Contributing Writers

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Beth Adelman is a Certified Feline Behavior Consultant and the former editor in chief of Cats magazine. She is the author of the award-winning book Every Cat's Survival Guide to Living With a Neurotic Owner.

Debbie Bailey has been a veterinary technician for 15 years and have owned a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, birds, hermit crabs, etc. Debbie writes an online animal related newsletter on her website. "I love to write and read, spend time with my dog, and watch NASCAR."

Mary Bownes is a qualified vet nurse, but has not practiced for over 15 years. She has been keeping ferrets for a long time - "perhaps over 20 years!". "I spend my time taking my many ferrets to shows and breeder exhibitions and it's good to talk to people with a similar obsession!"

Elizabeth Brooks has had rats for over ten fun-filled years and has been breeding them for more than three years .  With two other breeders, Elizabeth helped begin a new rat and hamster club in January of this year. The club is called the Pioneer Rat and Hamster Society, and it is an affiliate of the AFRMA and the AHA. "Besides working and playing with my rats, which takes a pretty good chunk of my time, I enjoy playing with my son and our other pets (dog, cats, fish), gardening, jewelry-making and web site design." Website  

Lucinda Burr has loved and sheltered animals of all kinds for many years.  She is a former vet tech, copywriter and marketing director.  Her work has been published in I Love Cats, The  Backstretch,  Western Horseman and The Berkeley Bark (BARK magazine).   She has trained a number of dogs, including her Certified Therapy Dog, Teddy, and loves writing, playing piano, painting and reading.  She currently enjoys the partnership of dogs, cats, chickens and a horse.

Steve Dale is a contributing editor to USA Weekend, special correspondent at DogWorld magazine and senior correspondent at Pet Life. Every week he will be bringing you a light-hearted article about the joys of owning a dog. 

Sandra Ferguson is an experienced pet sitter and dog walker. "I'm an outdoor person. I like to walk my three pointer dogs (Billie, Sadie and Geoff) through the hills around our farm, ride my neighbor's horses and I also like water sports."

Sarah Giers raises show quality mini rex, Netherland Dwarf, and lionhead rabbits, and shows nationally. "I enjoy every minute of it; even cleaning the cages, though that is never as fun as cuddling with the bunnies. :). I am also active in martial arts." Website 

James Glover (Dr.) is widely experienced in small animal practice. He attended Vet school at Kansas State University - Manhattan, Kansas, and has practiced in various hospitals in New Jersey throughout his career, as well as having various dog training diplomas. Now retired, he is well known for giving seminars on animal care and helps educate rescued pet adopters through volunteer work. (Resident Expert)

Bennett Greenberg has been raising reptiles since 1990. He currently raises and breeds Bearded Dragons, Tegus, Boas, Pythons and Tortoises. Website 

Shannon Hammond is a stay at home mom who has kept and bred reptiles for 9 years. She currently has an assortment of boas, pythons, and lizards. She has worked as a veterinary assistant off & on for 6 years. "My mother bred and showed Persian cats for 15 years, and I learned to respect and love animals from a very early age. I enjoy spending time with my family & pets, reading science fiction and fantasy, and surfing the internet."

Sarah Hartwell works for the UK's Cats Protection (CP) and writes articles related to the welfare, care and behavior of cats. Sarah has an excellent sense of humor, which you will witness in reading any of her more light-hearted short stories.  In her spare time, Sarah adopts and cares for aged cats.  

Eleanor Hunt is experienced with most species of animals, but rats, cats, dogs and hamsters in particular. Eleanor is a freelance writer, and has had articles published in 'New Zealand Woman's Weekly', 'Cat World', 'Your Cat', 'I Love Cats' and 'Animals' Voice'. "I like to write, take photographs, surf the Internet, send emails, and train dogs. I hope to become the owner of a female Hungarian Vizsla pup in 2004."

Pam Hunter has 50 years experience with animals of all kinds, especially horses, cats, dogs, poultry, goats, pigs, and other farm animals. Some of her work has been referenced in magazines like Horse Illustrated. She has also had a profile published in "the entrepreneurial parent". "I love animals, painting, writing. I have been published online for several years, not just on my web site but on AOL.". Website

Deb McKean has over 15 years experience as a canine behavior counselor. In addition to maintaining a private client base she has been employed by an animal shelter and an animal hospital. "My primary interest is pets! I also enjoy board games, internet games, reading, movies, football (Go Redskins!) and almost any activity that I can do with my family." Website  

Ron Meredith has received a number of distinctive recognitions, including an Honorary Doctorate of Equestrian Studies Degree from Salem College in 1981. Dr. Meredith has held seven AHSA judges cards and has trained top level horses and riders in the cutting and reining world. Website 

Claraetta Olney has owned cats , dogs and rabbits in the past.  Claraetta has studied many different horse personalities, and is knowledgeable about what a horse needs for the best of health. "Besides liking horses, I like to paint landscapes in oil, and ride my bicycle. I also like to train horses, both from the ground and from the saddle. " Website

Karen Peak began formally working with dogs when she was twelve.   After getting married she began doing Therapy work with the Pets and People Foundation in Massachusetts for an additional 2 1/2 years.  She now has two TDI (Therapy Dogs International) registered dogs with whom she works the Safe Kids/Safe Dogs Project.  Other canine work she has done includes volunteering for three years with a training facility's weekend Dog Play Group and a former Guiding Eyes for the Blind volunteer. Karen's dogs have obtained titles in Conformation, Agility and Obedience.  They have been taught  Drafting and Skijoring.  "I enjoy writing, fighting breed specific legislations (aka breed bans), crafting and teaching my son what I know.  But my main love in the world of dogs is my Safe Kids/Safe Dogs Project." Website

Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC, author of Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind, is America’s Kids and Canines Coach. Colleen has more than 15 years’ experience as the go-to person for parents trying to navigate kid-and-dog issues. Because every interaction between a child and a dog can be improved by a knowledgeable adult, Colleen is committed to educating parents, children, and dog owners on kid-and-dog relationships. Website 

Laura Perryman has been riding for 10 years and has been around horses for most of her life. "I love horses and they dominate my life. I also enjoy writing, making websites, playing bridge, reading, and singing in the church choir. I have achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which I hope shows that I am committed and hardworking."

Ilana Reisner is past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and a board certified veterinary behaviorist and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. She has been a featured speaker on the diagnosis and management of animal behavior problems at many meetings and symposiums throughout the U.S., Canada and Japan, and is the author of several book chapters.

Kay Rice has over 20 years experience in the equine industry as a trainer and instructor. Her background includes successfully competing in dressage, on the "A" Open circuit in hunter/jumpers and showing in many western events. She has also taught in equine management courses at the college level. (Resident Expert)

Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in animal nutrition for over two decades. She is also a human nutritionist and has helped thousands of people and their pets live happier, healthier lives. To learn how to easily prepare healthy meals for dogs, cats, and humans, check out her best-selling books: Natural Nutrition for Dog and Cats: The Ultimate Diet and The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book: Delicious Food for YOU and YOUR Pets! Website

Ray Sherlock has been breeding birds for 20 years and has bred many species. His favorites are Softbills, but he has also bred Gouldian Finches, Cutthroats, Yellow Bellied Tit's and Bengalese this year. "My main interest is breeding birds, I used to show them too. I also keep tropical and coldwater fish, Rabbits, a Tarantula, cat and a dog." Website

Paul Stevenson is the New Media Editor for a UK Media Publishing Company specializing in the pet industry, mainly cats and dogs. "I enjoy reading, writing, music and TV. I also enjoy history and following my local football team. I am currently beavering away on a journalistic course."

Chris Thomson describes himself as a real small pet enthusiast and has kept pets including gerbils, hamsters, cavies, rats and rabbits over the last 25 years.  "My rabbits take up a lot of my time, but I like to hang-gliding and similar outdoor pursuits."