Training Dogs: If your dog is not trained, you'll be miserable. So it's a basic that you must attend to. Cats and other pets? Of course they're trainable to some extent, but not as easily as dogs. And dogs are amazing because we can train them to be our good friends as well as helpers.

I'm a fellow-pet lover, and this site is called "Pets Are Me" because my pets are me. What I mean by that is, I define myself by my pets. They're my family, and I adore them and respect them. We're bosom buddies, and co-dependent. It's a win-win relationship, and one that I wouldn't trade for money or material goods.

This site is for pet lovers, whether your pet is a dog, cat, bird, fish, exotic pet or wildlife. You'll get up-to-the-minute information that helps you to have a more happy, healthy and rewarding life with your pet. Articles range from dog training to pet care. Mostly we're about dogs and cats, but other pets will be included when we have interesting stories or important news to share.

Topics include: animal health, alternative and natural healing, meds, grooming, pet selection, breeds, names, training issues, behavioral issues, dog walkers and professional help, feeding, hazards, diseases, issues of old age, pets as matchmakers (yes!), and even the psychology of human and pet interaction.

More important - this site is about the pet/human connection. Today, we evaluate our pets by human parameters, such as whether they are calm or anxious, happy or depressed, aggressive or submissive, etc. This is a good thing, because it shows that we appreciate our pet's quality of life as well as our own. I am fascinated by the psychology of our relationships with our pets, and will share related news and articles.

These are wonderful times to be a pet owner. From public dog parks to handmade treats being available everywhere - our pets are getting the attention and recognition they deserve. Pets are important members of our families, and they are important helpers in our society, too. Why do we love our pets so much? It's because they give us unconditional love and emotional support. There really is no greater feeling than when your dog or cat goes-to-pieces with joy and excitement just because you've walked through the door!

Sincerely, Your Fellow Pet-Lover Lorraine Oerth, Editor

P.S. Have you heard the story of Tarra & her dog-friend Bella? Here's a You Tube about Tarra the elephant. She lives at an elephant refuge in Tennessee. Tarra knows what we know...that your dog friend is your best friend. These two are inseparable.