United States
Can't find the right words? Let me help!
I'm a writer, editor, and copywriter who has worked with a variety of companies and publications including the American Kennel Club, Big Heart Pets, Elanco/Bayer Animal Health, Purina, Chewy, Conair, Heelr, CareCredit, Zulily, Mas & Pas, City National Bank, Prospect Farms, Farmshelf, GoFetch, PetCareRx, eHow, Cuteness, SpotHero, SFGate, and the Daily Puppy. The main focus of my work has been on pet care, pet health, fashion-retail, e-commerce, health, beauty, gardening, and green living.
I create engaging content that readers care about and want to read. Whether it's to promote your product, your brand, or to create a specific voice for your company, I can provide you with guidance and the content that you need. Projects including articles for your brand's website, sponsored content, vibrant product descriptions, blog posts for your brand, infographic copy for your social media, short film scripts for your informational videos, emails for your customers, and social copy for your online presence are all in my wheelhouse of skills.
As a graduate of the University of Southern California's Master of Professional Writing program, I have both the education and the experience to provide you with exceptional writing, carefully considered ideas, and work that's always on time.
Because I work remotely, no matter what your time zone, I'm available for consultations and team meetings through Zoom.
Unsure if your cat is suffering from hairball issues? Cat hairballs can be very common and no are cause for alarm. Learn more about the experiences cats have with hairballs and get answers to frequently asked questions. Does hairball medicine work? Answers to this question and more in this article from CareCredit.
As a pet lover, there's nothing more exciting than bringing home a new dog or puppy. Starting this new relationship right will lay the foundation for a lifetime of love and affection with your furry friend. The information below will help you get going, but it's also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for personal, in-depth advice.
So, you've got a new puppy or are thinking of getting one. Congratulations! Now, learn how to care for it. Getting your puppy, preparing at home, visiting the vet, introduction to protection START CHAPTER 1
With their chiseled features, muscular bodies, and square jaws, Boxers are the movie stars of the dog world. These handsome pups are known for their loyalty, quick wit, and protective nature, but these charming characteristics also mean Boxer pups have a few special considerations when it comes to training and socialization.
Puppies seem to grow up so fast. Many puppy-owners are left wondering "when does my puppy finish growing?" Here's what you need to know about puppy growth.
The Xoloitzcuintli, also called the Mexican hairless dog, dates back millennia to ancient Aztec times. The Xolo comes in three distinct sizes, as well as both hairless and coated varieties. Xolos have developed thick, tough skin, but some dogs may require sunscreen for protection.
Hunting with your dog is an exhilarating way to experience outdoor life with your furred friend. Dogs have been hunting with humans for millennia. Many hunting breeds were actually developed specifically to find, flush out, or retrieve game. But that doesn't mean that your dog will automatically know what to do on a hunt.
There's nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than a good night's sleep. This is true not just for people, but for dogs, too. Dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on age. So, they need a comfy bed to snooze on just like you do.
If your pooch is looking a bit more pudgy than usual, it's actually quite common. The battle of the bulge isn't just something people face - so do pets. In fact, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55.8 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese.
Whether they're silent but deadly or startlingly loud and smelly, dog farts are something that no one wants to deal with. Not only are these farts embarrassing for you and your guests, they indicate that your dog could be in pain from excess gas.
Dogs get an unmistakable twinkle in their eyes the minute you reach for their leashes or open the back door. That's because they know that they'll be enjoying some fresh air and sunshine in no time.
Many of us say that our dogs are our best friends, but for some people, they're the key to a better life as well. For veterans, service dogs provide more than just emotional support, especially for people dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Bulldogs are known for their dedicated demeanor and adorably wrinkled appearance. Unlike other breeds, they require a few special considerations when it comes to exercise, training, and grooming. For tips on navigating your Bulldog's first year and beyond, we've turned to Brenda Fontanos, AKC Bulldog breeder and owner of Font A Nose Bulldog in Lebanon, Oregon, and dog trainer Louise Daigle of Red Pointy Dog Training in Strafford, New Hampshire.
Feeding your dog in a separate room than you dine in can help prevent begging Teach your dogs basic obedience commands to help discourage impulse-based behaviors Reward your dog for good behavior When you sit down for mealtimes, if you end up with a furry beggar at your feet giving you those big puppy-dog eyes, you'll probably be tempted to give your pooch table scraps.
Susan Paretts You probably brush your teeth regularly to keep them fresh and clean, but did you know that your dog's teeth should also be brushed every day? That's because without regular cleaning, your dog could develop painful gingivitis and periodontal disease that can negatively impact their health.
When you're feeling stressed, you probably head off to your couch or bedroom to decompress, and a dog's crate serves the same purpose for pups. The crate provides dogs with a safe space to go when they need to relax or take a nap.
11-year-old Pomeranian Bella is the first Toy breed dog to earn her Scent Work Master title Bella has only been in Scent Work for two years and was successful right away Many judges and spectators are surprised at the tiny dog's big abilities Although she's small in stature, Bella has a nose that can sniff out the faintest of scents -and now she has the title to prove it.
Breeds A-Z Expert Advice Products & Services Sports & Events Clubs & Delegates
Dogs and people have been living and working together for thousands of years. In fact, our canine companions were some of our earliest hunting partners. Over the years, we've developed many breeds to help us hunt, each of which have specific skills that can help us find and secure several types of game.
Planning on going to a Brooklyn Knicks game at the Barclays Center? Maybe you want to enjoy the spectacular view while strolling or driving across the famous Brooklyn Bridge? Look no further than the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The neighborhoods of Brooklyn exude both old New York charm and cool hipster vibes, depending on where you roam.
Susan Paretts As a pet parent, you always want to give your four-legged friend the best of everything, including what they eat. Sometimes, though, that isn't the easiest thing to do, especially if your dog has decided to go on a hunger strike because they don't like the food they're currently eating.
Susan Paretts Raw dog food diets have become popular because some pet parents believe that dogs should eat a diet that is closer to that of their wild ancestors than one that is cooked. Research about whether raw meat diets are good for dogs is limited.
Tailored Pet review of these affordable healthy dog meals. Customize your pup's meals according to their weight, size, and dietary preferences. Find out what they're all about and what dogs think of their meals in this in-depth Tailored Pet review.
Susan Paretts As dogs age, they tend to slow down just as we do. However, if you've noticed that your canine companion is having trouble walking or is more of a couch potato than usual, then they might have joint issues.
Susan Paretts Your dog is a beloved member of your family and you're always looking for ways to make your pup's life better. One of the ways you can do this is by feeding your dog a high-quality diet. But with all the choices out there, it can be hard to determine which is the best.
As a good pet parent, you're always looking for ways to keep your pup as happy and healthy as possible. Fortunately, there are several ways you can do that. One of those ways is to supplement your pup's diet with CBD oil.
PlateJoy, allows you to choose your meals for the week and even order the ingredients for them online through grocery delivery services. Here we tried them out to see if they're worth it. PlateJoy review for this personalized meal planning service.
Need someone to help you take over the world? Look no further than the newest Scandinavian superhero (no, not Thor), the small but mighty Swedish Vallhund. Bred to be herding dogs, these brave little warriors have an adventurous spirit and will follow you and your family anywhere you want to go, making friends every step of the way.
Few dogs live for the attention like the Bulldog does. Affectionate, easygoing and adorable, the Bulldog embodies the spirit of the term "man's best friend." Be prepared for lots of sloppy kisses and a constant, round-and-wrinkly shadow following you everywhere you go.
Remember the RA you loved in college? The one who seemed to have it all together, who you wanted to be and who could turn a boring Friday night into an exciting one just by turning up? Well, if that RA were reincarnated as a canine, they would be a Poodle.
February tends to be the month where humans get mushy with each other, so why not get a little mushy with your pooch? He or she is, after all, your best friend! Here are 10 ways to show your dog you love them.
Dogs love to play and romp around outside, which can mean getting dirty. A dusty, muddy dog may be cute, but it's not a healthy or happy look to maintain long-term. If your dog balks at the idea of a bath, check out these squeaky-clean at home grooming tips.
Dental care is as important for dogs as it is for people. Having clean teeth offers your furry friend more than just better breath - it can also help prevent painful periodontal disease and systemic problems like heart, liver and kidney problems. Aside from brushing your dog's teeth at home and treating them to dental chews, like Milk-Bone® Brushing Chews® , your vet can tell you when it's time for a cleaning, but you probably have some questions about the procedure.
Feeling a little frazzled? You may not be alone. Just like us, pets can easily get stressed out by the little things in life. Some are so small, you may not even be aware they're an issue. Constant stress certainly isn't good for your furry friend and can even make her sick.
Cats are fastidiously tidy creatures who don't require regular bathing because they lick themselves clean - but that's not all they use their tongues for. If you've ever seen your feline friend having a good lick of his food bowl, a plastic bag or even the bathtub, you know cats like to lick a lot of things, some of which are a little strange.
Some would say a house is just not a home until a cat lives there. If you're planning to bring home a kitty for the first time - or add to your purring pack - here are some things to consider.
You love your furry friend every day, but did you know there is a special day dedicated entirely to your affection? That's right. February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day, an entire 24 hours devoted to showing just how much you love your pet.
When my beloved cat Tiger passed away, I never imagined his legacy would pave the way for two furry best friends to stay together for life. After his loss, my husband, my two other kitties and I were extremely depressed.
When Valentine's Day comes around, I already know who my little four-legged cupids are going to be - my cats! Well, and my husband too, but my kitties are always up for some love and snuggles, so they're truly the best furry Valentines ever.
While cats and dogs are both furry and lovable, the two animals have different nutritional needs. Canned food designed for dogs has a different balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals than food made for cats.
To remove dog pee stains and urine odor, you'll need to use a pet urine enzyme cleaner. These types of cleaners are useful on many surfaces where rinsing isn't practical. You can also make your own urine-fighting solution or use a carpet machine to battle stubborn dog urine stains and odors.
Although many cats have an aversion to getting wet, some cats love water. Though it seems like a strange cat obsession, many felines like to play with or in water. In fact, you may find that your cat enjoys taking a drink from a running sink or even tries to follow you into the tub to take a swim.
Many cat owners may notice that their cat runs after pooping. While this could be due to the euphoric feeling of eliminating, it could also be due to the desire to run away from their waste or even because of a medical issue. There are several theories to explain cat zoomies after pooping.
When a dog growls at a new puppy, it's a fairly normal behavior. Growling is simply a way for your dog to let the puppy know who's boss, but you'll have to supervise your pups to ensure the behavior doesn't escalate into nipping or biting.
If your dog is nibbling on you, it could be because she's bored, she's showing you dog mouthing affection, or she wants to play. Whatever the reason, this isn't a behavior to encourage because it can lead to biting. Instead, provide your dog with toys as an acceptable alternative to nibble on.
Whether he's pouncing, chasing, climbing or jumping, let's face it, your cat enjoys playing. Play time may be synonymous for "fun time," but it actually has its roots in your cat's predatory instincts. Plus, learning new ways to play can help your cat exercise and learn important social behaviors.
Puppies are easily distracted by interesting sights, smells and other living things, which can interfere with training. If your pup is ignoring you, get him to focus on you using treats and toys; positively reinforce him when he pays attention to you and makes eye contact.
Like human adolescents, puppies learn best when they are having fun and fully engaged in an activity. Puppy school games are designed to help you bond with your pet while at the same time ensuring that he is having such a good time he doesn't even realize he's learning.
When you're shipping a puppy by plane you may not always be available to travel with the dog in the cabin. In these cases, you must ship the puppy by cargo or on a pet-specific airline. To ensure your puppy's safe arrival at his destination, have your veterinary paperwork in order and make all arrangements ...
Hill's Pet Nutrition produces several variations on their d/d formula as part of its line of therapeutic veterinary diets. This special food comes in canned and dry versions and you can obtain them only from a vet, because they are designed to help treat skin conditions and food sensitivities in our canine ...
Known for its unique, wolflike appearance, the Siberian husky was developed in northeast Asia and lives happily in cooler weather due to its luxurious, thick coat. The husky enjoys an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise. If you are looking for a friendly, outgoing dog with which to share your life, the Siberian ...
If Buster had a say, he'd probably want you to free-feed him from a giant bowl of food all day long. Unfortunately, this would likely result in a very portly Buster, so it's best to portion out his food for him instead.
Infections of a puppy's urinary tract result from the presence of bacteria in the urethra and bladder, and lead to inflammation and pain for the puppy. The most common cause of a UTI in a puppy is the migration of bacteria from the puppy's feces into the urethra.
With some basic obedience training, your dog can compete in the canine sport of agility. Organizations such as the American Kennel Club sponsor agility competitions for dogs on the local and national levels. Because this sport requires the use of obstacles for your dog to maneuver through, you can benefit by creating ...
Our pets give us unconditional love and friendship, usually for many years. Unfortunately, at a certain point, we all must face one of the hardest decisions involved with owning a pet -- when to say goodbye. The decision of when to put your pet to sleep, a procedure performed by a veterinarian, is not an easy one, as ...
Dogs mark their territory by releasing urine onto surfaces in the areas they live in and visit. Their urine contains pheromones derived from testosterone in males and parahydroxybenzoic acid in females. These chemicals communicate messages to other dogs, warning them away from the area or advertising their ...
Young puppies eliminate much more frequently than adult dogs. While newborn pups tend to go after every meal, older pups may be able to hold their bladders for several hours. When first potty-training your pooch, you'll have to give him plenty of opportunities during the day to eliminate outside so that he won't have accidents indoors instead.
According to the Petfinder website, 63 percent of dog owners purchase and give their dogs Christmas presents, but you don't have to spend a lot on these gifts. Instead, make some tasty, inexpensive homemade treats to give him as a gift. Use natural, healthy ingredients to create decorative treats that your dog ...
By Susan ParettsHaving a pet is not only a lot of fun, but your furry companion can provide a variety of therapeutic benefits, too. Research shows that pets can improve our health, make us more socially active and help us get the exercise we need to stay fit.
By Susan ParettsWhen the chill of winter comes around, you'll want your pet to stay warm and cozy, even when you're stepping out. Fortunately, with some weather-appropriate clothing, safety precautions, and other strategies, your four-legged friend will be ready to face the frosty temperatures.Dress for SuccessBefore heading outside, dress your pet for the cold, especially...
By Susan ParettsGrooming your kitty or pooch is an important part of daily care to keep your pet looking and smelling its best. Regular bathing, brushing and clipping ensures that your furry friend is mat-free and tidy. Plus, your pet will love the special pampering it gets from you during grooming sessions.Scrub a Dub DubDogs...
By Susan ParettsWhen going out of town, every pet owner is faced with the decision to board their furry friend at a kennel. Choosing a trustworthy caregiver gives you peace of mind that your dog or cat is in good hands while you're away. Once you know what to look for, a little investigating will...
By Susan ParettsDuring the warm summer weather, you may want to hang outside with your pet to soak up the sun or take a dip in the pool. However, you'll need to take a few precautions so your pet won't get sick, overheated, or even develop a sunburn.
By Susan ParettsJust like people need regular medical care to maintain their health, pets need to see the vet for regular checkups-especially if they're under the weather. This gives your vet the opportunity to examine your pet, answer your questions, and provide any medications your furry friend needs to stay healthy and happy.
Sorting through a cluttered closet isn't only frustrating, but wastes a lot of time. Toss items that you no longer wear and organize the rest to find your clothing, shoes and accessories in minutes, rather than hours. By following these simple steps, your closet can be clean and neat in no time at all.
Typically sold only during the winter holidays, eggnog contains cream, eggs, sugar, milk and spices. While you can freeze commercially produced eggnog to extend its shelf life, the process will change the texture of the dessert drink when you defrost it, making it lumpy and unpleasant to drink.
To make traditional tamales, you need to wrap the savory filling in packages made of dried corn husks. Instead of purchasing the husks, you can dry them from freshly shucked corn yourself in the oven or in the sun, but note that oven drying works better in humid climates, where husks can develop mold during the longer sun-drying process.
Apricots, which contain lots of healthy vitamin C and vitamin A, won't last more than a few weeks in the refrigerator unless you dehydrate them. Dehydrated apricots can last up to two years in the fridge, and you can dry them out yourself in a dehydrator or your oven.
Dating back hundreds of years, the Irish have a tradition to light a candle and place it in the window on Christmas Eve, December 24, of each year. Different stories and legends surround this Catholic religious tradition which has spread to other countries by Irish immigrants.
Sopapillas are soft pillows of fried dough, typically served as a dessert covered in cinnamon and sugar or drizzled with honey. These puffy little triangular-shaped pastries are similar to doughnuts or beignets. Whether you want to serve them as a sweet treat or a savory one, stuffed with spicy beef and topped with green chiles and cheese, you won't have to travel to the Southwest to get them.
When cleaning a molasses spill from any type of surface, first scrape as much of the syrup as you can into a disposable container using a spatula or butter knife. Clean the sticky molasses that remains from solid surfaces with 2 cups of hot water mixed with 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid.
Starchy breadfruit has a texture similar to a potato and a yeasty scent like freshly baked bread when it's cooked. While you can cook breadfruit in a variety of ways, roasting it in the oven keeps the spongy fruit from becoming mushy, as it would with boiling.
Used for thousands of years for relaxation and spiritual purposes, incense is a popular product in many cultures. Starting your own incense company requires planning, financing and a lot of hard work. As part of the aromatherapy industry, making and selling incense is highly competitive. With motivation, you can start ...
Do Deer Eat Kieffer Pears?. Wildlife enthusiasts plant pear trees (Pyrus spp.), including Kieffer pear trees (Pyrus communis x P. pyrifolia), in their yards to attract deer. Deer love eating the crisp fruit of these trees because they're rich in sugar, which provide the deer with energy.
Cheap Remodeling for a 70s Kitchen. During the 1970s, iconic, earthy colors such as avocado green and harvest gold made up the majority of hues used in kitchen design, usually paired with shades of dark brown, almond or rust. Unfortunately, these colors can make your kitchen look dated and dull.
Are Campanula Superba Toxic to Dogs?. Campanula glomerata "Superba," commonly called bellflower or clustered bellflower, produces showy purple and blue flowers, making it a decorative addition to your garden. This herbaceous perennial thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. ...
Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Cats?. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is an herbaceous perennial that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Primarily used outdoors as decorative ground cover or grown indoors as a houseplant, lily of the valley is known for its bell-shaped ...
Nutrition of Cooked Apples. Cooking can affect heat-sensitive nutrients, but overall, the nutritional value of cooked apples is relatively similar to that of fresh apples. However, different cooking methods and ingredients you add to your apples can influence their nutritional value. Compared to fresh apples, cooked ...
February tends to be the month where humans get mushy with each other, so why not get a little mushy with your pooch? He or she is, after all, your best friend! Here are 10 ways to show your dog you love them.
Cats are fastidiously tidy creatures who don't require regular bathing because they lick themselves clean - but that's not all they use their tongues for. If you've ever seen your feline friend having a good lick of his food bowl, a plastic bag or even the bathtub, you know cats like to lick a lot of things, some of which are a little strange.
Dating back to the 1600s, the sprawling borough of Queens is the largest of New York City's five boroughs. Located on Long Island, this borough is known for its diverse neighborhoods, cuisines, and languages. Both JFK and LaGuardia airports are located in Queens with flights taking you to and from a variety of domestic and international destinations.
Bulldogs are known for their dedicated demeanor and adorably wrinkled appearance. Unlike other breeds, they require a few special considerations when it comes to exercise, training, and grooming. For tips on navigating your Bulldog's first year and beyond, we've turned to Brenda Fontanos, AKC Bulldog breeder and owner of Font A Nose Bulldog in Lebanon, Oregon, and dog trainer Louise Daigle of Red Pointy Dog Training in Strafford, New Hampshire.
Need someone to help you take over the world? Look no further than the newest Scandinavian superhero (no, not Thor), the small but mighty Swedish Vallhund. Bred to be herding dogs, these brave little warriors have an adventurous spirit and will follow you and your family anywhere you want to go, making friends every step of the way.
According to the Petfinder website, 63 percent of dog owners purchase and give their dogs Christmas presents, but you don't have to spend a lot on these gifts. Instead, make some tasty, inexpensive homemade treats to give him as a gift. Use natural, healthy ingredients to create decorative treats that your dog ...