Articles written by Tina Valant

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About me - Tina Valant

Tina Valant-Siebelts is an award winning pet photographer, writer, avid rescue volunteer, animal assisted therapy volunteer and pet nutrition expert.

She is the mom to five rescued Australian shepherds, cats, birds, reptiles and fish.

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Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health Causes and treatments for skin problems in pets: 1 of 5
Before you spend hundreds (at least two) getting your dog allergy tested, or another night listening to your dog biting at his feet or ripping out his fur, and feeling like a bad pet parent..consider this:Think about your car. If you put crappy gas in it, how does it run? And after a while, what happens? The engine gets clogg... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Responsible pet ownership: 5 of 15
Pets give us unconditional love, enhance our daily lives and help to increase our life spans. Yet, every day, beloved pets are displaced, let loose to fend for themselves, surrendered to shelters, used as bait in dog fighting rings, or sold as laboratory dogs; because family members (of the deceased) did not know what to do, ... More..
Pets & Animals > Cat Care & Health Treatments for mammary tumors in cats: 1 of 2
Claudia is a very loving rescued tabby girl, who usually sleeps on my pillow. In August, just before bed, I was rubbing her tummy, and felt what appeared to be a hard marble. It did not hurt her, for me to touch or manipulate it. Being as hard as it was, I knew it wasn't a fatty cyst, and it was very near the skin's surface.T... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health Skin problems in dogs: 1 of 1
Think about your car. If you put crappy gas in it, how does it run? And after a while, what happens? The engine gets clogged and it stops working. Before you spend hundreds (at least two) getting your dog allergy tested, or another night listening to your dog biting at his feet or ripping out his fur, and feeling like a bad p... More..
Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health Tips for feeding your dog or cat: 7 of 11
Growing up, I hated red meat, my sister despised veggies. Until we got busted, we swapped under the table. You may have participated or witnessed dinner table stand-offs, as in "You can sit there all night, or finish your (insert hated food here)!" I recall tearfully staring down a slice of pork roast, visualizing aliens zapp... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Wedding Planning Tips when looking for a wedding photographer: 9 of 14
Will Work for FoodWeddings can range from intimate ceremonies on the beach with a few friends to gala events spanning several days at a country estate with hundreds of guests. And, like any major event, they eventually end. All that will remain are the memories; portrayed in the photographs. Weddings are organized chaos. Emot... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Psychology If dogs could talk: Are you listening?: 16 of 23
Canine Common SenseSo, you think you know dogs? Just as we consider it rude to walk up to someone and sniff their backside, many common things we people do, are considered less than courteous to dogs! People and dogs have significantly different sets of rules and behaviors.Which dog should you be more respectful/fearful of? A... More..
Pets & Animals > Cat Care & Health The basics of good cat nutrition: 5 of 6
Wheat Tigers? Corn Wolves?Every day, we enjoy a wide array of food choices and styles, from fast food to elegant multi-course feasts. But, our pets have to eat what we serve, when we serve it. As a pet mom who cooks (and bakes) for her pets, I thought I was very knowledgeable about their nutrition. Evidenced by extra ribcage ... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health How to care for a dog: 22 of 25
WWYD ~ Why Walk Your Dog(s)Alone, afraid and loose in the park, the little "sheep" was gently herded toward me. Nearly heat exhausted, I carried the bichon frise' home. Clean, sweet and well behaved, with an expensive red leather collar (NO tags), microchipped (NOT registered). We had her for 36 hours. Lovee had escaped from ... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Breeds Dog breed: Australian Shepherd: 10 of 10
Is it an Aussie? The number of purebreds abandoned, surrendered, in shelters and breed rescues is overwhelming. Many homeless purebred dogs originate from backyard breeders or puppy mills. There can a wide variation in appearance, size, and temperament, due to inbreeding, lack of knowledge (not bred to represent AKC standards... More..