Adopting a rescued cat can be a wonderfully rewarding experience that brings a lot of love into your home. As a photographer who has captured many moments between pets and their families, I’ve seen the unique challenges and joys that come with rescuing a cat. Full disclosure: while I have rescued a number of cats, I have not had one since I moved to Maryland in 2003 because I have had dogs that were not cat friendly enough to have one in the home with them and expect to come home to a intact house. I do have some grand cats that I love on regularly. So I have done some research to help with this blog.

If you’ve ever returned home to a yard that looks more like a minefield than a lawn, you’re not alone. Digging is a common behavior in dogs, which can be baffling and frustrating for their owners. Why do dogs dig, and more importantly, how can we manage this behavior? Let’s dig into the reasons behind this behavior and find positive ways to redirect it.

As a pet photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the vibrant energy and sharp minds of dogs at their best, but I have also seen dogs who are struggling. Keeping your dog physically active and mentally stimulated is not just a part of basic care—it’s crucial for their overall health and happiness. Incorporating both physical and mental exercise into your dog’s daily life is vitally important to keeping your dog healthy and happy.

As a pet photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the unique personalities of countless dogs. Some are bold and boisterous, while others are shy and reserved, particularly around new people or dogs. Social anxiety in dogs is a common issue, but with patience and understanding, you can help your furry friend become more confident in social situations. Let’s explore how to support a dog with social anxiety.

As a photographer who captures the beauty of life with pets and as a dog lover who has experienced the chaos that sometimes comes in a household with one or more dogs, I’ve seen all sorts of canine behavior, including the sometimes frustrating habit of chewing. Whether it’s a favorite shoe (like the time I was in a trip and our nearly year old puppy destroyed the only pair of casual shoes I had with me) or a piece of furniture (followed by learning some wood repair skills), inappropriate chewing can be a challenging issue for dog owners. There are different reasons why this chewing happens, and figuring out why dogs chew and how you can redirect this behavior into something positive is essential for successful life with dogs.

The holiday season is a time of giving, and we often want to give our loved ones exactly what they want. We want to surprise them with thoughtful gifts that say we have listened to them and know them and know their heart. Sometimes when we know our loved ones want a companion, a furry friend, we think that a puppy would be the perfect gift. However, this is one of those times where things may not go as planned. In fact, giving a puppy as a Christmas gift is not always the best choice, and a puppy should only be given in consultation with the recipient, and only after careful consideration of all aspects of dog ownership, because while a dog can be the best thing ever for the right person who is prepared, giving a puppy to a person who isn’t ready for one or doesn’t know what responsibilities which come with pet ownership can be a real disaster.