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.
![Woman looking at her nervous dog at home.]()
behaviorWhy Is My Dog Suddenly Aggressive—and What to Do About It
If your sweet dog is acting unlike themselves, we have some answers.
If your sweet dog is acting unlike themselves, we have some answers.
- behavior
Why Does My Cat Lick My Hand? About This Common Cat Behavior
Since when did my cat become a dog who can’t stop licking me? We explain why.
Since when did my cat become a dog who can’t stop licking me? We explain why.
![Cute Labrador puppy licking the air outside.]()
We break down the most common reasons.
![Man looking down at his dog in his lap.]()
How to get there.
![Puppy and cat meeting at home for the first time.]()
Yes, there is a way to make this transition smooth.
![Man playing with his Golden Retriever outside in the grass.]()
behaviorHow to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over in 4 Simple Steps
Get them doing tricks in no time with our guide.
Get them doing tricks in no time with our guide.
![Young woman hugging her cat]()
behavior | Why, Cat?!Why Do Cats Purr So Much? Find Out the Main Reason for This Behavior
We break down everything you need to know.
We break down everything you need to know.
![Woman teaching her dog to give his paw.]()
behaviorHow to Teach Your Dog to Shake in a Few Simple Steps
You can help your dog learn this awesome trick.
You can help your dog learn this awesome trick.
![Two cats looking at each other while one sits in a little box.]()
lifestyleWhy Do You Need So Many Litter Boxes? Guidelines to Follow
It comes down to a math equation (don’t worry, it’s not hard).
It comes down to a math equation (don’t worry, it’s not hard).
- 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.
