Terri Rodefer

Got dog expense debt? If so, you’re not alone. There’s no doubt that dogs can be expensive. Heck, pet costs in general are expensive. However, the joy they bring to us and our families is priceless. I know my dog, Henry is part of my family. He certainly brings me joy. He’s often my entertainment … Read more

Have you heard about a pet savings account? Are you always worried about the “what if” medical expense with your dog? As a good pet parent, when I adopted Henry, I immediately looked into pet insurance. However, I was a bit dismayed to find out that because of his unknown breed and age, his monthly … Read more

How do I remember dog essentials? Life is hectic and it’s easy to forget things, even for our dogs. I know I’ve been guilty of forgetting even the basic things like cleaning Henry’s teeth when the morning has upset my routine. I’ve had pet parents say they have a difficult time juggling their dog and … Read more

Are gemstones just pretty or is there such a thing as healing crystals? While there is not any scientific evidence on the subject, there are some anecdotal studies, which are interesting. The use of crystals dates back to ancient Egypt. While some may adhere to the metaphysical properties of gemstones, what power do they really … Read more

It seems like the costs of everything, including everything dog is going up? Are you experiencing the same thing? It can be defeating at times when your income stays the same or maybe even decreases. Are you looking for ways to cut dog expenses? I’ve discovered that our shelters are starting to overflow again. There … Read more

Do you have the important dog parent phone numbers plugged into your phone? Knowing what to do in a panic situation with your dog is critical. I learned from my grandparents that the key to most things is good preparation. That got me to look at my phone to see if I was properly prepared … Read more

If another dog attacks your dog, your adrenaline kicks in fast. In the moment, it can feel impossible to think clearly. But knowing what to do beforehand can help protect both you and your dog. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to break up a dog attack safely, when to seek emergency vet … Read more

Keeping your leashed dog safe when off-leash dogs lunge out from nowhere is a concern for many dog parents. Heck, you could even be in your own yard, walking your cat, or just out for an afternoon stroll and suddenly you are approached by an off-leashed dog. It can certainly be stressful. And definitely an … Read more

If your dog has ever come back from a walk covered in sticky tree sap, you know how frustrating it can be. Sap sticks to fur like glue, collects dirt, and can turn brushing into a painful mess. Many dog owners search for solutions when they notice sticky pine sap, tree sap, or pitch stuck … Read more

Giving your dog a bath can be a royal pain in the back – literally if you have a bad back. Like millions of people, I fall into the bad back category. I needed an easy way to bathe my dog, Henry while not killing my back. At my last physical therapy appointment, I asked … Read more

Are you prepared for any disaster, including having a dog emergency kit ready to go? According to Our World in Data, every year 40,000 to 50,000 people are killed in a natural disaster. Are you and your pets prepared for an emergency like a flood, fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or human-caused disaster, with a grab … Read more

I know brushing your dog seems like a mundane task. And depending on the time of year, a rather furry one. However, just like you shower, brush your teeth and comb your hair, there’s more to it than vanity. It helps to maintain better health for your dog. My dog, Henry, is a testament to … Read more

Clickty, clickty, click, click. Do you hear the sound of your dog’s nails? It may be time to trim them. While it could be a nice alarm system, long dog nails can actually harm your pup. YIKES! I know a lot of women love beautiful, long, painted fingernails. But we have hands and not paws. … Read more

I have sworn for years being able to open dog poo bags ought to be an Olympic sport. They never open easily and your dog always wants to hurry along to the next sniffing spot. A rainstorm only adds to the torture. Why must they be so difficult to open anyhow? It’s not like it’s … Read more

Dogs are a great addition to a family. But trying to learn everything you need to know as a new dog parent can be a bit daunting. Especially if you’ve never been a dog owner. Like with anything in life, it helps to do a little research. Otherwise, we end up learning from our mistakes. … Read more

There’s been a lot of talk in recent years about turmeric and how beneficial it can be for us humans and even our dogs. But is there anything behind this chatter? Is there anything to these touted benefits? Have you heard about the turmeric benefits for dogs? Today let’s dig in and discover if there’s … Read more

There are many options for buying your dog’s supplies how you chose an online pet supply store is vital and customer service should be top of the list. While I like to support my local merchants, it’s not always possible. There are times when home delivery is just much more convenient or even necessary. In … Read more

Dog massage therapy at home sounds relaxing and like something dog parents would like in on as well, right? What are the benefits of dog massage therapy at home? Can a dog parent even do it properly? Is it safe? Or is it just a bunch of feel-good stuff that someone made up? Today, let’s … Read more

There are simple ways to cure a smelly dog smell. Do you have a smelly dog? Should your “Friend” Phoebe write a “Smelly Dog” song about your pup? I know we’ve all had the experience of going to kiss our dog only to be gagged by his smelly dog odor. It’s not a pleasant experience. … Read more

Experts predict another hot summer this year. As pet parents, that means how can we keep our furry friends cool as the temperature skyrockets? Do you know how to cool down your dog when the heat is turned up high? There are a few tricks, and you don’t have to spend a lot either. My … Read more

It’s important to stay calm when disaster hits, including a car breaking down, in the heat with your dog. With the summer heat comes more travel and fun activities. Is the beach or mountain calling to you and your dog? But what do you do if you’re on your way to a fun outing, and … Read more

What is the best dog treat for your pup? Wow! That can be a difficult question. There are many times when we reward our pup with a yummy dog treat. But there are so many types available. Naturally, your dog’s needs are first and foremost when considering a dog cookie. For example, I like to make … Read more

An aggressive dog has a reason for the behavior, find the trigger and you just might unlock your dog. Sure friendly dogs are fun and easy dogs. But what if you have a dog who’s not so friendly? What if your dog is aggressive? Is your dog an angry dog?  Let’s look at this a … Read more

Your dog’s bark has a very specific meaning. Your job is to understand it. Sounds like a translator is needed, right? Maybe not. Is your dog barking? Is this one of the rare quiet moments? Are you wondering what he’s trying to say with all the barking? Would you like to know what your dog’s … Read more

Have you yelled at your dog? Did you know that yelling at your furry companion hurts them? I know we’ve all done it. That split moment where you lose your ever-loving mind and then regret it. Perhaps you walked in the door after a long day to find your new shoes shredded and your dog … Read more

Most dog owner mistakes don’t look like mistakes at first. Instead, they look like love, excitement, or “we’ll figure it out later.” But small missteps early on can turn into expensive, stressful, and sometimes heartbreaking problems down the road. Thankfully, the good news is that most of these common dog owner mistakes are completely fixable … Read more

Do you know that creating a dog budget is very important? It tells you what your dog costs and where you are spending your money on your dog. It also allows you to easily see where you can cut your dog costs when you need to tighten your budget. Additionally, and equally important, creating a … Read more