Welcome to Animals, Actually – my blog on all creatures great and small.
I write about topical issues, from pet health and animal welfare to the human animal bond and more, plus pet product reviews and animal experiences during my travels around Australia and the world. And sometimes what goes on behind-the-scenes of articles and PR projects!
Attracting, retaining and caring for veterinary staff
There’s a veterinary shortage and mental health crisis and it’s putting added pressure on those left working in the industry where suicide rates are already high. Words Caroline Zambrano, Pet…
When your dog calls you on the Furbo Dog Camera
During the ‘stay at home’ restrictions of the pandemic, our boy Cruz was beside himself having everyone at home at all hours of the day, every day. He used to…
Pet Rescue – Lady Luck
Ask what drives founder of Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR), Marisa Debattista, and she’ll tell you it’s keeping pets alive and living with their owners. Words by Caroline Zambrano, Your…
Australia’s Top Destinations for Dog Lovers
From chasing snowballs at Dinner Plain (VIC) to house boating on the Tweed River (NSW) or touring an underground home in Coober Pedy (SA), there are many surprising and wonderful…
Veterinarians tackling climate change to protect animal health and welfare
Vets for Climate Action is building bridges for climate action with educationand mitigation to protect the health and welfare of animals.Words by Caroline Zambrano, Pet Industry News Magazine (May 2022)
Pet Rescue – Safe and Sound
It’s wonderful that you’ve decided to adopt a rescue pet but that’s only part of the process. It’s also vital you choose a responsible and ethical rescue group from which…
Fine And … Dandy Cat Rescue
Motivated to start her own rescue group after an experience involving one very sick kitten, Melissa Mitchell is doing everything she can to improve the welfare of stay cats and…
The Pain of Puppy Love
Puppy scams are causing a lot of grief but now animal welfare and other groups are fighting back. Words by Caroline Zambrano, Your Pet Magazine (Dec 2021) (Photo by Austin…
The pet rental crisis begs for better laws, keep families together and pets out of shelters
With an estimated 30.4 million pets and two thirds of households experiencing the joys and health benefits of having a companion animal, it’s no surprise we consider pets as family.…
Seniors & Pets – Aussie programs supporting the ageing population
Senior citizens benefit from pet ownership in many ways. However, they are facing challenges that are impacting on their decision to keep companion animals. In my article published in Pet…
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Goodbye Cruz
Cruz was our Anatolian Shepherd Dog, which originates from Turkey. They are sometimes called Aslan Kopek (Lion Dogs) and Kurt Kopek (Wolf Dog).
Cruz passed away in August 2023. A livestock guardian breed, Cruz was naturally watchful and very agile for his large size. He had remarkable eye-sight, an acute sense of smell and very good hearing. Open a crackling packet of warm roast chicken and he suddenly appeared beside you out of nowhere! He loved his sleep - in many creative and far-fetched positions! - and played scent work games!
Cruz was cruisy (which is how he got his name) – wasn’t bothered by anything, really. He could be very stubborn, refusing to move if he didn't feel like it. Seriously. He also shed enough to make another dog!
But putting all excess fur aside, he was a playful, friendly and incredibly affectionate family dog whose love and patience was endless! We will miss him immensely.