ArcaMax

SEATTLE -- King County's best employee, Errol the Courthouse Dog, is hanging up his collar and starting his golden years.

Errol, who celebrated his 12th birthday Monday, has spent a decade in the King County Superior Court comforting children, people with developmental disabilities and older people when they are called to testify or provide ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Are there any cats that are considered hypoallergenic? I have mild dander allergies to dogs and cats. My husband and I would like to get a pet but not a dog right now.

— Robin, Bel Air, Maryland

Dear Robin,

Many people with mild allergies wonder the same thing: Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat?

The short answer is...Read more

Dear Cathy,

My little dog became terrified of going potty at nine years old. It didn’t take long to figure out what was going on. On Friday and Saturday nights, about 10:00 p.m., a group of men race their motorcycles on our round-about, down to the end of our pass, then back up the street.

The noise scares the heck out of her. She is OK ...Read more

Dogs make some of the best hiking partners imaginable. They’re enthusiastic, adventurous, and—unlike many humans—never complain about steep climbs. But the right gear can make a good hike even better, ensuring safety, comfort, and hydration for both species. Whether you’re trekking along a gentle trail or tackling alpine switchbacks, ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Have you seen the Savitsky cats? How did they train them to do those tricks?

— Elizabeth, Garden City, New York

Dear Elizabeth,

Yes – the Savitsky Cats, the Ukrainian mother/daughter team from America’s Got Talent, are a masterclass in positive-reinforcement cat training. Their secret isn’t force; it’s trust. ...Read more

Dear Cathy:

My wife and I have adopted a 90-lb. male GSD (German Shepherd dog) that was picked up as a stray in a Texas shopping center parking lot. He is a healthy, four- to five-year-old dog. The day he was scheduled to be killed a friend's daughter saw him on the internet and adopted him from 1,000 miles away. He stayed with her family, ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our four-year old Tabby cat, Yuma, is living his dream, sleeping cozily in our bed at night and hunting outside during the day. He can be quite cuddly in the morning before going outside. He likes to lay on my chest and rub his face on my face, often followed by gentle nibbles on my chin. However, this affection usually takes a ...Read more