Dog sledding is a popular sport in many countries around the world. Competitive dog sledding can be a grueling sport, but recreational dog sledding can be a lot of fun, especially in the winter when many people are confined to indoor activities. Many years ago I had a small team of Siberian Huskies that I did sledding with.
Much to my delight, I read about a study conducted by Fédéric Sotteau who is the founder of the French non-profit group Sourire á la Vie in Canada and Dr. Nicolas André, a pediatric oncologist at the Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, France, where they found that dog sledding provided positive results for children who were being treated for cancer.
There were eleven children ages ten – eighteen years old and five chaperones which included doctors and nurses who participated in the expedition.
Many people, including doctors’, think that children who are being treated for cancer are too tired, weak or sick to participate in sports or other physical activities. The children themselves lose faith in their abilities to be active as well.
After going through a program of physical conditioning and training, the children were allowed to participate in the expedition. The reason why the study group picked dog sledding was to provide a unique sport experience that included a change of scenery and bonding with the sled dogs as well as the adventuresome aspect of the event.
The study showed that adapted physical activity is very beneficial to children with cancer, their physical and mental health benefit from the program.
It would be great if more groups sponsored this type of therapy for children with pediatric cancer.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars turning your home into a playground for your dog. The truth is, a little intention goes a long way when it comes to creating a space where your dog feels safe, engaged, and comfortable. Whether you’ve got a new puppy, an older rescue, or just a best friend who deserves better, there are plenty of smart, affordable ways to tweak your home and yard without blowing your paycheck. It’s not about fancy gadgets—it’s about small upgrades that speak your dog’s language.
A Cozy Corner Just for Them
Every dog needs a spot where they can relax and feel like it’s truly theirs. You don’t need to build a fancy indoor dog house or order custom furniture to make this happen. A cozy dog bed tucked into a quiet corner with a couple of old throw pillows and a soft blanket can go a long way. Add in a few favorite toys, and suddenly your pup has their own personal sanctuary without you spending more than twenty bucks.
DIY Dog Gates Without Breaking the Bank
Those sleek, adjustable pet gates you see online might be appealing, but you can build a perfectly functional one for a fraction of the cost. Repurpose an old baby gate, or even better—use scrap wood and a few hinges to create a simple swing gate. If you’re not too handy, tension rods and fabric panels can do the trick in smaller spaces. The goal is to create boundaries that keep your dog safe while still giving them room to move.
Freepik
Yard Patrol: Creating a Safe Outdoor Space
You don’t need a pristine backyard with a six-foot privacy fence to give your dog a good time outside. Start by checking for any gaps in your current fence—chicken wire and zip ties can help seal off escape routes on the cheap. Lay down inexpensive ground cover like mulch or pea gravel to reduce muddy paws and protect grass from turning into dirt patches. Even adding a few potted plants that are safe for dogs can create a more inviting and stimulating environment without requiring a landscaping budget.
Wiring Smarter Outdoors
If your dog loves spending time outside, exposed wiring or poorly placed outlets can quickly turn a good yard into a hazard zone. Moving outlets higher off the ground or away from chew-prone areas helps reduce risk, and rerouting exposed cables into conduit tubing adds a layer of protection your pup won’t be able to gnaw through. You can use a trusted app to hop on a video call and consult an electrician for advice who’ll walk you through your options, offering real-time solutions based on your setup. You’ll also be able to find local, background-checked pros who can handle the job in person.
Pallet Projects for Practical Pet Perks
Wood pallets are a goldmine for budget DIYers, especially when you’ve got a dog in the house. You can build everything from raised food bowls to outdoor platforms where your pup can perch or nap. Most of the time, you can find pallets for free behind grocery stores or warehouses—just be sure they haven’t been chemically treated. Sand them down, slap on some paint, and you’ve got a solid, dog-friendly project that looks good and costs next to nothing.
Keeping Them Cool in the Heat
Dogs can’t regulate heat as well as humans do, so giving them a place to cool off is key—especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. You don’t need a fancy dog pool or air-conditioned dog house either. A kiddie pool from the dollar store works just fine for splashing around, and a cheap canopy or shade sail can keep the sun off their backs. Freeze water bottles or wet towels and place them in shaded spots to help them cool down even more when the temperature spikes.
Paw Protection Starts at the Door
If you’ve got hardwood floors or tile, your dog’s paws might take more of a beating than you realize. Rugs and runners—especially the kind with non-slip backing—can save your dog some strain and help prevent accidents. You don’t have to buy new ones; hit up thrift stores or check online marketplaces for gently used options. And for muddy days, setting up a small paw-washing station near the door with a bucket and towel can keep both paws and floors in better shape.
Entertainment Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing
Keeping your dog mentally stimulated at home is just as important as getting them out for walks. You can make your own toys and puzzles out of things you already have—old T-shirts can be braided into tug toys, and cardboard boxes become treasure chests with a few treats hidden inside. Even simple games like hide-and-seek with treats around the house can engage their brain. It doesn’t take much money—just a little time and creativity.
You don’t need a huge budget or a brand-new home to make your space more comfortable for your dog. Most of the improvements that really matter come from understanding your dog’s needs and using what you already have to meet them. Whether it’s setting up a special nook for rest, keeping their paws safe, or giving them something to play with, the little things add up. What you’re really building is trust—and that’s more valuable to your dog than any fancy product ever could be.
Discover expert insights on animal behavior and training from Susan Bulanda, a certified consultant and author. Explore her blog for practical advice and inspiring stories that deepen your connection with pets.
There’s a gentle rebellion happening in quiet corners of cities and suburbs alike. People are building businesses that don’t bulldoze the planet, especially in the pet care space, where ethics and affection collide. You see it in the compostable poop bags, the cruelty-free shampoos, the local, low-waste doggy daycares. If you’re someone who cares about the environment and can’t help but coo at a golden retriever in booties, starting a pet care business rooted in sustainability may feel less like a career and more like a calling. But make no mistake, it still demands spreadsheets, sweat, and strategy. You can’t just wing it with good intentions and a compost bin.
Choose Your Niche
Don’t let the word “pet” fool you; it’s a wide world out there. From high-end grooming vans with solar panels to subscription boxes for gerbils, the possibilities spiral fast. Start by picking one lane and owning it. The most grounded way to do that is to look intoprofitable pet services already out there and ask yourself where your values intersect with demand. Is it organic pet treats? Low-stimulation dog walking for senior pups? Think like a caretaker, but plan like a capitalist. Even good hearts need to keep the lights on.
Sustainable Practices
This is where your ideals become infrastructure. Sustainability in pet care goes beyond tossing recyclables in the blue bin. If you’re opening a pet grooming studio, swap single-use plastics for glass or biodegradable alternatives. For in-home services, plan routes efficiently to reduce emissions or offer virtual check-ins for anxious pet parents. There’s a growing movement encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability without tanking your bottom line. Even small gestures like repurposing towels or using local suppliers can build credibility. You’re not just cutting waste, you’re creating a business with a conscience.
photo from Freepik
Licensing and Legalities
Paperwork doesn’t purr, but it keeps you out of trouble. You’ll need a business license, possibly animal-specific certifications, and maybe even zoning approvals depending on your location. Insurance is non-negotiable. And don’t forget the money—it costs to register, insure, and outfit a startup, especially one where animals are involved. A breakdown of the costs to start a pet sitting or dog walking business might open your eyes to how quickly expenses can stack up. Budget more than you think and plan for the surprises. They always come.
Build Your Business Know-How
It’s tempting to believe that passion alone will carry you, but the truth is that a little financial fluency goes a long way. If profit margins and marketing metrics make your eyes glaze over, consider going back to school—seriously. A flexiblebusiness management degree program can give you the vocabulary and structure you need to turn a dream into a functioning, ethical company. Most online programs are designed for busy people juggling work, pets, and life. Don’t mistake this as fluff education. It’s a power move for anyone who wants to play the long game.
Marketing and Community Engagement
The best customers are the ones who believe in your mission as much as your services. To reach them, get local. Partner with eco-conscious pet brands, show up at green markets, host adoption events. Most importantly, start telling stories on Instagram, via email newsletters, at meetups. You don’t need a PR firm to build a community around your business, but you do need consistency and heart. Customers notice when your messaging feels real and your mission runs deeper than the About page. Be the kind of business people root for.
Scaling Your Business
Growth should feel intentional, not like you’re getting pulled behind a runaway sled dog. Before hiring staff or expanding into new services, track what’s working and what feels clunky. Does demand justify duplication? Are you delivering at the same quality, or are you stretched too thin to care about the compost bin? Scaling can be sustainable if it follows the same ethos you started with—low impact, high integrity, human-paced. Your future team should share your values and your vision, not just your logo.
Starting a sustainable pet care business isn’t a Sunday side hustle or a cute hobby. It’s a commitment, like any real relationship. One between you, your values, your clients, and yes, the animals that make it all worth it. If you do it right, your work becomes more than just transactions and tail wags. It becomes a daily demonstration that capitalism doesn’t have to be careless. Just careful, thoughtful, and a little bit obsessed with doing things better.
Dive into the captivating world of animal behavior and pet care at Susan Bulanda’s Blog, where passion for pets meets scientific exploration!
With the use of sophisticated tools, scientists have been able to determine the life of plants. They have found that plants can perceive and respond to a changing environment.
They use their roots, leaves and flowers to take in information such as the amount of light, water, nutrients, that are available as well as the presence of predators and pathogens. Some trees will give off a chemical when attacked by a disease or an insect that signals the other trees around it to release a protective hormone.
How does something without a “brain” accomplish this? Researchers have found that plant memory involves sensory perception, intracellular signaling pathways, and molecular events that allows them to store and retrieve information. Plant metabolism is the driving force of plant memory.
To further understand plant memory and communication researchers focused on the spruce trees in the Costa Bocche forest in Italy. They attached sensors to the trees to record their reaction to a solar eclipse. Their studies showed how the trees were aware of the eclipse and responded to it. They also found that the older trees support the younger ones.
Other studies have shown that a parent tree will help its offspring survive by feeding it most of the nutrients that it gathers from its roots. That the trees recognize its relatives.
Plants can also sense and react to color and sound. Years ago people were encouraged to talk to their plants. Some nurseries sell a red mulch to put under tomato plants that increases the yield of the plants.
The next time you take a walk in a garden or the forest, feel free to talk to the plants around you. What surprises may be in store.
Many children are taught that if a dog’s tail is wagging that it is safe to approach the dog and pet him. This is one reason why children are sometimes bitten. First, a child should be taught to never approach any animal without first asking permission to do so. If the child is alone and there is no one around to ask, they should avoid all animals.
I recall being at a dog show with my young Doberman and a young girl ran up to my dog and gave him a big hug. Fortunately my dog was safe and liked all people. I did tell the child that she should always ask first since all dogs are not safe. She looked at me, thought a minute and said, “I have a way with dogs” and left. She was at the age where she should have known better, but obviously someone had told her this and she thought that she was safe from all harm. How sad. At the same show with the same dog, an adult couple approached and started to pet my dog, giving him kisses and hugs. Being a red Doberman and young, he was rather slender. They looked up with love in their eyes and asked if he was a Vizsla. I said, “No, he’s a Doberman.” They collectively gave a gasp of horror, quickly backed away saying “I’m afraid of Dobermans!” Fortunately my dog ignored their behavior.
But the fact is that many adults think that if a dog is wagging his tail, that he is safe to approach. Some behavior consultants feel that the tail is not an indicator of a dog’s mental state at all and not a reliable means of determining how a dog feels. To a point this is true. The tail should always be included with other body language. This includes the dog’s posture, facial expressions, vocalizations and spatial proximity to the object of his interest.
What makes it difficult to determine the meaning of a dog’s tail are physical factors such as a dog who has no tail or a small stubby tail like a Doberman. Dogs whose tails are naturally carried in a certain position, such as the high tail of a Beagle, or breeds that normally carry their tails low such as a Greyhound as well as those dogs who have very curly tails such as a Husky.
However, there are some general rules that a person can use to determine if the tail is a warning rather than an invitation.
1) A slow wag that is lower than the back of the dog is often a dog that is insecure. An insecure dog may fear-bite.
2) A tail tucked between the dog’s legs or even curled between the dog’s legs and tucked all the way to the dogs stomach. This means the dog is very fearful.
3) A slow high wag is often a dog that is assertive and willing to fight. If the dog is barking he could be aggressive.
4) A tail that is very high, erect, and stiff is also a sign of high alert or aggression.
With a little bit a caution and common sense, a person can avoid being bitten or being confronted by a dog that would rather be left alone.
Dogs have a wide range of coat types, from very short with no undercoat to very long with dense undercoats to everything in between. Their fur can be silky soft to wiry hard.
The truth is that chemically, both dog hair and fur are the same, so what is the difference? Dog hair has a longer growth cycle, similar to a person’s hair that will grow long if not trimmed. Dog fur always stays the same length. For example, you never see a long haired Boxer or Pointer and you never have a Poodle that does not need a haircut.
One difference between fur and hair is the texture. Hair is finer, often softer and usually wavy or curly. When you have a dog with hair that does not have an undercoat, is wavy or curly, the hair will trap the shedding hair and dander inside the coat, giving the impression that the dog does not shed and is allergen-free.
Dogs that have silky coats, regardless if they have a longer growth cycle or not, have a greater risk of having their coats mat, the longer the coat, the greater chance that it will mat. This means that the dog’s owner must groom their dog on a daily basis.
Mats are caused by the individual hairs twisting and forming a dense tangle of hair. Often the mats work themselves into such tight clumps close to the skin that the base of the hair will constantly pull, causing considerable pain for the dog. The closer the mat works itself to the skin, the more difficult it is to remove it and the greater risk there is in nicking the dog’s skin while trying to remove the mat. Maybe some of you remember as a child having tangles in your hair and how it hurt to pull them out. A mat in a dog’s coat hurts even more than that.
The most common places for mats to form are behind the ears, in the “arm pits” by the front legs and between the dog’s toes.
When you consider what type of dog to own, it is important to consider the grooming needs of the dog based on the type of coat it has. For those people who purchase mixed breed dogs, such as Labradoodles, or any Poodle mix, there is no way to tell what type of coat the dog will have. These dogs are not hypoallergenic as some people claim.
If a person is looking for a dog for themselves or family who has allergies, it is best to check with a doctor that is an ENT-Allergist or a doctor that specializes in allergies to see what preventative measures can be taken. It would be a good idea to spend time with the breed of dog you are considering to see if there is an allergic reaction. Sometimes people can tolerate a very short haired dog such as a terrier but cannot tolerate a short haired dog in the hunting group.
Breeds of dogs that are bred to be water dogs, such as Labradors, typically have more oil in their coats to protect them from the water, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Another factor to consider which only a doctor can test for is the degree that you are allergic to dogs. Some people have a mild allergic reaction and medication can keep it in control. Some people cannot tolerate dogs at all. Also keep in mind that part of living with a dog when you have an allergy to dogs is keeping your house what I call, allergy clean. The dog dander and hair can build up in a home, especially in carpet, which can contribute to a person’s allergic reaction over time.
With a little bit of research and by knowing the truth about dog hair/fur, someone who wants a dog but is allergic to them, or wants a mixed breed dog can determine what type of dog to get. For those with allergies it is always safer to stick with a purebred dog because you can be sure of what you are getting. Most quality purebred dogs cost the same and sometimes less, than the over-priced “designer” mixed breed dogs that are available which are no more hypoallergenic than any other dog.
Chiari malformation is a painful skull malformation that affects many small breeds of dogs. This disorder is caused by the premature fusion of skull bones which causes parts of the brain to push through the opening of the back of the skull. This then causes fluid to build up in the spinal cord. It also affects 1 in about 1200 humans.
Researchers at the University of Surrey teamed up with a breeder of Brussel Griffon’s in the Netherlands to study an accidental breeding between her Brussels Griffon and her Australian Terrier.
The four-year study using MRI images of the canine family of Brussels Griffons, showed that with a onetime cross breeding and careful selection of future breeding for head shape, that the inherited problem could be corrected.
The resulting study, published in the PLOS journal, resulted in the Surrey researches teaming up with the geneticists at the University of Montreal to link the results with the dog genome.
What is promising is that the study will be linked to studies in humans, offering hope to the people who are affected by this disorder.
It is interesting to note that backcrossing a breed is not a new concept. It has been done with Dalmatians in an attempt to lower high uric acid in Dalmatians. Another goal of the backcrossing was to decrease the level of deafness found in Dals.
Everyone knows that dogs need to be exercised, but often people don’t realize that cats need exercise too. When they are young, cats will play and amuse themselves, but as they get older, they tend to play less. It is beneficial for older cat to exercise, and playing with your cat is one way to do this. Cats often prefer toys that move or fly such as toys on a sting. Many cats love to pounce on a plain string that is pulled along the ground. Fortunately there are several toys designed to both play with and exercise your cat. By playing with your cat you also foster a positive bond.
chasing mini snowballs
You may have to experiment with simple toys to see what your cat likes. I have owned cats that loved to play with a wadded tissue tied with a string. A wadded tissue is easy for the cat to pick up and carry and cost next to nothing. Some cats love the craft puff balls, or ones that make a crackling sound.
Cats that are deaf or blind can also play with toys. If the cat is blind a toy that works best is one that makes some sound, even if it is the sound of it going across the floor.
Cats can benefit from having the ability to go outside for exercise, venting energy and soaking up some sun. This is especially beneficial for the multi-cat household, since letting cats exercise can help them get along. However, the main problem in letting cats go outdoors is keeping them safe and at home. Purr…fect Fence offers a solution to this problem by offering an easy to install poly mesh system. They also offer a converter kit to make existing 5 – 6-foot fences cat proof.
Many people are surprised that you can train a cat to do tricks and obey basic commands. The best way to train a cat is to use the clicker training method. Cats enjoy interaction with their owners. Clicker training also helps cats that have been adopted and may have been feral for a period of time. Many zoo animals have been easier to handle after they are clicker trained.
Cats are very social and enjoy the company people and other animals. However, some cats are more social than others, they have as many different personalities as dogs.
Cat fence information: www.purrfectfence.com, email info@purrfectfence.com or call 888-280-4066
Getting Started: Clicker Training for Cats by Karen Pryor
Cats enjoy boxes and other “secret” hiding places. But why? While no one knows for sure, some studies have shown when cats have boxes to hide in, they have lower stress levels, especially cats in rescues or shelters.
Cats generally enjoy going behind, into, under and on top of things. It provides a way to explore, satisfy their curiosity, provide exercise and practice hunting skills. Anyone who has watched cats play have seen them hide behind something and then pounce on anything, (dog, cat or you) that goes by. This can be great fun for the cat. It is especially funny to see kittens do this and after they pounce on their victim, bounce away on their toes, as kittens do. Cats enjoy paper bags, especially if you make scratching noises with your finger nails on the outside of the bag and slowly move your finger along the bag.
Cats may enjoy going in small places such as boxes, to keep warm or bury themselves in something soft such as blankets or clothes in an open hamper. Some cats learn to head for the clothes that have just come out of the dryer and if they can, settle down for a long, warm nap.
A careful cat owner will keep their cat’s safety in mind as they play. This is especially true around holidays, birthdays and other events where there can be empty boxes, wrapping paper, plastic wrap around the house. Children may not see a cat hiding and step on them, especially a young kitten.
Cats can also chew boxes, wrappings, paper, ribbons, strings and other tempting non-cat toys which can result in a trip to the veterinarian. While it is fun to watch a cat or kitten play with these things, they should never have access to anything that can harm them. Even if the owner is there to supervise the cat/kitten, things can happen so fast that you cannot prevent them.
So instead of spending a lot of money on cat toys, once in awhile give your cat a box to play in or a paper or reusable shopping bag to hide in. Your cats will love you for it.
Cats enjoy boxes and other “secret” hiding places. But why? While no one knows for sure, some studies have shown when cats have boxes to hide in they have lower stress levels, especially cats in rescues or shelters.
Cats generally enjoy going behind, into, under and on top of things. It provides a way to explore, satisfy their curiosity, provide exercise and practice hunting skills. Anyone who has watched cats play have seen them hide behind something and then pounce on anything, (dog, cat or you) that goes by. This can be great fun for the cat. It is especially funny to see kittens do this and after they pounce on their victim, bounce away on their toes, as kittens do. Cats enjoy paper bags, especially if you make scratching noises with your finger nails on the outside of the bag and slowly move your finger along the bag.
Cats may enjoy going in small places such as boxes, to keep warm or bury themselves in something soft such as blankets or clothes in an open hamper. Some cats learn to head for the clothes that have just come out of the dryer and if they can, settle down for a long, warm nap.
A careful cat owner will keep their cat’s safety in mind as they play. This is especially true around holidays, birthdays and other events where there can be empty boxes, wrapping paper, plastic wrap around the house. Children may not see a cat hiding and step on them, especially a young kitten.
Cats can also chew boxes, wrappings, paper, ribbons, strings and other tempting non-cat toys which can result in a trip to the veterinarian. While it is fun to watch a cat or kitten play with these things, they should never have access to anything that can harm them. Even if the owner is there to supervise the cat/kitten, things can happen so fast that you cannot prevent them.
So instead of spending a lot of money on cat toys, once in awhile give your cat a box to play in or a paper or reusable shopping bag to hide in. Your cats will love you for it.
A Blog by Susan Bulanda 