September is National Responsible Dog Ownership Month. As a Pet Parenting Specialist and Animal Communicator, I've found that being a responsible dog parent is about more than walks, food, and belly rubs. September's focus on responsible ownership offers us a chance to explore our role as pet guardians. In just the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple sessions where a loving dog parent asked the gut-wrenching question: Is my dog better off in a new home? The decision to rehome a pet is often...

It took me 6 months to work up the courage because I have major trust issues. My issues stem from my first mom teaching me to retreat whenever things didn’t feel safe, so that’s what I do to protect myself. Thankfully, Cat understands this. She is patient, kind, and persistent. Cat knows I can't go any faster than I'm comfortable. Her secret sauce? Cat consistently meets me where I’m at during our daily “dates,” where I let her pet me while noshing on something tasty. Day by day. Treat by...

Guess who caught a mouse in their house? Not my 2 kittens, Minnie and Finnegan, or even my squirrel-and-chipmunk-chasing dog, Yogi Bear. The Animal Muse Crew: Finnegan, Minnie and Yogi Bear I did 😻! Let me explain. I recently found a mouse in my utility closet. Or, more accurately, mouse deposits. Yuk! Then I discovered my unwanted guest had moved across the hall into the dog and cat food closet. Not cool. As I inspected the mouse droppings, I looked Minnie and Finnegan in the eye and said,...