Author: Karen Harrell

As we begin this new year and many people start to think about bringing a pet into their families, I’d like to highlight a problem still rampant in the United States.
The reckless practice of breeding dogs solely for profit has certainly always been an issue. However, it is currently being masked by some highend pet boutiques who sell mainly small-breed dogs at high-end prices.

As I watched this past year my star performer, Cupid, tumble off the edge of the stage (unhurt thankfully), I realized he was getting older.
Cupid has begun to loose some vision and has developed chronic canine bronchitis. Both of which require changes in the routine for our stage act as well as everyday life.
Since we travel about six months out of the year, it’s extremely important that I pack enough of the required medication.

We’ve all seen them, the creepy crawlies, those dreaded spiders that we wonder about.
Recently, I saw my one year old poodle jumping excitedly around something small and brown on the floor. As I approached, I realized it was a Brown Recluse Spider. Brown Recluse spiders are found in the south from California to Virginia.

So, it’s that time of the year again. You pack up the car and the pooch and head down the highway to warmer ground.
But, do you know what possible dangers lurk outside of your own backyard. People are often surprised to learn there are actually hundreds of plants potentially poisonous to dogs.

Here are the top 10 most common poisonous houseplants and landscape plants dog owners should avoid.

Recently, after performing with my three trained “trick poodles” at the South Florida Fair, I made the drive farther south to Homestead, Fla., to visit my friend and expert Poodle Breeder, Rose Thompson. She had informed me last October that she had three poodle litters born in September but to check back with her to to see which ones will go “show” and which will be “pet.”
Now, this is “show dog” talk for all of you novices.