Trade, trade, trade your way to the perfect family
A few years back my dog suffered from GDV, gastric dilatation volvulus, a sudden killer that can affect the healthiest dog. GDV is more commonly known as gastric torsion, where that cute, furry little quadruped stomach flips like a young Eastern bloc gymnast and is quite often fatal if not caught in time. Even if…
The health benefits of companion pets are found in many settings and for people of all ages and situations
Anyone who has a pet will tell you that their furry, feathered or scaly friend provides companionship, entertainment, unconditional love and adds a layer of richness to their life. Some might even tell you that they suspect increased mental well being as a result of their animal companion. Not surprisingly, research to date proves that…
Nikki Nordick of Airdrie Puppy Pals talks about why the human-to-animal bond resonates – and why her business has flourished
Nikki Nordick is owner and certified professional dog trainer at Airdrie Puppy Pals. Tell me about your business and what you offer? Nordick: My husband Ray and I own a dog care facility in Airdrie, just north of Calgary, called Airdrie Puppy Pals. With a team of amazing dog care specialists, we offer dog daycare…
When faced with pressure on their business model, most leaders simply focus on reducing expenses. That's not nearly enough
My dog died last week – but the truth was that she had been dying for several months. Last winter, she had a couple seizures in my driveway and I considered having her put down. But after a couple weeks she revived and had a great spring and summer. In the last month, she definitely…
Partnering with Petco to offer a premium grain-free pet food line and other products, including accessories
Canadian Tire is entering the premium pet category in retail by partnering with Petco, a leading global pet specialty retailer. The Canadian retail giant will exclusively offer Petco's assortment of food, treats and accessories to Canadian shoppers online and in stores. “We know how important pets are to Canadian families so we're thrilled to bring…
The barn cats prove their value when fire breaks out on the farm, just as they did when the basement flooded
We were busy setting up for our weekly family dinner when the Farmer grumbled, “Tell me again why we have three cats in the basement?!” “Lots of people have indoor cats.” “Yes but they never even come upstairs!” Actually, they do, but it’s usually when the house is quiet and they can be assured that…
Once inside the gates, the quarreling stopped as dogs big and small bounded across the green grass side by side
My golden retriever, Fergus, and I attended a very special grand opening recently. The ribbon has been cut on the local off-leash dog park. I wasn’t sure we were going at first. The Ferg has not yet completed basic training and he doesn’t walk well on a leash. I had no idea what he would…
I’ve been trained by a puppy. He has me scheduled and orders me to do his bidding with a simple whine
The Farmer has surpassed me as the alpha in this pack. How did it happen? I’m the one who gets up in the wee hours of the morning to let the Ferg out for his morning constitutional. I’m the one who feeds, bathes and plays with the dog. It’s me who … wait a minute.…
Our puppy was in the barnyard sampling disgusting delicacies and developed a digestive issue. I was up several times a night, changing puppy pads
When our puppy Fergus first arrived on the farm, he was quite overwhelmed. All the sights, sounds and smells filled his senses and he spent hours sitting on the front porch, surveying his new kingdom. Occasionally, he would summon the nerve to hop down the big set of stairs that his little legs could barely…
Dog lovers know having a pet brings many upsides. Science tells us dogs keep us active, de-stressed and loved. But inevitably there is also sadness and loss
As a dog lover, there’s no doubt in my mind that having a dog brings many upsides. How can I not live happily waking up to a smiley face and wagging tail? Or come home from a long trip to the crying excitement of a pup that likely thought he might never see me again.…