Moose vs. the Patio Door

My dog Moose learned a new trick this week… one nobody taught him. I’ll start by saying that Moose doesn’t seem to be the smartest dog out there. When I first adopted him in January 2004, he was a handful. He didn’t answer to his name, he didn’t really know any commands, and he had very few boundaries. But over the years together, I’ve learned that Moose can be very clever when he wants to be. I already knew he could open doors — on more than one occasion, he’s managed to push the handle down on the bathroom door … Continue reading

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is one herbal remedy that has been (and continues to be) under a lot of scrutiny by modern science. Also known as hypericum and goat weed, use of St. John’s wort for treating mental and mood disorders dates back to ancient Greece. The plant may get its name from historical and religious figure John the Baptist, because the yellow flowers bloom around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June. The herb was traditionally used to treat nerve pain and a host of mental disorders. It was also used as a balm … Continue reading