Meet my three dogs: (left) Shep, (middle) Faith, (right) Junee
Black Girl In a Doggone World™ (on Substack) 2019-2021
This publication is for dog sitters, dog walkers, dog boarders, dog walkers, and (especially) Black folks who defy the stereotype that we're scared of or don't like dogs. Occasionally my complex feelings about cats come up too.
Subscribe to this Substack column for $5 per month or $50 per year. For $90 as a founder, get full access to “Black Girl In a Doggone World™,” “Homegrown Tales,” "I Do See Color," "One Black Woman's Vote," "Tickled," “We Need to Talk” and “Window Shopping” too.
Follow "Black Girl In a Doggone World™" on social media:
Instagram @BlackGirlDoggoneWorld and Threads @BlackGirlDoggoneWorld
(Looking for BGIDW 2022? Click here. 2023? Click here. 2024? Click here.)
Subscribe to this Substack column for $5 per month or $50 per year. For $90 as a founder, get full access to “Black Girl In a Doggone World™,” “Homegrown Tales,” "I Do See Color," "One Black Woman's Vote," "Tickled," “We Need to Talk” and “Window Shopping” too.
Follow "Black Girl In a Doggone World™" on social media:
Instagram @BlackGirlDoggoneWorld and Threads @BlackGirlDoggoneWorld
(Looking for BGIDW 2022? Click here. 2023? Click here. 2024? Click here.)
2021 Posts
69. Can’t win with a dog, can’t win without one ~ Why are some men so obsessed with critiquing single women?
68. Is the emotional support animal ban leading to better flight experiences? ~ Consider a dog caregiver to avoid the flight, passenger conflict
67. Preparing your dog emergency kit for travel ~ For the holidays and beyond, are you prepared for pet travel?
66. Eight absurd things I’ve said to my dog … and why she probably thinks I’m a nutcase
65. Is your new dog walker a good fit? ~ Four tips to make sure the dog walker, dog boarder, dog sitter is the one you want
64. Think twice before buying a new dog toy ~ If it looks like something you don't want chewed, don't give it to your dog
63. My dog, the cooking critic ~ How the smoke alarm has forever made my dog skeptical of my cooking
62. When your dog is on a bed-scratching mission ~ Your dog may be too territorial for a recycled dog bed
61. When dogs hate wheels and babies ~ My ongoing apology to pedestrians with strollers
60. Tales of the cat lady college roommate who drove me nuts ~ COVID-19 is making college students miss out on crazy roommate stories
59. The health questions dog walkers don’t want to ask ~ For health reasons, dog owners should talk about COVID-19. For the sake of our sanity, we don’t.
58. Dear dog lover, I don’t like your dog ~ How to tackle people who don’t like pets
57. The trick I learned to make dogs honor Daylight Saving Time ~ For dogs 8 months or older, this trick may help you gain that extra hour
56. When one dog has pet anxiety and the other doesn’t ~ Six lessons learned for handling dog separation anxiety
55. Are lack of dog parks a sign of racism? ~ Why are there more dog parks in white and diverse neighborhoods?
54. Dogs, doorbells, phones and more noise chaos ~ Why your dog goes berserk when loud noises play
53. Self-cleaning oven vs your dog ~ Should you hand-wash or use the self-clean feature with pets?
52. Before you have that holiday party, prep your dog ~ How not preparing your dog for strangers can ruin the Christmas and New Year’s festivities
51. 5 tips to help your dog behave this Halloween ~ From brooms to black cats, Halloween decor can create chaos
50. Is your smart home a headache for your dog? ~ When all the bells and whistles literally sound that way for your pup
49. Is pet insurance worth it? ~ Will a savings account be of more use than pet insurance?
48. When your dog has to be put to sleep ~ Shelters are trying to work with pet owners with financial issues
47. Say ‘hi’ or say ‘bye’: Don’t touch my dog without my permission ~ No one knows a dog like the dog owner (or the vet)
46. For the sake of your dog, take Dentastix weight groups seriously ~ Side effects of wrong dental dog bone: Diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, sad owner
45. Regurgitation, urination, other rocky moments in puppyhood ~ Is your dog really sick or does she just want to play?
44. 9-day countdown: Spayed dog on bed rest, owner just wants to rest ~ Pets are on bed rest after spaying and neutering, but what about the owners?
43. Why do you let your dog bite you? ~ The main reason training your new dog is necessary
42. When the adults are astray, the dogs will chew away ~ Keeping your teething dog entertained
41. Your dog is a ‘mix,’ but what mix? ~ Why identifying your crossbreed can help you understand your dog
40. No backyard = More people interrupting housetraining ~ Know when to say ‘no’ to humans, not just dogs
39. One eye on the world, one eye on your puppy ~ Everyone who wants to be a pet owner may not be ready for the task
38. 5 ways to get your clingy Velcro dog to give you some space ~ The upside and downside of interactive dog cameras
37. Clipping pet nails: Every dog is not the same ~ When you may want to leave the grooming to professionals
36. Featured in FetchaDate: How My Dog Is Winning People Over and Making Me More Socially Awkward
35. 10 things my weirdo dog does ~ Who needs TV when you have a dog?
34. When the dog fight won’t stop ~ 10 minutes later, the dog owner couldn’t get his dogs apart
33. My dog ran out into the street ~ When all the advice about chasing dogs goes out the window
32. I know you like dogs, but calm down ~ Why does my dog have better manners than you?
31. Adopting puppies: The Hound mix who thinks sleep is for losers ~ How “speaking dog” helps to housetrain your dog better
30. Your dog at the dog park acts like Bebe’s Kids ~ Keeping your dog, and other dogs, out of mischief at a dog park
29. When a dog’s eyes are on you, make the most of it ~ Create familiarity with unfamiliar dogs
28. No one plans to break up, but get the petnup ~ Why a petnup is as necessary as a prenup — even for cohabitators
27. You, your kid and your dog: Drivers need you to care about all three ~ When dog owners don’t understand leash-less risks
26. Chicago ranks number one for rats but feral cats have the last say ~ Humane Society releases 1K feral cats to get rid of Windy City rats
25. Pandemic dogs are returning to shelters ~ More than 60% of U.S. dog owners would move for their dog’s needs
24. Flush dog poop or keep buying biodegradable bags? ~ How to be eco-friendly with your pup’s wastes
23. When your dog may as well be a cat ~ Tough talk for your ego: Not every dog will greet you at the door
22. When your dog is humping everything in sight ~ Pet humping can start off funny, but be careful of health concerns
21. Featured in FetchaDate: When Pet Allergies Get in the Way of Online Dating ~ Hypoallergenic Dogs That Can Help You Become the Next Dog Parent
20. Featured in FetchaDate: Melting Kitty Doesn’t Do Texting-Ships and Neither Should You
19. Andrew Yang has pissed off Dog Twitter ~ Yes, it is possible to have pet allergies and a dog simultaneously
18. Why is NASCAR getting COVID-19 sniffing dogs more than other places? ~ COVID-19 sniffing dogs are best served in essential workplaces
17. When will someone admit that dog parks are like beauty salons? ~ You can always find these characters at both places
16. Explaining to your adult dog why the puppy gets more food ~ Hint: Don’t explain it to your dog, just sneak around
15. Why the Heaven episode of Netflix’s #CanineIntervention matters most ~ Treat a dog like a human and she’ll treat you like a dog
14. I love dog boarding, but I left Rover anyway ~ Rover is to Uber what Wag is to Lyft
13. Meet-n-greets should be standard for timid dogs ~ Never leave your dog with someone you’re nervous about
12. Racism is NOT equivalent to being anti-pit bull ~ Stop using the term ‘racist’ when you don’t know what it means
11. Should children be able to walk a dog alone? ~ Learning how to walk a dog early and often is part of training
10. When your dog loses her sight ~ Subtle ways to figure out your dog needs visual help before it’s too late
9. Does your dog have a goddad or godmom? ~ Part 2: In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to …
8. ‘Hear’ your dog out on pet ear health ~ Understanding just how sensitive your dog’s ears are to loud noise
7. Black Lives Matter dogs make it to Dogs of 2020 ~ Why dogs seeing black people regularly makes a difference
6. The working person’s guide to preventing pet loneliness ~ Multiply your own loneliness in social isolation 3x to equate it for dogs
5. Tips for keeping dog paws healthy ~ Dog boots probably won’t go over well at first
4. Can you ‘change’ your partner: the non-pet lover? ~ Part 2 of 2: Two dog caregivers discuss single life, marriage and parenthood
3. Single, dogs welcome, parents need not apply ~ Two dog caregivers discuss single life for those who want dogs more than children
2. Mobile app helps pet-loving singles find love ~ When your dog is all you need to get dates online
1. ESA animals told to ‘sit’ home instead of flying ~ COVID-19 travelers may want to be aware of new travel pet rules
68. Is the emotional support animal ban leading to better flight experiences? ~ Consider a dog caregiver to avoid the flight, passenger conflict
67. Preparing your dog emergency kit for travel ~ For the holidays and beyond, are you prepared for pet travel?
66. Eight absurd things I’ve said to my dog … and why she probably thinks I’m a nutcase
65. Is your new dog walker a good fit? ~ Four tips to make sure the dog walker, dog boarder, dog sitter is the one you want
64. Think twice before buying a new dog toy ~ If it looks like something you don't want chewed, don't give it to your dog
63. My dog, the cooking critic ~ How the smoke alarm has forever made my dog skeptical of my cooking
62. When your dog is on a bed-scratching mission ~ Your dog may be too territorial for a recycled dog bed
61. When dogs hate wheels and babies ~ My ongoing apology to pedestrians with strollers
60. Tales of the cat lady college roommate who drove me nuts ~ COVID-19 is making college students miss out on crazy roommate stories
59. The health questions dog walkers don’t want to ask ~ For health reasons, dog owners should talk about COVID-19. For the sake of our sanity, we don’t.
58. Dear dog lover, I don’t like your dog ~ How to tackle people who don’t like pets
57. The trick I learned to make dogs honor Daylight Saving Time ~ For dogs 8 months or older, this trick may help you gain that extra hour
56. When one dog has pet anxiety and the other doesn’t ~ Six lessons learned for handling dog separation anxiety
55. Are lack of dog parks a sign of racism? ~ Why are there more dog parks in white and diverse neighborhoods?
54. Dogs, doorbells, phones and more noise chaos ~ Why your dog goes berserk when loud noises play
53. Self-cleaning oven vs your dog ~ Should you hand-wash or use the self-clean feature with pets?
52. Before you have that holiday party, prep your dog ~ How not preparing your dog for strangers can ruin the Christmas and New Year’s festivities
51. 5 tips to help your dog behave this Halloween ~ From brooms to black cats, Halloween decor can create chaos
50. Is your smart home a headache for your dog? ~ When all the bells and whistles literally sound that way for your pup
49. Is pet insurance worth it? ~ Will a savings account be of more use than pet insurance?
48. When your dog has to be put to sleep ~ Shelters are trying to work with pet owners with financial issues
47. Say ‘hi’ or say ‘bye’: Don’t touch my dog without my permission ~ No one knows a dog like the dog owner (or the vet)
46. For the sake of your dog, take Dentastix weight groups seriously ~ Side effects of wrong dental dog bone: Diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, sad owner
45. Regurgitation, urination, other rocky moments in puppyhood ~ Is your dog really sick or does she just want to play?
44. 9-day countdown: Spayed dog on bed rest, owner just wants to rest ~ Pets are on bed rest after spaying and neutering, but what about the owners?
43. Why do you let your dog bite you? ~ The main reason training your new dog is necessary
42. When the adults are astray, the dogs will chew away ~ Keeping your teething dog entertained
41. Your dog is a ‘mix,’ but what mix? ~ Why identifying your crossbreed can help you understand your dog
40. No backyard = More people interrupting housetraining ~ Know when to say ‘no’ to humans, not just dogs
39. One eye on the world, one eye on your puppy ~ Everyone who wants to be a pet owner may not be ready for the task
38. 5 ways to get your clingy Velcro dog to give you some space ~ The upside and downside of interactive dog cameras
37. Clipping pet nails: Every dog is not the same ~ When you may want to leave the grooming to professionals
36. Featured in FetchaDate: How My Dog Is Winning People Over and Making Me More Socially Awkward
35. 10 things my weirdo dog does ~ Who needs TV when you have a dog?
34. When the dog fight won’t stop ~ 10 minutes later, the dog owner couldn’t get his dogs apart
33. My dog ran out into the street ~ When all the advice about chasing dogs goes out the window
32. I know you like dogs, but calm down ~ Why does my dog have better manners than you?
31. Adopting puppies: The Hound mix who thinks sleep is for losers ~ How “speaking dog” helps to housetrain your dog better
30. Your dog at the dog park acts like Bebe’s Kids ~ Keeping your dog, and other dogs, out of mischief at a dog park
29. When a dog’s eyes are on you, make the most of it ~ Create familiarity with unfamiliar dogs
28. No one plans to break up, but get the petnup ~ Why a petnup is as necessary as a prenup — even for cohabitators
27. You, your kid and your dog: Drivers need you to care about all three ~ When dog owners don’t understand leash-less risks
26. Chicago ranks number one for rats but feral cats have the last say ~ Humane Society releases 1K feral cats to get rid of Windy City rats
25. Pandemic dogs are returning to shelters ~ More than 60% of U.S. dog owners would move for their dog’s needs
24. Flush dog poop or keep buying biodegradable bags? ~ How to be eco-friendly with your pup’s wastes
23. When your dog may as well be a cat ~ Tough talk for your ego: Not every dog will greet you at the door
22. When your dog is humping everything in sight ~ Pet humping can start off funny, but be careful of health concerns
21. Featured in FetchaDate: When Pet Allergies Get in the Way of Online Dating ~ Hypoallergenic Dogs That Can Help You Become the Next Dog Parent
20. Featured in FetchaDate: Melting Kitty Doesn’t Do Texting-Ships and Neither Should You
19. Andrew Yang has pissed off Dog Twitter ~ Yes, it is possible to have pet allergies and a dog simultaneously
18. Why is NASCAR getting COVID-19 sniffing dogs more than other places? ~ COVID-19 sniffing dogs are best served in essential workplaces
17. When will someone admit that dog parks are like beauty salons? ~ You can always find these characters at both places
16. Explaining to your adult dog why the puppy gets more food ~ Hint: Don’t explain it to your dog, just sneak around
15. Why the Heaven episode of Netflix’s #CanineIntervention matters most ~ Treat a dog like a human and she’ll treat you like a dog
14. I love dog boarding, but I left Rover anyway ~ Rover is to Uber what Wag is to Lyft
13. Meet-n-greets should be standard for timid dogs ~ Never leave your dog with someone you’re nervous about
12. Racism is NOT equivalent to being anti-pit bull ~ Stop using the term ‘racist’ when you don’t know what it means
11. Should children be able to walk a dog alone? ~ Learning how to walk a dog early and often is part of training
10. When your dog loses her sight ~ Subtle ways to figure out your dog needs visual help before it’s too late
9. Does your dog have a goddad or godmom? ~ Part 2: In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to …
8. ‘Hear’ your dog out on pet ear health ~ Understanding just how sensitive your dog’s ears are to loud noise
7. Black Lives Matter dogs make it to Dogs of 2020 ~ Why dogs seeing black people regularly makes a difference
6. The working person’s guide to preventing pet loneliness ~ Multiply your own loneliness in social isolation 3x to equate it for dogs
5. Tips for keeping dog paws healthy ~ Dog boots probably won’t go over well at first
4. Can you ‘change’ your partner: the non-pet lover? ~ Part 2 of 2: Two dog caregivers discuss single life, marriage and parenthood
3. Single, dogs welcome, parents need not apply ~ Two dog caregivers discuss single life for those who want dogs more than children
2. Mobile app helps pet-loving singles find love ~ When your dog is all you need to get dates online
1. ESA animals told to ‘sit’ home instead of flying ~ COVID-19 travelers may want to be aware of new travel pet rules
2020 Posts
64. Why women should charge their salary ‘worth’ ~ How a dog-sitting assignment taught me a valuable lesson about the gig economy
63. Doggone World Bingo: Enjoy your dog adventures ~ The Bingo game that will make your dog mishaps more fun
62. Before you buy a Christmas puppy ~ Shopping pet tips to keep in mind for the holidays and beyond
61. 5 supplies to avoid your house smelling like dogs ~ Warning: Your dog won’t like the couch rule
60. I want my therapy dog to have a heartbeat ~ Why robotic therapy dogs don’t impress me as much as real therapy dogs
59. Christmas inspiration from the dog ~ ‘Raise the Woof’ and other pup entertainment
58. Let my service or companion dog inside! ~ Where ADA laws start, and local and state laws get involved
57. Stalking celebrities’ dogs on Instagram: It’s not a crime ~ No use for Instagram — until it’s time to gush over dogs (and song battles)
56. Should there be a dog size limit in your condo? ~ What leases and bylaws don’t always emphasize about pets
55. What’s up with Reverend Raphael Warnock and puppies? ~ Politicians know how voters feel about dogs
54. Hate face masks? Then you get why your dog hates muzzles ~ How you can use your face mask hesitancy for dog muzzle introductions
53. ‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House ~ Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
52. Top 10 ways to decorate a dog crate ~ Make dog crate bars look dog chic
51. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
50. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
49. Potty training and pups: When carpet gets peed on more than grass ~ Tips for house-training and crate-training your dog
48. Prepping your child for a new dog ~ Always watch dogs and children closely, especially around each other
47. The dog trick we don’t test enough: Dodging cars ~ Why the ‘Pick of the Litter’ dog documentary should make non-guide dog owners pay attention
46. Dog owners and dating: What people-dating sites can teach dog owners about what to ask ~ Should dog owners choose pet dating sites exclusively?
45. Steps for getting an emotional support dog ~ Residents, here’s how to get an ESD in a building with a no-pet policy
44. When your dog gets mouthy ~ Acknowledging the difference between playful nibbling and dog bites
43. Recognizing early signs of dog arthritis ~ The one thing I’ll always regret about my first dog — the step fall
42. Will a dog treadmill help dog owners who don’t want to walk? ~ Your active dog won’t forget activity, even if you skip the outdoor walks
41. K9 bitten by dog behind fence, police blame owner’s dog ~ Dog walking 101: When you pass a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, keep your dog close
40. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
39. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
38. When the dog stops, is the walk over? ~ Reevaluating your dog walking routine
37. When your dog has to ‘go’ but you just want to go to sleep ~ Keeping yourself entertained during a turtle-slow walk
36. Unconventional ways to distract dogs from fireworks ~ The fireworks show is fun to hear and see — unless you own a dog
35. Dating apps: Cat men not welcome ~ Man’s best friend may be helping men get more dating action
34. COVID-19 is screwing pet owners out of bonding time ~ Why dog owners may need to find a relative or caregiver if infected
33. ‘Dogfather of Harlem’ is grooming pets for free Harlem ~ Doggie Day Spa takes its grooming on a 12-day tour
32. My dog brought a baby possum in our home — lucky us! ~ When hunting dogs love the chase and wreak havoc in your home
31. Making your dog’s crate feel like home ~ If your dog looks uncomfortable inside, she probably is
30. Dog owner racially profiles black man, abuses her own dog ~ Yet another dishonest 911 call risking the life of a black man
29. Amazon’s dog food Wag and curious marketing ~ Obviously Amazon has its own dog food, along with everything else
28. When your dog hates his new home ~ The four-legged roommate with moving worries
27. The dog is digging up the plants again ~ Tips to stop your dog from destroying your yard
26. Before you use your dog as a wingman … ~ Five tips to help read a woman’s body language around dogs
25. Strange dogs and strangers: Keeping dogs safe ~ When your dog has admirers, and you don’t know who to trust
24. I was Today Years Old when I learned of dog braces ~ Yes, Julia from ‘Desus & Mero,’ dog braces may be a ‘white woman thing’
23. Girl Scouts, earn a badge for making homemade pet supplies ~ Obtain the Senior Textile Artist Badge while in social isolation
22. Ditching the dog groomer during COVID-19 outbreak, yay or nay? ~ Pet groomers and dog owners are putting themselves at risk — unnecessarily
21. Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation ~ Don't be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
20. Michael Vick did it, overcame it, now get over it ~ From a dog lover who is tired of people reminding us of his dogfighting days
19. A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers
18. In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to … ~ Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
17. What happened to the Dogs of Amazon? ~ When working from home means your dogs get to see you more
16. Stop giving your dog liquor ~ Why is Jessica’s dog on ‘Love Is Blind’ drinking from her wine glass?
15. Non-crazy ways to remember your deceased dog ~ What should stay and what should go when your dog dies
14. Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation
13. Keeping track of your dog walking, boarding expenses for tax season ~ Get a handle on your 2021 tax filings in 2020
12. Walking dogs during the coronavirus scare ~ Be wary of instant Internet coronavirus experts, opt for proven results
11. Please stop lying about owning dogs in your dating app profile ~ Where I went wrong on dating sites: Not looking for men who own dogs
10. Before you buy a dog antler, know the risks ~ How a freelancing assignment made me concerned about dog toys
9. Safe walks on Wag, the fake home scam ~ Eight dog walking tips to feel secure while walking new dogs
8. When your fearful dog has an elephant memory ~ Five tips to help your dog get over a scary experience
7. Sleeping with dogs and bed hogs ~ When you finally give up on sleeping alone
6. Always pet proof your home and fence ~ Don’t let Animal Control take your dog away because it’s not built for control
5. No, your dog cannot always say ‘hi’ ~ Learning basic manners for socializing your dogs with strangers
4. Your dog is your best speech evaluator ~ Why Toastmasters need to practice speeches in front of dogs
3. When your dog gets a new roommate ~ Socializing your adult dog with a new puppy
2. People will fear your dog so deal with it ~ How Musophobia made me respond differently to Cynophobia
1. My heavy-hearted love for senior dogs ~ You can teach an old dog new tricks — when it depends on survival
63. Doggone World Bingo: Enjoy your dog adventures ~ The Bingo game that will make your dog mishaps more fun
62. Before you buy a Christmas puppy ~ Shopping pet tips to keep in mind for the holidays and beyond
61. 5 supplies to avoid your house smelling like dogs ~ Warning: Your dog won’t like the couch rule
60. I want my therapy dog to have a heartbeat ~ Why robotic therapy dogs don’t impress me as much as real therapy dogs
59. Christmas inspiration from the dog ~ ‘Raise the Woof’ and other pup entertainment
58. Let my service or companion dog inside! ~ Where ADA laws start, and local and state laws get involved
57. Stalking celebrities’ dogs on Instagram: It’s not a crime ~ No use for Instagram — until it’s time to gush over dogs (and song battles)
56. Should there be a dog size limit in your condo? ~ What leases and bylaws don’t always emphasize about pets
55. What’s up with Reverend Raphael Warnock and puppies? ~ Politicians know how voters feel about dogs
54. Hate face masks? Then you get why your dog hates muzzles ~ How you can use your face mask hesitancy for dog muzzle introductions
53. ‘Major’ news: First rescue dog makes his way to the White House ~ Biden’s dog choice brings up importance of adopting shelter dogs
52. Top 10 ways to decorate a dog crate ~ Make dog crate bars look dog chic
51. The accidental dog-napper ~ Tips to find your lost dog, with and without your neighbors
50. No pets, all scams: Recognizing the signs of pet scammers ~ Filling the pet void during social isolation without getting scammed
49. Potty training and pups: When carpet gets peed on more than grass ~ Tips for house-training and crate-training your dog
48. Prepping your child for a new dog ~ Always watch dogs and children closely, especially around each other
47. The dog trick we don’t test enough: Dodging cars ~ Why the ‘Pick of the Litter’ dog documentary should make non-guide dog owners pay attention
46. Dog owners and dating: What people-dating sites can teach dog owners about what to ask ~ Should dog owners choose pet dating sites exclusively?
45. Steps for getting an emotional support dog ~ Residents, here’s how to get an ESD in a building with a no-pet policy
44. When your dog gets mouthy ~ Acknowledging the difference between playful nibbling and dog bites
43. Recognizing early signs of dog arthritis ~ The one thing I’ll always regret about my first dog — the step fall
42. Will a dog treadmill help dog owners who don’t want to walk? ~ Your active dog won’t forget activity, even if you skip the outdoor walks
41. K9 bitten by dog behind fence, police blame owner’s dog ~ Dog walking 101: When you pass a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, keep your dog close
40. Getting rid of pests in your backyard ~ When your dog thinks wild animals are wrestling partners
39. Your dog can be your wingman, watchdog or a hater ~ If my watchdog doesn’t like you, then maybe I shouldn’t either
38. When the dog stops, is the walk over? ~ Reevaluating your dog walking routine
37. When your dog has to ‘go’ but you just want to go to sleep ~ Keeping yourself entertained during a turtle-slow walk
36. Unconventional ways to distract dogs from fireworks ~ The fireworks show is fun to hear and see — unless you own a dog
35. Dating apps: Cat men not welcome ~ Man’s best friend may be helping men get more dating action
34. COVID-19 is screwing pet owners out of bonding time ~ Why dog owners may need to find a relative or caregiver if infected
33. ‘Dogfather of Harlem’ is grooming pets for free Harlem ~ Doggie Day Spa takes its grooming on a 12-day tour
32. My dog brought a baby possum in our home — lucky us! ~ When hunting dogs love the chase and wreak havoc in your home
31. Making your dog’s crate feel like home ~ If your dog looks uncomfortable inside, she probably is
30. Dog owner racially profiles black man, abuses her own dog ~ Yet another dishonest 911 call risking the life of a black man
29. Amazon’s dog food Wag and curious marketing ~ Obviously Amazon has its own dog food, along with everything else
28. When your dog hates his new home ~ The four-legged roommate with moving worries
27. The dog is digging up the plants again ~ Tips to stop your dog from destroying your yard
26. Before you use your dog as a wingman … ~ Five tips to help read a woman’s body language around dogs
25. Strange dogs and strangers: Keeping dogs safe ~ When your dog has admirers, and you don’t know who to trust
24. I was Today Years Old when I learned of dog braces ~ Yes, Julia from ‘Desus & Mero,’ dog braces may be a ‘white woman thing’
23. Girl Scouts, earn a badge for making homemade pet supplies ~ Obtain the Senior Textile Artist Badge while in social isolation
22. Ditching the dog groomer during COVID-19 outbreak, yay or nay? ~ Pet groomers and dog owners are putting themselves at risk — unnecessarily
21. Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation ~ Don't be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
20. Michael Vick did it, overcame it, now get over it ~ From a dog lover who is tired of people reminding us of his dogfighting days
19. A natural disaster vs my dog: I chose my dog ~ When a Chicago tornado made me fully understand dog lovers
18. In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to … ~ Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
17. What happened to the Dogs of Amazon? ~ When working from home means your dogs get to see you more
16. Stop giving your dog liquor ~ Why is Jessica’s dog on ‘Love Is Blind’ drinking from her wine glass?
15. Non-crazy ways to remember your deceased dog ~ What should stay and what should go when your dog dies
14. Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation
13. Keeping track of your dog walking, boarding expenses for tax season ~ Get a handle on your 2021 tax filings in 2020
12. Walking dogs during the coronavirus scare ~ Be wary of instant Internet coronavirus experts, opt for proven results
11. Please stop lying about owning dogs in your dating app profile ~ Where I went wrong on dating sites: Not looking for men who own dogs
10. Before you buy a dog antler, know the risks ~ How a freelancing assignment made me concerned about dog toys
9. Safe walks on Wag, the fake home scam ~ Eight dog walking tips to feel secure while walking new dogs
8. When your fearful dog has an elephant memory ~ Five tips to help your dog get over a scary experience
7. Sleeping with dogs and bed hogs ~ When you finally give up on sleeping alone
6. Always pet proof your home and fence ~ Don’t let Animal Control take your dog away because it’s not built for control
5. No, your dog cannot always say ‘hi’ ~ Learning basic manners for socializing your dogs with strangers
4. Your dog is your best speech evaluator ~ Why Toastmasters need to practice speeches in front of dogs
3. When your dog gets a new roommate ~ Socializing your adult dog with a new puppy
2. People will fear your dog so deal with it ~ How Musophobia made me respond differently to Cynophobia
1. My heavy-hearted love for senior dogs ~ You can teach an old dog new tricks — when it depends on survival
2019 Posts
17. Man’s Best Friend Becomes Retail’s Best Customer
16. The funniest trending topic on Twitter: Black dog parents ~ Black folks and their hilarious relationship with dogs
15. Getting over your fear of dogs ~ ‘Ready to Love’: Why Darin letting his Labs run loose wasn’t a bad idea
14. Hey lady, you do not have a ‘fur baby’ ~ Why I grudgingly denied the term ‘fur baby’ versus human babies
13. Should you let your dog donate blood? ~ As if veterinary visits aren’t hard enough as is
12. Is your dog racist, or is it really you? ~ What should a dog owner do when a dog expresses a racial preference?
11. Should homeowners treat dogsitters like guests or clients? ~ Five must-ask questions before dogsitting someone’s home
10. Dogs and dating: The no-dogs-on-bed rule ~ What do you do when your significant other doesn’t like dogs in your home?
9. Your Airbnb host is not your maid ~ From dog housesitting to vacationing, treat their home like your own
8. Keep your dog on a leash ~ Why dog owners should stop letting their dogs run loose outside
7. Dog poop bags in neighborhood cans: Yay or nay? ~ Should dog owners and walkers return home to throw away dog poop bags?
6. Dogsitting 101: Bonding with the dog and pet owner ~ How to carefully filter out the dogs you want to dogsit
5. 14 supplies for your dog-walking adventure ~ No matter what the owner already has, keep these in your bag
4. When a dog lover understands cat lovers ~ Cat ladies aren’t crazy, according to UCLA study
3. My dog chronicles: Becoming a professional dog walker ~ From Wag to Rover: Finding a way to make money with four-legged friends
2. Dog therapy: A writer’s break ~ Why writers should have an active, non-writing hobby
1. Wag! dog walkers, beware of scammers ~ What independent contractors need to be aware of with the Wag! app
16. The funniest trending topic on Twitter: Black dog parents ~ Black folks and their hilarious relationship with dogs
15. Getting over your fear of dogs ~ ‘Ready to Love’: Why Darin letting his Labs run loose wasn’t a bad idea
14. Hey lady, you do not have a ‘fur baby’ ~ Why I grudgingly denied the term ‘fur baby’ versus human babies
13. Should you let your dog donate blood? ~ As if veterinary visits aren’t hard enough as is
12. Is your dog racist, or is it really you? ~ What should a dog owner do when a dog expresses a racial preference?
11. Should homeowners treat dogsitters like guests or clients? ~ Five must-ask questions before dogsitting someone’s home
10. Dogs and dating: The no-dogs-on-bed rule ~ What do you do when your significant other doesn’t like dogs in your home?
9. Your Airbnb host is not your maid ~ From dog housesitting to vacationing, treat their home like your own
8. Keep your dog on a leash ~ Why dog owners should stop letting their dogs run loose outside
7. Dog poop bags in neighborhood cans: Yay or nay? ~ Should dog owners and walkers return home to throw away dog poop bags?
6. Dogsitting 101: Bonding with the dog and pet owner ~ How to carefully filter out the dogs you want to dogsit
5. 14 supplies for your dog-walking adventure ~ No matter what the owner already has, keep these in your bag
4. When a dog lover understands cat lovers ~ Cat ladies aren’t crazy, according to UCLA study
3. My dog chronicles: Becoming a professional dog walker ~ From Wag to Rover: Finding a way to make money with four-legged friends
2. Dog therapy: A writer’s break ~ Why writers should have an active, non-writing hobby
1. Wag! dog walkers, beware of scammers ~ What independent contractors need to be aware of with the Wag! app