Forget Spot or Professor Fluffball; meet Hannibal Licker. Earlier this year, the media had a field day writing about a study from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and... Read More
As we entered the classroom at SF Puppy Prep on the first day of kindergarten, Skylar Grey was excited to see other puppies but terrified to leave my side. I was trying to juggle her leash with one hand and hold a dog bed under my arm with the other.... Read More
Is that a shadow — or a hole in the floor? And what’s that noise outside my door?? Home alone. On my own … and all alone … — “Home Alone 4,” by D-... Read More
As summer turns to fall, Jazzy's morning glory is once again winding up the white trellis in Kickie's garden. It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I lost Jasmine Blue to cancer. ... Read More
In 2010, when the City once again slashed her already bare-bones budget, Rebecca Katz, San Francisco Animal Care and Control (ACC) executive director had no choice but to consider ... Read More
The day I adopted Skylar Grey at San Francisco Animal Care and Control, executive director Rebecca Katz handed me a new puppy parent packet. As I skimmed through the various handouts, Rebecca said, "You should get her into puppy kindergarten, too."... Read More
Natural disasters can put pets in jeopardy and separate them from their human families. Here are some tips on how to plan ahead to keep your pets safe in case of an emergency. Foll... Read More
Like a Band-Aid, you take the heartache and make it OK No more pain … You take the anger off my brain and the wrinkle off my brow I don’t know how you do what you do, b... Read More
Here in my car I feel safest of all I can lock all my doors It’s the only way to live In cars — “Cars,” by Gary Numan Skylar Grey slept all the way home. She wa... Read More
People who love dogs often talk about a “lifetime” dog. I’d heard the phrase a dozen times before I came to recognize its significance. Lifetime dogs are dogs we ... Read More
Still far away From where I belong But it’s always darkest Before the dawn … I’m coming home, I’m coming home Tell the world I’m coming home Let the r... Read More
When a dog named Charlie chased and attacked a police horse at Crissy Field five months ago,the media put on their usual pit bull and pony show, replete with ignorance, vitriol, mi... Read More
Oh sweet angel of mine Gone to sail through the night In my heart you’ll always be I hope that you’ll remember me Wherever you are Goodnight, goodnight, My sweet love y... Read More
An American vice president whose name I forget once defined his job as consisting of little more than checking on the president’s health each day. Still alive? OK, I’ll... Read More
Suddenly the sky grew dark. As rain started pouring down, I closed my eyes, raised my face, and let it wash away my tears.... Read More