Reading with Chief
Ivy Fife2023-02-08T11:19:10-07:00Reading is challenging for many young students. Reading out loud can be stressful. Sometimes, all you need is a good listener, and I know where you can find one…
Dog-like Cat or Cat-like Dog?
Ivy Fife2024-01-31T14:21:58-07:00It seems like the world has stereotyped behaviors for cats and dogs. When a dog is aloof or independent, they might be called “cat-like”. Whereas a cat who fetches toys will be labeled “like a dog.” When it comes to cat and dog behavior, it can get tough to differentiate myth from reality.
What is the Right Breed for You?
Ivy Fife2022-11-22T09:11:04-07:00The purebred dog world recently shared the most popular dog breeds for 2021. As usual, the Labrador Retriever was number one- with French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles rounding out the top five. I understand the urge to pick a purebred dog, based on past experience or expectations. But maybe there is someone even better out there for you…
Bitten by Kitten Season?
Ivy Fife2023-01-12T09:35:45-07:00Spring is a joyful time- flowers blooming, grass growing, warm days outdoors. For those in animal rescue, it can be stressful. It’s commonly known as the start of kitten season. Spring is the time of year when animals reproduce. For cats, though, it is just the start as they can keep on reproducing, having litter after litter, right up until the weather turns cold again. In our area, kitten season starts in early spring and lasts until fall.
How Cats Show Their True Colors
Ivy Fife2022-11-22T09:11:04-07:00Cats are very colorful creatures, inside and out. Thus, it may seem hard to believe, but genetically, there are only 2 colors of cats: black and red with many combinations, dilutions, or mixtures of these.
Helping Disabled Pets
Ivy Fife2024-01-31T14:21:32-07:00In the human world, there are entire fields of research dedicated to making mobility and communication easier for those who have challenges. From titanium prosthetic limbs to technology that helps hearing impaired people, it’s a dynamic and ever-changing world.
The Magic of Animal Speak
Ivy Fife2023-01-12T10:36:56-07:00This purpose of this 3-part mini-series on animal communication (see Second Chance’s website below for prior columns) has not been to convince readers to hire an animal communicator, but just to understand and consider the concept of it. It is simply another way to connect with your pet. No pressure. For some it makes sense and works, for others it doesn’t. This is a true story of when it did work…
Why Animal Speak?
Ivy Fife2023-01-12T10:36:56-07:00Last week Second Chance homeless kitty, Teenie, introduced the growing field of animal communication to Pet Column readers. She discussed how it works, which is challenging for the human brain to comprehend as you all tend to be linear thinkers. This week I am moving the conversation to how animal communication is applied; I think you will like this next part...
Animal Speak
Ivy Fife2023-01-12T10:36:56-07:00Dear Pet Column,
I recently heard about the growing field of people who practice animal communication, it this real and how does it work?
Therapeutic Robotic Cats
Ivy Fife2023-01-12T10:36:56-07:00I read an article in the New York Times about the use of robotic cats for therapeutic purposes with Alzheimer’s patients. At first, I thought it was offensive to the elderly patients, as well as to living cats who should be providing the therapy themselves. But as I read further, I pushed judgment aside, recognizing it actually honors both…
