In the fast-paced world of veterinary medicine, where life-and-death decisions are made daily, and the bond between humans and animals is paramount, it's easy for even the most dedicated professionals to lose their way. Enter Gunila Pedersen, a veterinarian whose...

The ability to create observational awareness of yourself and others when defensiveness is displayed becomes crucial in preventing conflicts from escalating. The TREND acronym provides a practical framework for identifying and addressing defensive tendencies in ourselves and others.

In 2015, I published a book highlighting how mediation would help people in conflict over animals. It is now 2024, and the premise of my book still resonates with people in conflict over animals. I still believe mediation is the best way to start a discussion...

Last week Judge Mathew Cooper, in the case Travis v. Murray, handed down a landmark divorce decision in NY.  Judge Cooper found a household pet, a miniature dachshund named Joey, is “decidedly more than a piece of property” thus “a strict property analysis is neither...

—By Debra Vey Voda-HamiltonAs we celebrate Veteran’s Day 2013, I would love to also celebrate the beings that are now helping veteran come back from the brink, time after time.  Lives that have often been spared who then turn around and rescue the rescuer....

With the Holidays right around the corner, the last thing you may be thinking about is, “how will my pet be spending the holidays?”  If this inquiry jolted you into stark realization, here is the question you want to ponder before the holidays are upon you.How...

An article in our local paper about a local kennel and pet prompts the blog for this week.  It was not a flattering article about the kennel or the pet.  Instead of focusing on the lovely facility or the hundreds of happy dogs that come in its door every...

As I re-read Bill Ury’s book, The Third Side (Penguin-1999-2000), a passage jumped out at me and begged to be explored further in a short blog.  In the last 7 pages of Chapter 2, he speaks about Conflict Management and competition.  Never before has a...

I have written early and often about how to solve neighbor disputes involving dogs.Today I give you the 3 Ways to Douse the Flames of Conflictthat ignite a bonfire of discomfort as one neighbor addresses a problem with another.First-Don’t have this conversation while...

"This week I have been blessed to have permission to reprint Mark Mauriello's response to the question, 'Are Contracts Made to Be Broken.'  For Breeders, Pet Owners and Handlers this discussion will make so much sense.  Contracts should be made to be kept...