The Pet Set

I became the caretaker or “doggy nanny”, for six Olde English Bulldog puppies two weeks before their arrival. Trying to gain the trust of Gianna, the pups’ very pregnant mother was no easy task. It took a while before I figured out what could fix her “pregnant jones,” and it turned out to be nearly anything liver-flavored. After four days, she was allowing me to rub her sides and touch her belly for an early introduction to my soon-to-be clients. On Feb. 29, they burst into the world in a successful race to win me over.

We’ve been itching for spring at our house, furry residents included. The dogs live for long walks and days when they’re free to come in and out of the open kitchen door as they please, both cats have been anxious to sit in open windows and watch squirrels, and Willy wants to get out and explore. Yes, now that warm weather is arriving, you, dear readers, will soon get all the details of Willy and Matty’s very first experiences with grass and ground, as we procure kitty harnesses and take the plunge.

Editor’s note: Four Paws pet training product is in no way connected with St. Louis’ Four Muddy Paws pet store.

Ahhh, spring is here. What a perfect time to add a puppy to the family! While the vision of FiFi pouncing in the grass and tossing squeak toys around seems ideal; it is crucial to remember that there are not so wonderful times with a puppy as well.

A typical shopping trip for Denise Taylor finds her carefully reading food labels. “Organic is a great word to see on a bag,” she explains. “I also look for a complete list of ingredients that I can easily read and understand.”

Taylor is among the growing local population of shoppers in search of a healthy diet free of preservatives, fillers and unknown ingredients. But on this particular shopping trip, she’s looking for the same qualities in a food for her pets.