I’ve written eight books for parents. Among them is a best-seller for which, twenty years later, mothers (and the occasional dad) still send thank-you notes. Many say it “saved” them. That makes me happy. But since October of 2019, when I rescued Rocky, I have felt increasingly guilty about some of the advice I doled […]
Dear Family Whisperer: My Puppy Is in Charge!
Dear Family Whisperer: I feel guilty leaving my 15-week-old puppy alone. Everyone tells me to “crate” him. He’s good in his travel carrier and sleeps through the night in his crate in my bedroom. But during the day, I put him in the crate only when I leave the house. When I’m home, I put […]
“Baby Whispering” Works on Puppies, Too!
I have a 13-week-old puppy on my hands. In people years, Rocky is approximately a year and 8 months — a toddler approaching the terrible twos. Drop by anytime, and you’ll see a little black-and-white fluffball “barcuuming” my living room. He picks up dust bunnies and random bits of paper, tugs at wires, and teethes […]
Welcoming a New Relationship…With a Puppy
Canine rescue organizations (and those who have had dogs) warn us about the time, the expense and the energy, especially with a puppy. For me, the drudgery pales to more important long-term considerations. A few months ago, when I finally decided not to adopt, I wrote “Stepping into Someone Else’s Paws. Writing gave me […]