Paula Gil
If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.
Latest Articles
Best Small Dog Breeds: 11 Top Picks for Every Lifestyle
The best small dog breeds include the Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, and Havanese, all of which earn the American Kennel Club's top score for being good with young children.¹ The right small dog for you...
Dog Tips
How Much Does a Dachshund Cost? Price, Monthly Costs, and Health Expenses
A Dachshund typically costs $1,200 to $3,500 from a breeder, or $150 to $650 to adopt.¹ After that, plan on roughly $155 to $855 or more per month for food, grooming, vet care, and other basics. The biggest wild card is back health, since IVDD surgery...
Breed Tips
Why Walks Are Important for Your Puppy's Development!
Puppies are full of energy and enthusiasm, so it's important for them to channel their energy in positive ways to help them develop good behaviors as they mature. One of the best ways to achieve this is through regular puppy walks. In this article,...
Puppy Tips
Low-Cost Pet Insurance Options: How to Find Affordable Coverage
Low-cost pet insurance options can start as low as $9 per month for cats and $16 per month for dogs with accident-only plans, according to NAPHIA’s 2025 industry report.¹ With over half of U.S. pet owners skipping veterinary care due to cost,²...
Why Pet Insurance?
Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Environmental allergies affect an estimated 10-15% of dogs, causing persistent itching, inflamed skin, and discomfort that can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life.¹ These allergies occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to common...
Dog Tips
Can Dogs Eat Oranges? What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How Much to Feed
Yes, dogs can eat oranges in moderation. The fleshy part of a peeled, seedless orange is safe for most dogs as an occasional treat. However, oranges are high in natural sugar and acidity, so they should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet....
Dog Tips
Can Dogs Eat Bread? Safety Guide for Pet Parents
Yes, dogs can eat plain, fully baked bread in small amounts. However, bread provides no real nutritional benefit and certain types — including raw dough, garlic bread, raisin bread, and bread containing xylitol — can be dangerous. Here’s what pet...
Dog Tips
Lost Pet Scams: How to Recognize and Avoid Scammers Targeting Dog Owners
Losing a dog is every pet parent’s nightmare. Scammers exploit your desperation by targeting worried pet owners through fake animal control calls, phony “found your pet” messages, and fraudulent pet detective services. These scammers typically demand...
Lifestyle
20 Safety Tips for Your Pet That You Need to Know
You love your pet more than you ever thought you could. Perhaps you even love them more than you love some people! Since your pet is such a loyal, important friend to you, you want to know everything you can about keeping them safe and secure. Here,...
Pet Safety
8 Questions to Ask Before Going to the Vet ER
When do you need emergency vet care? Emergency veterinary care is necessary when your pet experiences life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing, significant bleeding, seizures, or trauma. While 25% of pet parents require emergency vet visits...
Pet Safety
How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost in 2025?
Ownership Reality: Living With a Shih Tzu Shih Tzus are best suited for people who want a close, affectionate companion that thrives on human interaction rather than physical exertion. They tend to bond deeply with their families and are happiest...
Breed Tips
How Much is a Cane Corso?
Fact-checked • Updated December 2025 Owning a Cane Corso is a major financial and lifestyle commitment. These powerful, intelligent mastiff-type dogs are loyal family protectors—but they’re also large, strong, and expensive to care for. If you’re...
Breed Tips
