Articles by Valerie Mellema
Valerie Mellema
Valerie Mellema has a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Equine Industry from West Texas A&M University. She has been a professional writer for the past 20 years, covering a wide variety of pet health and care topics before founding a nonprofit focused on mental health in children and thoroughbred aftercare. She has four Border Collies and eight retired racehorses.
- behavior
Why Does My Dog Pee When Excited? Experts Explain What to Do About It
You’re happy to see them, too. But you’d be even happier if they didn’t create a mess.
You’re happy to see them, too. But you’d be even happier if they didn’t create a mess.
![Dog staring into space at home.]()
behavior10 Most Common Reasons Your Dog Is Staring at the Wall
Turns out they’re not daydreaming after all.
Turns out they’re not daydreaming after all.
This totally cute kitty behavior is OK, right?
Yes, pups can be couch potatoes, just like their parents.
It’s OK — they don’t suddenly hate you.
No, it’s not always about getting in a good stretch.
![Cute dog sleeping at woman's feet in bed.]()
behavior8 Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps on the Bed by Your Feet
It’s very sweet, but also kind of… specific. So, why do they do this?
It’s very sweet, but also kind of… specific. So, why do they do this?
![Man playing with his two kittens in bed.]()
behaviorWhy Does My Kitten Keep Meowing?
What to do, when something that was cute at first becomes perplexing.
What to do, when something that was cute at first becomes perplexing.
- behavior
7 Main Reasons Why Your Dog Is Whining All the Time—and How to Stop It
When the whining never stops, it’s time to do some detective work.
When the whining never stops, it’s time to do some detective work.
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