Directory of Articles

A Chicken in Every Pot, and Every Dog August 26, 2010 - When I launched this web series for pet lovers, I knew it would bring good things. But I had no idea how many good things and to what extent. For example, my dog is now on a 100% homemade diet. And I owe this largely to the healthy dog food advocates I feature on these websites. ...Read more.

Apples for Justin July 9, 2010 - My friend gets up in the middle of the night and eats apples. Reportedly, he does this quite frequently. His wife says he climbs out of bed half asleep, goes to the kitchen and chows down two apples, then goes back to sleep. I only recently learned about this during a holiday get together. On our trip to the grocery store to gather goodies for the weekend....Read more.

Editor's Pick: Chewdalootie, Doing His Duty June 20 , 2010 - Chewdalootie, Doing His Duty, is a colorful and fun children’s book with bright colors and kid-friendly drawings, but it also has an important message: dogs need love and attention. The parable is just one in a series by Laguna Beach author Debby Carman, who combines whimsical drawings with phrasings reminiscent of Dr. Seuss books. Read more.

The Perfect Storm: Comforting your dog in scary conditions June 12 , 2010 - My dog, Cori, doesn't like baths, but she does love the tub. That's because whenever there is a hint of a storm–or often beforehand–she marches into the bathroom and climbs in the tub. She's like an arthritic joint when it comes to predicting weather. She knows well beforehand that a storm is coming, and promptly climbs into the tub and stays there until the storm is over...Read more.

What makes a dog friendly company? June 6 , 2010 - When presented with the phrase "dog friendly company," a few initial things may come to mind–a company that allows dogs to accompany employees in the workplace, or a business that takes care of our animals' veterinary needs. Indeed, those are valid and important examples of dog friendly companies. Being a pet friendly company is a "badge of honor"... .Read more.

From Ho-Hum to Oh-Yum: The transition to a homemade diet May 10, 2010 - Consider the following menu: BREAKFAST-Cold, dry cereal. LUNCH-cold, dry cereal. DINNER-cold, dry cereal. Now, consider adhering to this menu daily for the rest of your life. How would you feel? Depleted? Bored? Lethargic? Cold, dry cereal is okay for a quick fix every once in a while, but you wouldn't want to live on it, nor should you. Dogs are no different....Read more

Something's Fishy: The importance of omega-3 April 27, 2010 - We've all been told that fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are good for us. And it really does seem to be true. More and more evidence is stacking up in favor of omega-3's role in brain function, cardiovascular health, stroke prevention, immune function and more....Read more

Is It Soup Yet? Getting an unwilling dog to drink April 20, 2010 - If your dog is anything like mine, you worry about water intake. If it weren't for my special technique–revealed shortly–she would drink next to nothing. My dog, Cori, has never been a good drinker. She is passive at heart, and rarely asks for the things she needs. Not surprisingly, the one exception is food. Otherwise, if I weren't proactive, she would rarely drink OR go outside for potty time. She would rather hold it in until she starts leaking. Solving the potty situation means taking her out on a regular schedule, regardless of whether she asks. .Read more...

Deep Fried Cupcakes + Fresh, Whole Foods = Happiness for Everyone March 15, 2010 - The American Dietetic Association has stamped March as National Nutrition Month, and here we are, right smack in the middle of it. Whether it's March, September or anywhere in between, we all know the old story: we should eat more whole foods and less processed ones. With the endless mantra of "more vegetables, less refined foods" and other messages ingrained into our minds year round....Read more

One-and-a-Half Year Old Saves Preteen February 5, 2010 - Last month, a one-and-a-half year old saved the life of a preteen. With no hesitation, and remarkable insight, this innocent individual risked her own life to save the life of another. She endured deep cuts, bruises, and other injuries, but was expected to make a full recovery with help from her family, including the big brother she saved....Read more

"Special Needs" Often Applies to Me More Than My Blind Dog January 25, 2010 - Last night, the power went out. That day's weather was wild, with winds over 50 mph and over two inches of rain. But as the rain barreled down and dozens of branches fell victim to the winds during the day, the electricity remained...Read more

Walk a Shelter Dog and Help Both of You January 19, 2010 - The most recent issue of Parade magazine focused on how walking with dogs can benefit health. The article entitled, "A Happy Way to Get Fit" by Allison Takeda noted recent research showing people with dogs exercised six hours more per week than non-dog people....Read more

Stay Faithful To Your Dog - He'd Do The Same For You January 6, 2010 - "I can't see him like this." "He's acting stubborn." "I don't want to deal with it." These are lines sometimes heard from people dealing with their dog's health issues. As a parent to a blind dog, I understand that it can be traumatic and upsetting to deal with a negative change in your dog's health. It can be emotionally draining...Read more

Rethinking Dogs' Place in Society December 31, 2009 - Man's best friend" still faces a lot of discrimination. Save a few exceptions here and there, they are usually not allowed on most public transportation options, whether it's a bus, a train or a plane--unless they are in the cargo hold (BAD idea) or small enough to fit under the seat (discrimination based on size). They are not allowed in many stores....Read more

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Sarah Whitman is founder of Whitman Syndication, a series of dog-related websites and blogs designed to promote dog friendly companies, rescue organizations and other pro-dog initiatives. She can be reached at sarah@dogfriendlycompanies.com or through her websites.