Learning Portal Login | Instagram | Blog | Shop Hi Reader, You might remember I emailed recently about SB1234 — the bill to update Arizona’s outdated animal cruelty laws. Thanks to public pressure, that bill has been given a second chance... but it’s still stuck. Now it’s called SB1658, and it’s waiting for a vote in the House. It’s time to push this over the finish line. SB1658, a bill that would establish bare minimum standards of care for pets, is currently stalled in the Arizona House....
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, I know it feels early to talk about fireworks, but trust me—now is the time to start getting ready. Every year around the 4th of July in the United States, shelters fill up with pets who panicked and bolted during fireworks. I’ve seen it myself as a former animal shelter worker—dogs breaking through fences, crashing through windows, even escaping crates. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s often preventable. If your pet has ever shown fear during storms, loud trucks passing, or...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, We’ve got a problem. SB 1234, the bill to finally update Arizona’s outdated animal cruelty laws, passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. But now it’s stalling in the House—and that’s no accident. Instead of moving forward like it should, the bill has been assigned to two separate committees in the House: Judiciary and Rules, and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. That’s not normal. It’s a tactic used to bury bills quietly before they ever get a fair hearing. We’re now...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Spring is rolling in, and with it comes some big changes—wind, rain, pollen, and shifts in our daily routines. You might notice your dog acting a little differently: maybe they’re more restless, scratching more than usual, or even reluctant to go outside. Changes in temperature, humidity, and even your own schedule can impact your dog’s mood and behavior. Windy days can make everything noisier, pollen can trigger allergies, and shifting weather patterns can lead to discomfort or...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, A couple of weeks ago, I shared some important tips on keeping your pets safe from bird flu. Here’s something else to consider: your doggie door could be putting your pet at risk. I know that for many pet parents, doggie doors feel like the best (or only) option to manage busy schedules and give dogs the freedom they need. But with concerns like bird flu, predatory wildlife, extreme weather, and even home security, it’s worth thinking about whether a doggie door is the safest...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - I wanted to share some urgent news for pet parents: Save This Life, a major pet microchip company, has shut down. I included a news blurb link about this in last week’s email as I was still learning about it myself! I’ve gathered more information and wanted to make sure to share it with as many pet parents as possible. Several news organizations trying to confirm the story found that Save This Life’s phones have been disconnected and official state documents indicate that the...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, First off, I just want to say thank you. I received so many thoughtful and inspiring emails from all of you in response to my last email. It’s easy to feel like you’re shouting into the void when speaking out against oppression, but your support reminded me that we’re in this together. Now, onto something important: bird flu and your dogs. If you’ve been watching the news, you might have noticed how little information is available. That’s not an accident. The Trump Administration...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, In times like these, when chaos and cruelty seem louder than kindness, I want to make one thing crystal clear: I stand with the most vulnerable, especially here in the United States, where so many are hurting. No matter what’s happening in our government, my commitment to kindness, respect, and justice doesn’t waver. At Smiles Dog Training, my mission has always been to help pet parents build meaningful relationships with their dogs—but that mission is rooted in something bigger....
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! As the cooler temperatures make these September days bearable here in Arizona, it also means that routines are changing and more folks are outside sharing space and bringing their pups along too. For reactive pups, this can be a tough transition. We are so excited to support our clients and the public toward more successful outings. Group skills practice will be available starting in October! For new puppies coming home, this is an incredible time to tackle proper socialization....
almost 2 years ago • 1 min read