Two Resolutions for the New Year

1) Discuss training and behavior
I am reluctant to discuss little Phoebe's misbehavior, as she lunges like a snapping turtle toward my face, for fear the owner will take offence. Many owners excuse their dog's behavior ("She's protecting me"," He's scared", or my favorite - "He's never bit anyone BEFORE!").  However, I haven't been doing dogs any favors, as studies indicate 10-17 % of dogs euthanized at animal shelters are due to severe behavioral problems (usually biting).  There are many excellent training aids, and great positive, reward based, HUMANE, training centers.  We are all busy people, and I have heard every excuse (and made them myself).  But, seriously, when someone chooses to own a dog, they have the responsibility to train it. Some resources:
 http://drsophiayin.com/philosophy
http://www.dogstardaily.com/

Local trainers:
http://www.theclevercaninenw.com/
http://www.tails-a-wagging.com/
 http://thinkingdog-lauraberger.com/

2) Discuss insurance with new pet owners.

oblique mid diaphyseal fracture of tibia and fibula distal to TPLO repair

       In the past, I  have been hesitant to discuss insurance, because I don't want to endorse one company over another or come across as a saleswoman. In addition,  the discussion can be time consuming- limiting how much health  and behavioral information that can be covered in an already tight schedule. However, I have seen too many owners struggle with being able to afford medically indicated treatments that would have been covered (in part) by insurance. As an example, the cost of surgically
repairing a  torn cruciate ligament (knee injury)  via tibial plateau leveling (TPLO) is approximately 2000 $. This cost of repairing the  fractured tibia that occurred after this dog (imaged above) slipped at home doubled the original cost.
 Here is a website with comparison information: http://www.petinsurancereview.com/dog.asp