16 19:31:00 EDT 2015Vetstreet contributing editor Kristen Seymour's husband, Jared, loves cats. Unfortunately, their cat, Trixie, doesn’t care much for Jared — so they’ve enlisted trainer Mikkel Becker to help them… Full Article ›
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Think You're Not a Dog Person? This Article Will Change Your Mind
By Kristen Seymour, Thu Apr 09 15:35:00 EDT 2015Though it's hard for me to wrap my head around the idea, I understand that there are people out there — normal, kind, friendly humans — who aren't dog people. They might not strongly dislike dogs,… Full Article ›
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I Broke Up With My Boyfriend Because He Hated My Pet
By Lisa Granshaw , Wed Nov 12 13:28:00 EST 2014The love we have for our pets is a powerful and passionate force, but what happens when a significant other doesn't get along with a treasured animal companion? When human and animal… Full Article ›