Our Expert: Gina Spadafori
Is Your Dog or Cat Part of Your Disaster Plan?
By Gina Spadafori | August 25, 2011If there's one thing to learn from hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and even man-made disasters, it's that a crisis can happen at any moment, in any community. Just as you…View Full Post ›
Hospice: Providing End-of-Life Pet Care
By Gina Spadafori | August 24, 2011One weekend, Nancy Hurley found herself staring at X-rays at an emergency clinic, where she'd taken her elderly Sheltie after the dog fell. Like many pet lovers before her, Hurley heard the…View Full Post ›
The Scoop: Some Airborne Bacteria May Come From Dog Poop
By Gina Spadafori | August 22, 2011If the thought of touching dog poop, even through the plastic of a pick-up bag, is occasionally unsettling, brace yourself: If you live in Cleveland or Detroit, you may already be inhaling the…View Full Post ›
The Puppy Class Debate: How Do You Socialize a Puppy Before He Gets His Shots?
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011Q: After a lot of research, we found a breeder we liked who completed the health certifications as part of her package. She raises pups inside and socializes them. All good from what we've…View Full Post ›
Old Dogs, New Habits: Ways to Make Senior Dogs More Comfortable
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011People flip over puppies, but to me, a well-loved older dog is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness about him, a look in his eyes that speaks of years of the…View Full Post ›
Can You Predict the Adult Size of a Mixed Breed Puppy?
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011Q: We just got a great puppy from our local shelter. We love this dog, but we're really hoping he doesn't get too big. The shelter guessed he was a Chihuahua mixed with Terrier, so I'm hoping…View Full Post ›
You Know What You're Getting: The Benefit of Adopting an Adult Cat Over a Kitten
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011It's impossible not to be achingly smitten with a cute, fuzzy kitten, so it's understandable that people seek them out for adoption. But the demand for kittens comes at a cost: They have an…View Full Post ›
How to Find a Reputable Vet When You're on the Road
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011Whether you're hiking trails an hour away or crossing multiple state lines, there's nothing quite like taking a road trip with your loyal four-legged friend. But the pleasure comes with its…View Full Post ›
How Can I Find a Home for a Homeless Cat?
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011Q: After my mother died, I brought her cat home, and now the kitty is living in the patio because I don't want to stress her or my own two cats out. I'd rather not take her to the…View Full Post ›
Are Dog Parks Dangerous? What to Watch For on the Grounds
By Gina Spadafori | July 5, 2011Q: We took a puppy class, and the trainer told us that she couldn't recommend any of the local dog parks — or, in fact, the idea of dog parks at all. She said that no puppy should ever…View Full Post ›