Simple Ideas For Health, Wealth, and Wagging Tails
Terri Rodefer 
Any trip to the vet with your dog can be expensive and that includes basic vaccines. One way you can save on your dog budget is by turning to vet approved low cost dog vaccines. This means the vaccines are safe, your dog is safe, yet the bill is more affordable. Yes, these options do … Read more
Are you crazy for pumpkin everything, like over 172K Facebook users? Your dog could love pumpkin as much as you. If you’re looking for simple little ways to tweak your dog expenses while still positively benefiting your dog, pumpkin could be an easy win. Pumpkin has a multitude of benefits for dogs and is relatively … Read more
I’ve been asked many times about the best way to give a dog as a gift. You might be surprised, but you don’t want to give a dog as a gift. Not the answer you wanted to hear? Well, wait just a minute. You can give a great gift with the idea of a dog … Read more
Shopping for dog lovers can get expensive fast, especially during the holidays. Thankfully, DIY gifts for dog parents can be meaningful, affordable, and surprisingly easy to make. The best homemade, affordable dog lover gifts are practical, personal, and actually useful for both the dog and the pet parent. Whether you want a quick no-sew project, … Read more
*Updated: July 3, 2025 According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, Americans spend a bit over $190 hosting parties every year. What do you do when hosting a party with your dog? Whatever the party occasion or time of year, you always want it to be fun and memorable for all the right reasons. Yet, … Read more
Got an itchy dog? Or maybe one that likes to lick? Perhaps you’ve thought that your dog is afflicted with allergies. I know, my dog, Henry has a tendency to lick himself. I started thinking maybe he had an allergy. We all are exposed to a lot of environmental irritants, pollens, and foods that could … Read more
How can I turn my bored dog into a happy dog? That can sound impossible to keep a bored dog entertained especially if you need to bring home the kibble and work within a tight budget. I’ve heard it a lot. Heck, my dog, Henry has even been bored while I’ve been working. But his … Read more
*Updated: November 2, 2022 Need to train your dog, but just don’t have the time or budget to properly do it? While there is no magic dog training pill, what if there was a way to meet your budget and time restraints? I know time and budget are often the roadblocks to dog training. But … Read more
*UPDATE: August 26, 2025 Does anyone like walking their dog in the dark or at night? But when nature calls, pet parents respond. Honestly, I doubt if there’s anyone who enjoys walking their furry buddy in the dark. However, as the days get shorter our dog walking time gets shorter too. Thus, we are often … Read more
It can be overwhelming when you are handed a bill at your vet’s office for several thousand dollars. Maybe you see an endless line of zeros on your bill at the emergency vet or perhaps it’s an estimate for future services. Whatever the circumstances, there’s most likely a weld in your throat and a knot … Read more
Dogs definitely make life better. I know my dog, Henry makes my life better. But there are a few aspects of being a dog parent that can be a challenge if you have a tight budget. It’s true the most costly dog expenses are generally, dog services. But there are a few dog expenses that … Read more
When the weather starts to change seasons, it means there’s a lot about to change. Some are good and some are just a headache like cold, snowy dog walks. Did you just get a shiver? I did. But some of the change is pretty cool. Like the deals, you can snag. Have you been working … Read more
Shut Your Pocketbook! Well, maybe. Bartering dates back to 8,000 B.C. so, why can’t you barter dog services? The short answer is you probably can if you do it right. In fact, during the Great Depression, bartering got a whole new footing with “bartering banks” being established. So, how is this applicable to the individual … Read more
Do you have a dog parent community? Wondering what I mean? There are times when you will need your own pack of dog parents for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’ll need a new veterinary clinic or just a little support for a special needs dog. Basically, think of a dog community as your tribe … Read more
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 you know when it’s time for a new vet? Perhaps you’ve been with your vet for years and through many fur kids. Yet, something just doesn’t seem right. Or things have changed. Moreover, you may be torn by your loyalty to your long-time vet and your love for your dog. Well, there may … Read more
Ever need a long-term dog boarding option? There can be many times when a dog parent may need to board their dog for a period of time such as surgery, work, illness, or home rehab, to name a few. But boarding a dog for any amount of time can be very pricey. So what can … 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
Does your heart race when your dog might be sick? Of course, you analyze everything and determine if you call the emergency veterinary care office or not. What if you have to make emergency vet visits with your dog? As we all know, most emergencies are never convenient. Are there things you should take or … 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
Why do so many rentals have a no pets policy? I’ve seen a lot of dogs and animals being surrendered lately. One of the main reasons given is that the pet owner moves and the new landlord has a no pets allowed policy. This is sad and frustrating. Our dogs and pets are family. We … Read more
Does your dog treat your backyard fence like it’s the first obstacle in an agility course? You’re not alone. Fence jumping is one of the most common (and most frustrating!) dog-parent problems, and it can quickly turn into an expensive and dangerous escape mission. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or a brand-new … Read more
Coming outside to fresh holes, destroyed flower beds, or a half-dug trench under the fence is frustrating and expensive. Dog digging problems can quickly turn into yard repairs, escape risks, and even vet bills, and no dog parent wants any of that to unexpectedly pop up on their daily agenda. I’m happy to report that … 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
Wondering how dogs learn weird behaviors? I know I was stumped trying to figure out how my adopted dog, Henry, learned some of his weird behaviors. He seemed like such a normal and well-behaved dog. Then all of a sudden he’d fluster me with weird antics. Sound familiar? Today, let’s dig in and discover whether … 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
Dogs make amazing hiking companions, but if you struggle with back pain, hitting the trail can feel more stressful than relaxing. The good news is that hiking with your dog doesn’t have to leave you sore for days afterward. A few simple adjustments, such as improving your posture, choosing the right gear, and preparing before … Read more
The convenience of having someone come to your home or office and groom your dog sounds like a dream. But is it really? What are the pros and cons of mobile dog grooming? With a lot of people now working from home or working remotely the thought of a mobile dog groomer does ring all … Read more
Have you wanted to take a trip with your dog but have no idea how to pull it off successfully? Who doesn’t like a vacation? If I can take my dog, Henry then I’m all in just tell me when. Are you the same? I’ve learned that the key to anything successful is to always … 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
When disaster strikes, there’s rarely time to think about what your dog needs. Whether you’re evacuating because of a wildfire, hurricane, flood, tornado, or another emergency, having a dog emergency kit ready can make an incredibly stressful situation much easier. I live in a wildfire-prone area with my rescue dog, Henry. Every summer, we keep … Read more
As a dog owner, you are probably thinking or have thought that basic obedience training or some other dog lessons would be a good idea. I thought the same thing, when I rescued my dog, Henry. I quickly discovered that there are a lot of dog trainers out there. Above all, I rapidly learned a … Read more
Neighborhood dogs repeatedly peeing on your flowers, lawn, or landscaping can quickly damage plants, leave yellow spots, and create tension with neighbors, especially in HOA communities where yard appearance matters. The good news is that there are several simple ways to stop dogs from peeing on your flowers. They are dog-safe and won’t harm pets … 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
Have you wanted to do more with your dog but are not sure what? Maybe you’re wondering about giving back in some way. I thought the same thing. Actually, I adopted my dog, Henry with this intent. So, what are the therapy dog requirements and what does your dog need to do in order to … Read more
Are you bemoaning having to leave your dog at home while you’re at the office all day? I understand. When I adopted my dog, Henry, I immediately started taking him to work with me. He loved it and so did everyone else. Well, I did as well. Today, let’s dig into how to bring your … 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
Cold weather doesn’t mean a bored pup! Whether it’s snow on the ground or icy temperatures keeping you inside, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated and physically active without dreading every walk. I’m happy to say there are simple, budget-friendly winter activities and that many cost little to nothing and … Read more
It seems like a natural thing for a dog to play with dog toys. But like most things in life, there are always exceptions. Are you confused because you have a dog who doesn’t like toys? I was. Admittedly, I was perplexed at first by my rescue dog, Henry’s dislike for dog toys. Moreover, I … Read more
Do you know your dog’s needs if you were deserted on a tropical island with your dog? What would your dog think or do? Sometimes it’s fun to explore the other side of the coin. Have you ever thought about how your dog feels about different things or situations? Do you think your dog is … Read more
When to add a second dog to your family can be a difficult decision. It’s an emotional vs. rational discussion. It’s a question I’ve been struggling with for a couple of years. I know my dog, Henry would love a 24/7 playmate, but is it the best or smartest idea at this point? Is there … Read more
Have you heard of dog chiropractors or the benefits they could provide your dog? It’s probably a good thing if you haven’t. That means that your dog is pretty healthy. Pet chiropractors are a special form of veterinarian medicine. The question is though, is there really any proof that a pet chiropractor can benefit our … 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
Dog Feng Shui seems a bit nutty, right? Or is it? The art of Feng Shui dates back more than 4,000 years. If these laws have been around this long, is it really crazy to think that maybe it might help your dog? Why not dog Feng Shui? Today, let’s dig in and learn how … Read more
*Updated: August 26, 2025 Our pups may appear to have eerie dog senses with being able to predict or feel things that simply escape us, humans. But is this true? Are dog senses on the spooky side of the spectrum? Or is there a reasonable explanation for our dogs’ senses to pick up on things … 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
If your space feels a little off, it’s probably not you. Many people turn to sage smudging to clear negative energy and reset the vibe. But what if you have a dog? Is there an alternative to sage smudging for dogs? Before you light anything, you should know that burning sage isn’t always dog-friendly. While … 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
Mastering the health benefits of your companion dog is easy to recognize with this simple quiz. Are you aware of the health benefits your dog can provide you on a daily basis? In this fun quiz, you can see the ways in which your dog can help improve your everyday health. Ready, Set, Go! Budget … Read more
Amazingly, 200 – 500 million people worldwide meditate. Do you know the benefits of meditation with dogs and furry friends? You might be thinking this sounds a bit nutty. I’ve been meditating daily for most of my life. Meditation is so remarkable that many doctors recommend meditating to their patients. Interesting, huh? Let’s dig today … Read more
Do you know that expressing gratitude can improve physical health, improve sleep, and decrease inflammation? Even better you can verbalize daily gratitude with your dog. Pretty amazing, huh? While gratitude may seem like a simple task, it’s a very impactful one. It doesn’t take much time, yet it can help improve your life in ways … Read more
Ways to destress with your dog can be easy and quick. Wonder how? Got stress? Silly question, isn’t it? Who doesn’t have stress these days? So, the question becomes how do you destress? The way in which you manage stress depends on how you care for yourself and your mental health. The options are wide … Read more
A gift to a rescue dog can be allowing the dog to pick a new name. How’s that possible? Well, what’s in a name? We have all fretted over picking just the right name for a child, pet, or even a car. A name needs to feel like it “fits” the thing or person to … 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
Are dogs colorblind? That’s a fair question. I mean why would he be attracted to the most oddly colored or decorated toys? Maybe it’s the shape, smell, or noise. I have to admit, I have wondered this myself on occasion. Today, let’s dig in and discover if your dog really is colorblind. I used a … Read more
Have you ever gone on a road trip with your pup and forgotten to pack important items? The key to packing your furry friend for a trip is a great dog travel checklist done in stages. While a vacation can be exciting and relaxing, the preparation can take a bit of work. But it’s all … Read more
Experts predict another hot summer this year. As pet parents, that means keeping our furry friends cool Dogs can quickly overheat. But thankfully, there are lots of ways to turn your hot dog into a chill one for free. Avoiding overheating is always the goal for our pups. Having a toolkit of ideas with easy … Read more
If your dream backyard feels more like a dog obstacle course of holes, muddy patches, and chaos, you’re not alone. A dog-friendly yard can be beautiful, but without planning, digging, zoomies, and other behaviors can turn even a small outdoor space into a maintenance headache. The good news is that most yard problems aren’t a … Read more
Are you looking for fun ways to switch up your workout routine? Have you ever worked out with your dog? There are many fun great exercises with dogs. Working out with your dog is a super way to help curb boredom, stay motivated, boost your mood, lower your blood pressure, and strengthen your bond with … Read more
Do you talk to yourself? Does it help you figure out problems? The truth is that most people talk to themselves. Shocked? Do you know that there’s a difference between talking to yourself and self-talk? This is when you go from simply having a conversation with yourself to actually working through complex issues. What if … 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
Dog goals make life with your dog even better. But, I know you’re thinking what are dog goals. My dog doesn’t have any goals besides eating, going for a walk, and getting his belly rubbed. Well, this is about you. What are your goals for you and your dog? Did you set any before you got … Read more
Are you looking for ways to create a stronger bond with your dog? Maybe it was love at first wet nose kiss? Are you staring at your dog or puppy and wondering, “How do I bond with this adorable creature?” *Updated: June 19, 2024 Budget Tip: You don’t have to spend any money to bond … Read more
A dog vaccine record file needs to be kept safe with copies. Why? You might even be wondering if your dog’s medical or dog’s vaccine records are covered by the same HIPPA rights that protect you. Unfortunately, your furry, dog family member is, in the eyes of the law consider “property” and is not afforded … 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
Have you ever wondered about doggie daycare? Have you thought it was only for the rich and those that have overly pampered pooches? Well, let me open your eyes a bit. While it can be almost like Disneyland for your dog it may surprise you to learn the benefits and how affordable doggie daycare is … Read more
A good dog walker can put your mind at ease. But how do you find one? Maybe you’re asking why do you need a dog walker? Imagine this – you get just closed the big deal at work you’ve been working on for months. But you have to go out of town for most of … Read more
Having the best dog groomer is key to a peaceful dog grooming day. You have to trust your dog groomer to handle your dog (perhaps even a new to you dog) properly and you have to trust that your groomer will cut your dog’s fur as you’ve instructed. We’ve all seen the horror pictures and … Read more
Do you know about dog park etiquette and unwritten rules? Don’t worry if you don’t. Most dog parents don’t know about them all. I know you’re probably thinking, life is full of rules. While I think some are meant to be broken, other rules are very needed. And yes, there are unwritten rules of the … Read more
How do you find the best vet? It can be overwhelming and confusing. A great veterinarian is critical in your dog’s (and all pets’) care. Every pet and pet owner deserves to have their own best vet. While there are a ton of veterinarians, there are also a ton of veterinarians’ philosophies (I’ll explain this … Read more
Finding a dog can be a stressful undertaking. But it doesn’t need to be when you create your dog criteria. Let’s focus on simple ways to find your new dog. Honestly, where you look for your new dog will be a bit different, depending on whether you are looking for a dog from a breeder or a … 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
What do you need to know before you get your dog? That seems like a loaded statement, right? I mean how do you know what you don’t know? I admit that can bit tricky without some guidance. Today let’s dig into building your dog criteria list, which will help tremendously in your search for the … Read more
