BLAST FROM THE BEST OF...

When we first got my Yorkie, Snookie, he loved to be groomed. When we moved to a new home and a new groomer, I think he was abused because he doesn’t let us touch him to brush him. I don’t want to put him under just to get a haircut. Sandy, NYC

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GROOMING ISSUES

If you feel Snookie was mistreated, then I would go by my gut on that. I don’t think you need to put Snookie “under” for grooming, but you might want to contact an animal behaviorist about this. Also, when you are looking for another groomer, ask a lot of questions and get recommendations. This should get better. Remember to treat Snookie tenderly and with understanding as he adjusts.

MORE BEST OF...

I just adopted two new dogs from the rescue, Missy is the Shih-Tzu from Lap Dog Rescue in New Mexico, she is 10 years old and will be spayed in Sept., and Chin-Chin is a 6 year old Japanese Chin, a private adoption from Colorado Spring. They said he had occasional seizures but I think it was his diet. I have seen no evidence of that. I was looking at my Fat Chow cards, a fortune telling game, and they said the death of a pet or a stolen pet. Were the cards talking about Missy and Chin-Chin? Thanks Pat, NYC

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FORTUNE COOKIE
I'm glad you asked this question because too many people put their faith in fortune telling cards than is healthy. NO cards can predict death, and they deal in generalizations, leaving definition up to the interpreter. You could have been a non-pet owner and still drawn those cards, and how much sense would that make then? Chin-Chin's possible seizures can be helped through diet and medication, so you are on the right track. Looking at Chin-Chin, I see him as healthy and having a past life connection to the Orient with both you and Missy. You three belong together, and have been together in many life times.

THE BEST OF CONTINUED...

This is Sheba. I realize that she is a pup (only 4 1/2 months old) and is still learning; but she is very smart. She seems to be particularly stubborn about learning to not jump
up (on people, on kitchen table, counter). We also have 2 cats that she will just not leave alone. She thinks she's playing with them despite the fact they are swatting at her, hissing and growling. Any insights you have to these issues would be most appreciated.
Best wishes, Cindy, New Jersey
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SETTING UP BOUNDARIES
You are the one in the family that Sheba feels most connected to in her past life. You were very close. For that reason, you are the one in your family who should handle any situations regarding her behavioral issues. Your Sheba is as sweet as she is insightful, but she does not know how to use the knowledge she is acquiring. She has no sense of boundaries. The best thing you can do for her is to hire a personal trainer to teach her how to relate to other animals, and to teach you how to relate to her regarding those issues. She is smart, as you wrote, but she needs guidance and as her owner you will need to train with her