Karen Weir-Jimerson

Karen is a non-partisan pet lover, having raised dogs, cats, canaries, horses, donkeys, chickens, and tropical fish. She writes about gardening, rural life, and, of course, her two precocious Jack Russell terriers (Pez and Dash), Labrador Retriever (Pilot), and her 35-year-old quarter horse (Yukon).
Sure, toilet training your cat sounds amazing, but you might want to stick to the litter.
Advertisement
The good news: It's not hard to teach your kitten to use a litter box. We'll give you the scoop (pun intended).
If you've noticed your cat making a strange chirping noise as he stares out the window at flies, people, or other cats, no need to worry. It's called cat chattering, and it's just his predatory instinct.  
An itchy dog is an unhappy dog. Here's how to scratch (and medically care for) that itch.
Potty training, housetraining, doing his business outside. These are all terms for the same thing: training your dog to pee and poo outside (rather than on your favorite rug). Teaching your dog this important skill set requires consistency and patience from you. Oh, but it’s worth it.
Black is one of the most popular colors for dogs, so if you've got a new black pup in need of a name, check out this list of cool & clever ideas!
Thinking about composting to cut down on all those plastic bags? It’s possible—but takes time, patience, and know-how to produce a safe and usable compost.
Advertisement
Marley was stuck in her second shelter in her 3-year-old life when Pilots N Paws came to her rescue.
Dogs can eat the weirdest things. Discover some of the strange things dogs have ingested and what an animal hospital veterinarian recommends if your dog has gobbled down something inedible, such as coins, toys, and even a scuba mask (yep, that happened). 
Thinking about composting to cut down on all those plastic bags? It’s possible—but takes time, patience, and know-how to produce a safe and usable compost.
Marley was stuck in her second shelter in her 3-year-old life when Pilots N Paws came to her rescue.
Dogs can eat the weirdest things. Discover some of the strange things dogs have ingested and what an animal hospital veterinarian recommends if your dog has gobbled down something inedible, such as coins, toys, and even a scuba mask (yep, that happened). 
Discover the safe way to introduce your pet to the joys of swimming.
Cats make a range of noises, from chirping to trilling and purring, that indicate a variety of moods and emotions. Here's more about the sounds your cat makes and how to translate them.
Advertisement
You want to give your dog a name that’s as cool as she is. Check out these cool and unusual names to consider for your new dog.
Adorable or alarming? Here's what to know and do when your new puppy gets the hiccups.
Puppies are a joy. But there are times when they aren't filled with it, and they'll make sure you know. Here's how to soothe a crying and whimpering puppy.
Here are the reasons why cats, from the friendly ones to brand new kittens, make that hissing sound.
If you've noticed your cat drooling, it might be because she's sick or stressed—or, on the other hand, because she's actually as relaxed as can be. Here's what to know about cat drooling and how to tell if your pet needs medical care.
Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. These dog training tips will help you get started.
Cat meowing is a way of actively engaging you in conversation. When cats meow, they might be just saying hello, but sometimes they're letting you know what they need—right now!    
Advertisement
Dog training, such as teaching your dog to respond to simple cues, will make both of your lives easier. Not only does positive reinforcement training teach your dog good etiquette and manners, but it also helps create a bond between both of you.
If your new dog's ancestors are German, why not name your pup with a word that matches their heritage? Here are 150 German dog names for your brand new hound.