Blog Archives
Clear, Trustworthy Information
The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies is a lifesaving resource manual for every dog owner that offers expert advice on identifying and managing canine health crises. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As an emergency veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of accurate, accessible information can impact both pets and their families. In some cases, owners wait too long to seek care because they mistakenly believe a situation isn’t urgent—only to arrive when the pet is much sicker and harder to treat. In other situations, well-meaning owners may unintentionally make things worse at home due to misunderstandings about what to do. On the flip side, I also see people rushing to the ER out of concern, only to learn the issue could have been safely managed at home. While it’s always better to err on the side of caution, that stress—emotional and financial—can often be reduced with a little guidance. Additionally, while ERs are here to help, keeping animals out of the ER that do not need to be there helps reduce overcrowding and waiting times.
I wrote The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies to help bridge that knowledge gap. I believe that when pet owners are empowered with clear, trustworthy information, they can make better decisions, act with more confidence, and ultimately improve outcomes for their dogs. This book is about providing that support, in a practical and approachable way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were several key ideas I felt were important to include in this book. First, I wanted to give pet owners practical, hands-on skills they could use to assess their dog’s stability. I developed what I call the “Emergency Toolkit”—a set of basic but essential evaluation techniques like checking gum color, assessing hydration, monitoring breathing rate and effort, pain assessment, and more. These skills are designed to help owners assess critical markers of stability, communicate more effectively with veterinary professionals, and take action with greater confidence.
I also wanted to make sure pet owners are prepared before an emergency ever occurs. That includes having veterinary contact information readily available, leaving behind useful details when traveling or using pet sitters, and understanding what types of information are most helpful to share with the veterinary team. To support that, I created a collection of practical forms that guide owners through these situations. These resources are embedded in the book and also available for free through my website or by email request.
What advice do you have for new dog owners to help them be prepared for emergencies?
New and seasoned dog owners alike can sometimes feel uncertain when it comes to their pet’s health—and that’s completely normal. One of the best things you can do is take time to get to know your individual dog and learn a bit about the breed—common health tendencies, any predispositions, and what’s considered normal behavior. Establishing a relationship with a regular veterinarian is also key. Your vet is a valuable resource for guidance, preventive care, and answering the questions that naturally come up over time.
Most importantly, I always encourage owners to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to ask questions. And if you’re genuinely worried, it’s better to have your dog seen—even if the issue turns out to be minor—than to wait and risk missing something more serious. Being proactive is one of the best ways to care for your dog. Your veterinarians are here to support you!
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies?
The thing I hope readers take away from The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies is that they can play an active, informed role in their dog’s care—even in urgent situations. Emergencies are never easy, but having a clearer understanding of what to watch for and how to respond can take away some of the uncertainty. My goal is to help pet owners feel more prepared, more confident, better able to support their dog when something unexpected comes up and trust their instincts when concerns arise.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Emergencies can happen in an instant—would you know when to act?
Written by a seasoned emergency veterinarian, The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies is a must-have resource for every dog owner. This practical and easy-to-follow guide gives you the knowledge to recognize warning signs, take immediate action, and seek veterinary care when it matters most. Whether your dog is facing a sudden collapse, poisoning, heatstroke, or severe injury, this book equips you with a clear and actionable emergency toolkit—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Inside, you’ll learn:
The 10 most common dog health emergencies—what they are and when to act fast
The 10 most common toxic exposures—what’s dangerous and how to respond
How to assess your dog’s condition at home and recognize when urgent care is needed
Proactive strategies to help prevent emergencies and keep your dog safe
Guidance that empowers you to trust your instincts when something feels off
Bonus Resources to Help You Prepare:
First aid supplies checklist to ensure you’re ready when it matters most
Pet care and medical authorization form for emergency situations
Sick visit information sheet to help streamline your veterinary visit
Decision tree for managing seizures, making it easier to take the right steps
Response charts for various situations, including pain, overheating, allergic reactions, breathing concerns, bite wounds, and more
Your dog depends on you in an emergency. This book gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to act—because every second counts. Get your copy today!
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Immense Gratitude
In Mommy’s Boy, you share with readers the immense comfort you found in your rescue dog throughout your most trying times. What inspired you to share your story with readers?
I initially began just jotting down memories of Benny so I wouldn’t forget them as time passed. But after a while, a theme emerged that not only was Benny my doggie soulmate and like the child I could never have, but he also helped ease my anxiety and shyness around new people so I could just be myself. And in that way, among others, he literally changed my life, so I wanted others to know the incredible impact a pet can have on a person’s life.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The most difficult thing for me to write about was the day Benny passed away and the grieving process that followed. For the most part, reliving Benny’s younger years was an enjoyable trip down memory lane that made me smile and even laugh during a time when I was still crying every day over losing him. However, when I wrote about his passing, not only was I retraumatized all over again, but it was difficult to put into words all the emotions I was feeling: heart-wrenching sadness and grief coupled with immense gratitude that I got to be his mommy; guilt; second-guessing my decisions; anger that we didn’t get more time with him, and just missing every single thing about him. But at the same time, expressing all those emotions–both physically and “on paper”–was very therapeutic.
What is a common misconception you believe many people have about adopting a pet?
My experience has mostly been with dogs, so my answer mainly applies to them. First, you can’t go into it thinking that a pet is going to seamlessly fit into your home. There will be a learning curve and it will likely change how you live your life. You need to commit to giving them the proper attention they deserve on a daily basis. Unlike cats, dogs need to go outside to potty and need fresh air and exercise, some breeds more than others, of course. Owners also need to carve out some time each day to play with and snuggle with their pet, help it socialize with other dogs, and teach it good manners. Unlike cats, which can be more independent and solitary, dogs are pack animals and your family will be its pack.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experience and Benny’s story?
The most important thing I’d like readers to realize–which is a big reason why I wrote Mommy’s Boy–is the profound impact a pet can have on one’s life, particularly those dealing with shyness, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, even depression. It wasn’t until after I adopted Benny that I realized how sad and lonely I’d been for such a long time–so long that it had simply become a way of life for me. It was like I’d been sitting alone in a dark room for years, and when Benny came into my life, suddenly my world was filled with light and my heart overflowed with love. In the book, I say: “He ignited a spark in my heart that had been dormant for years, and he brought so much light into my life that I felt like I was Dorothy Gale, stepping from the black-and-white of Kansas into the vibrant technicolor world of Oz.” That’s exactly what the unconditional love of a pet can do for a person. And there are SO many dogs and cats out there in need of a good, loving home, so I hope the story of Benny and me encourages others to rescue a pet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
LOVE WAS WAITING AT THE SHELTER, NOT ON MATCH.COM
Jennifer has always dreamed of getting married and having children, but after dealing with men who can’t commit, she shifts her focus from meeting the man of her dreams to finding her four-legged soulmate.
When Jennifer meets Benny, she knows instantly that he’s “the one.” He wiggles his way into her heart and takes up permanent residence. Despite his angelic face and calm demeanor, Benny harbors a mischievous side. He steals any food that isn’t nailed down, nearly breaks his neck chasing squirrels, and suffers from chronic allergies, separation anxiety, and a Napoleon complex. He also eases Jennifer’s “baby fever,” becomes the spokesdog of her business, and is her constant companion as they face life-altering changes and challenges. But when Benny faces a life-threatening illness, Jennifer must come to terms with the reality that our time with our fur babies is limited.
Told with loving affection and raw emotion, Mommy’s Boy is the true story of two lost souls who find the unconditional love, companionship, and emotional support they need, in the process forging a profound bond as deep as a mother and her child. It’s a tender and heartfelt tribute to a special little guy who was more than “just a dog,” he was family.
How to Save Your Pet, Yourself, and Your Wallet From Pain and Suffering
For many pet owners who consider their cats or dogs as their “fur babies,” it can be challenging to know what to do when their beloved animal is in trouble. Many people lavish their pets with as much attention and care as they would a pampered human child. That’s why it can be so devastating when a pet has an accident or their life is in danger. However, many of these incidents can be avoided with some simple precautions and planning. By learning how to avoid common pet-related problems, you, your pet, and your finances can all be much happier.
This is the premise of How to Save Your Pet, Yourself, and Your Wallet from Pain and Suffering, by Aaron Vine. The author, an expert in veterinary medicine, writes with a great deal of authority on the subject. His style is easygoing and breezy, aiming not to lecture but to ensure the happiness of both you and your pets by sharing various anecdotes from his long and successful career.
Vine shares the ups and downs his clinic experiences on any given day. Some pet owners come in with situations so outlandish they would be laughable if an animal’s life weren’t in danger. However, as many unexpected animal-related catastrophes as Vine sees, he remains adamant that there are patterns to pet-related trauma that are usually avoidable. Vine wants to show pet owners, through humorous escapades, that sparing your pet’s life—and often your bank account—is indeed possible. There will always be serious medical situations with animals that are unavoidable, as they are all mortal. That being said, if you take to heart the lessons that this book teaches, it’s much more likely you and your pet can enjoy many contented years together.
How to Save Your Pet, Yourself, and Your Wallet from Pain and Suffering is a must-read for any pet owner. Aaron Vine’s engaging narrative and practical advice make it an invaluable resource for preventing common pet-related mishaps. This book is highly recommended for anyone looking to ensure the well-being and happiness of their furry companions.
Pages: 91 | ASIN : B0CXZG1K8R
Joy, Inspiration, and Connection
Poetry for Pups is a collection of poetry centered around the bond between humans and their loving canine companions. What inspired you to write this collection of poetry?
First of all, I adore my dog, Koa (and Mariah, my first pup whom I had the absolute joy of being her human for 14 years), and have always been charmed and fascinated by their antics, unique personalities, and expressions of love and loyalty. They bring me so much joy, just by being who are they in their own way. Koa, for example, is the boss of our household – she has me well-trained to her whims, and I fully admit that I am a sucker for all her demands when she looks at me with her big brown hound eyes that melt any resolve I may have to resist her demands. Mariah, on the other hand, was the sweetest dog I have ever met – she instinctively knew when I needed comfort and extra love, and she would always make sure I was okay, almost like she was mothering me. My dogs are certainly the inspiration for this collection of poetry.
I love the illustrations in your book; they capture the personality of dogs dramatically well. What was the collaborative process like with Morgan to put together the poetry and illustrations into this beautiful collection?
Morgan is my husband who shares the joys and experiences of being a dog parent to both Mariah and Koa, so he deeply appreciates and understands the poems I wrote about our two pups. He has always been so talented with the visual arts, and I knew he would be the one who could produce the most meaningful and charming illustrations for the book. We had a lot of laughs over this project – a truly fun endeavor as a family, with our pups as our muse.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
In the reviews I’ve gotten so far on this book, the readers have mentioned that reading the poetry made them immediately hug their dogs and tell their dogs how much they love and appreciate them, or if their dogs weren’t around, made them long to be with their dogs. That is one of the major goals I had in writing this book. I wanted the readers to remember the joy of having their four-legged friends and to appreciate how lucky they are to have those pups in their lives. Another goal in writing this book is to provide a resource for people to build a deeper bond with their pups. We encourage people to read Poetry for Pups to their dogs, a shared activity that can enhance the emotional connection between people and their pups. Other benefits of reading to their dogs are giving a sense of comfort for the pups as part of their routine with their owners and even helping to calm anxious or stressed dogs by listening to a soothing voice, ultimately contributing to their pups’ overall well-being. Another goal is to entertain the readers with the funny and heartwarming stories conveyed through poetry, and to portray a sense of innocence, loyalty, and simplicity transporting readers to moments in their lives that are just shared between them and their canine companions.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Poetry for Pups?
The one thing I hope readers gain from reading Poetry for Pups is a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary and profound bond between humans and their beloved dogs. I hope my readers can find joy, inspiration, and connection in the shared emotions and experiences conveyed within the poetry.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In one poem titled “35”, Susan grapples with the heartbreaking reality of the lifespan of dogs and shares her hope for her pup to live to a ripe old age of 35. In another poem titled “I Wish You Could Talk”, Susan depicts the longing many dog owners hold to build a deeper connection with their pups through playful conversations. At the heart of her poems lies the intertwining experiences, unbreakable bond, and the mutual love shared between people and their canine companions.
Poetry for Pups is a must-read for all dog lovers and certainly for all dogs with the help of their humans.
LITERARY TITAN 