Healthy and Happy Pets

Me and my Betsy

Hello and welcome to the Happy Pets page!  I hope to provide you with information on how to care for pets, the advantages of owning and caring for pets, and other pet-related topics that will enlighten, inform, and even entertain you.

I have had a lifetime of being around and/or owning pets, most of them dogs.  From a very early age, I learned of the priceless gift of unconditional love they give to us.

Before my parents met, my Dad was stationed in Germany and Belgium during WWII, and while in Germany he traded sugar, flour, eggs, and coffee to a German cook for a little black Standard Poodle puppy.  When he flew back home to the USA, he brought the puppy with him, hidden in his duffle bag.  His Mom, who became my Grandmother, took care of the puppy when my Dad and Mom married, and after I was born I stayed with my Grandma quite a bit while my parents worked.

Thusly, I spent the first three to four years of my life with that wonderful Poodle.  I should mention that his name, given to him by his first owner, the German cook, was Arco von Portenfels.  We all called him Arco, and he was incredibly intelligent.  I can remember having tea parties with him, pouring the pretend tea, but having real cupcakes, baked by my Grandma, for our snack.  I always shared with Arco, and he would sit there at my little play table for our tea parties like a perfect gentleman.  He was my friend and my protector, and I loved him like a big brother.

My first doggie – Arco von Portenfels. He is why I love dogs so much.

Having an experience as a very young child with a wonderful, gentle and loving dog was the beginning of my love for animals, dogs in particular.  I believe that it made me a more caring, respectful person in my growing years.

Throughout the years, my family and I had different pets, and my parents were also very understanding and respectful of animals and their care.  From turtles, fish, cats, rabbits, parakeets, to some extraordinary dogs, I have been fortunate to have had some great pets in my life.  Even now, with my Betsy at my side while I write, I am thankful to have loved and cared for them all.

It is my hope that I can help someone who needs some advice or an answer to a question about their own pet.

Again, welcome and thank you for visiting!    

Cheri