CNBNews

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor I have a thing about shoes. Somewhere between high school and adulthood, my left foot stopped growing while my right foot blossomed into a clown-sized replica of a chimp’s paw, complete with opposable “thumb”. While it’s true I can pick up a dime with it, it isn’t often necessary to do so. I broke a few bones of my left foot at a St Patrick’s Day celebration and since then, it’s twice as fat as my right foot although not nearly as... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNewsnet I am often asked if I approve of dogs being “dressed” for cold weather. The short answer is ‘yes’. Small dogs and hairless breeds can easily suffer from hypothermia. If they are cold for long periods of time, they may freeze to death. It’s important to keep them from becoming over-exposed to harsh weather. Never allow your small or medium-sized dog outdoors without being right by his side. If you are cold, he is cold! It is now a felony in many states... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor So many things have made 2019 'different' to me, personally. Through it all, my dogs were by my side. In March, 2019 I lost my home and my training studio at 700 Market Street--my taxes tripled and I simply could no longer afford the property. I began pulling and living in a small camper. The dogs were happy. It was a rough life, but we survived because we were all together. Walks were escalated until my pups and I were walking miles... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Lately I find that my short-term memory has fallen out of my brain. I’m not sure whether it has to do with my age or the fact that I’ve block some of the weirder shenanigans of my recent past. But whatever the reason I’ve lost track of some of my day-to-day history. A friend will ask, “Do you remember me saying that yesterday?” and I’ll try to bluff my way through it by acting indignant and responding, “Well, of course I remember!... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor New Year's eve can be a festive, fun-filled adventure for everyone. But what about Fido? It's possible that the festivities can overwhelm your dog, with its noise makers and fireworks, people and fun. If you are planning a get-together, take precautions ahead of time. Make it safe for all involved! Find a safe place for Fido, even if it means he is in a bedroom or his crate. Cover his crate (except for the door) so it resembles a den. Put a... Read more →

Dawn O Watson/CNBNews Contributor I started fixing things when I was thirteen years old. My grandfather gave me one of his electric shavers and I wanted to try it out on my legs. The old kind didn’t have an on/off switch—you just plugged or unplugged it to shut it on or off. It worked great but it wouldn’t come out of the socket, so I stuck a metal nail file between the prongs, and I woke up about an hour later. I haven’t needed a... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor When I think of separation anxiety in animals, I picture nervousness, inappropriate activities, and/or extreme verbalization when the animal is left alone or when the primary caregiver is absent. Some dogs are so crippled by separation anxiety that their owners rehome them because of the damage they have caused. There is no ‘quick fix’ when it comes to this upsetting behavior. It takes time and patience to train the dog that you will be returning. Here are a few steps you can... Read more →

My name is Dawn O Watson. I am a writer, currently working on novel number twelve. Some of the books I've written come under the heading of the Pi Series (Pi, Squared, The Circumference of Pi, etc.). These novels take place in Gloucester City. Local artist Amy Williams D'apice designed most of the covers of these and others, including the latest novel, called "Ezra: 7", which will be available shortly before Christmas. While waiting for "Ezra: 7" to be released, I've begun working on another... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Exercise is essential for the health of your dog. But how much exercise is needed? One can generally use a dog’s weight (if the dog is a normal weight) as an indicator of the correct amount of exercise. For example, a small dog is usually content with one or two walks per day and some outdoor playtime in the back yard. A medium dog requires more exercise, especially the herding breeds (cattle dog, shelty, etc.). Two or three, mile-long jaunts are in... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor The holidays are upon us! Family members will gather together, spending time with one another and eating lots of goodies! But, what about Fido? Your dog is part of the family and thus, should be included in the festivities! However, a certain amount of preparation is in order so that everyone enjoys a relaxed and social time. Be sure that your dog is up to date on his immunizations. In case he becomes anxious and decides to take a chunk out of... Read more →

with ‘A’s’ in Fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals — located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township — were each awarded an “A” in the Fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Jefferson’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization — driven by employers and other purchasers of health care — committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers.... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor There’s an old saying, here in New Jersey: If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute! It’s true—because we’re Not-Quite-Delaware and Not-Even-New York, we seem to confuse Mother Nature to the point of insanity. But there’s no doubt that winter is coming! I’ve found that the key to being comfortable, temp-wise is layering. The other day I visited my doctor and was asked to step on the scale. The nurse looked puzzled as the needle shot up to a number... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Many people complain when they see a dog wearing articles of clothing. “Dogs have fur and thus are naturally insulated!” they speculate. However, that is not always the case. Some dogs are so small that chilly weather can cause them to shiver and be uncomfortably cold. Others are hairless and must absolutely be protected. And putting a raincoat on a dog can eliminate that “wet dog” smell almost entirely! The truth is, most of us treat our dogs like children and find... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Let’s talk about pants. The way a woman wears her pants can be defining. For example, if she wears them tight, she’s either gained weight or wants to show the world her curves. Worn loosely and she’s either lost weight and can’t afford new ones or she’s waiting for an Amazon delivery to update her wardrobe. Men fall into several pants-wearing categories. They’re either of the, I Haven’t Gained Weight, I Just Prefer to Wear My Pants Under My Gut, category or... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Dogs have ways of communicating with dogs that differ from the ways in which he communicates with the humans in his pack. The signs are subtle, but if you understand canine body language you can easily interpret what Fido is saying. When your dog barks, he is speaking! However, barking constantly is a sign that he has not learned when to bark! For the incessant barker, try saying, “No,” calmly and giving him a sharp look—not a touch—to remind him that he... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor There are too many conditions that make use of the alphabet. I have a hard time memorizing the names of illnesses. Now, I’m forced to remember their nicknames. A friend of mine told me she dreaded winter because her S.A.D. kicked in. After I inquired why she was sad, she patiently explained that S.A.D. was short for Seasonal Affective Disorder. I never heard of it, but if it made her sad, I was against it. I’m pretty clear about A.D.D. but for... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Dogs love to eat! But when you feed them is almost as important as what you feed them. Structured feeding means that you have a set time to feed Fido. In addition, you have a definite idea about what type of food should be served at that time. A good example of this reasoning is to feed your dog a cup or so of good quality, dry dog food in the morning and a half-cup with some cooked chicken or canned dog... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 23, 2019)--The summer of 2019 was notable for many things, here in Gloucester City. Among the most notorious was the theft of many bicycles. Some local businesses stepped up to replace the bikes stolen from our young people. RiverPark Pub began a campaign to collect money to replace those bikes. However, an individual came into the bar and stole the money jar that contained over $200.00. Although positive identification was made via a camera and video, the man... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Fall is my favorite time of year. However, there are a few things I’d like to change about it. Before you go thinking, “Who does she think she is? Mother Nature? Guess she thinks she’s pretty good, changing weather and everything”, let me be clear: I know I can’t really change the weather, so read on. Allergies seem to surface at this time of year. Someone told me it’s because of allergy-inducing leaf spores, so I’d like to see leaves not give... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Owning a dog can become expensive, but there are ways in which you can cut down on extraordinary costs. Here are a few ideas: Instead of expensive toys, create your own toys for Fido. An old sock filled with newspaper and tied at the ankle makes a wonderful toy! Empty cardboard boxes can also initiate a fast game of hide-and-seek and a dollar-store laser pointer can be lots of fun. Flea control products can be purchased on eBay. I buy a tube... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Folks think they know how much I love dogs. They haven’t any idea. I began bringing dogs home in about 1972. I started with just two, Bennie and Schultz. Later, I added Winky, Mandy, Winky and Mandy’s puppies (no thoughts of spaying back in those days), and the list grew until I was overrun by canines. And loving it. If anyone was listening to me while I was home “alone”, they’d hear a conversation something like this: “Why did you do that?... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor I missed my fifty-year high school class reunion. I know I said that I was going but my finances are tenuous during the best of times and foodbankish the rest of the month. The short answer is that I couldn’t afford the ticket, the gas, or the tolls. The humbling part of the story isn’t my absence, though. It’s that no one noticed. Let me explain about my high school. It’s located in what was once a city that worshipped their athletes.... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Sometimes it's necessary for your dog to become accustomed to a new friend, a more-or-less permanent person with whom you wish to share your home and your life. But, what about Fido? If your dog was attached to a previous partner, the going may be rough, at first. Fido secured a bond with him or her and that bond is about to change. He may grieve for his previous owner and show signs of displeasure when the new person is introduced. This... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Over the years I’ve gotten quite a few tickets for parking my car on the street cleaner’s route. Everyone I know complains about it and everyone has gotten a ticket at one time or another. All except for Mr. Down. I don’t think it’s fair that this fellow parks wherever he wants and never gets a ticket! If you look carefully enough you can even see the water marks where the cleaner went around his car! I should say, “cars” because he... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor For many years it was thought that cats and dogs were natural enemies. Recently however, studies have shown that when these species are introduced at an early age acceptance can occur. Almost any domestic animal depicted as having a ‘natural enemy’ can learn to live with another animal. But wild animals are in a completely different category. If a human ‘adopts’ an animal from the wilderness he or she is taking a great risk. I am not speaking about hybrids—wolfdog, coydog, or... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor My memory is going. Or rather, it’s become selective. I can remember the words to all the theme songs of TV cowboy shows dating from the late 1950’s but I can’t remember what I wore yesterday. I make a list of things to remember and then I can’t remember where I put the list. It’s awkward when I go to Dollar General. I usually end up going twice—the second time I buy the things I forgot the first time. Or grab the... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ--When a pet passes away you will want to arrange for cremation or burial. It’s best to think about these issues before the grieving process starts. Check the Internet for costs associated with burial or cremation ahead of time. You don’t want the added expenses associated with a beloved pet’s demise, to surprise you. If your dog is elderly or very sick, plan ahead. When you’ve made the difficult decision to end a pet’s suffering it’s best to research costs... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor If you’re like me, you’ve been the recipient of many compliments that took a while to understand. Often, you’re half-way home before you realize you’ve been insulted. For example, when someone tells me I’m ‘filling out’, you can bet he means I’m getting fat. And when a person says, “I’ve always liked that blouse,” I know she’s saying, “That blouse sure is old!” But my least favorite and most-often given “compliment” is this: “You look good—FOR YOUR AGE”! I’m confused. What exactly... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Gloucestercitynews.net--Separation Anxiety is a condition shared by many dogs. In some cases it’s so bad that the dog is returned to the shelter or given away by frustrated owners. When the owner is present, signs of SA (Separation Anxiety) include exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors (pawing, jumping on owners, and barking) and destruction and barking when the owner is not at home. To desensitize Fido when you are not present, try crating or separating him a few minutes at a time, then praising him... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Every time a new cell phone hits the market, emergency rooms become more crowded. You may think this is a coincidence but the two are directly related. New phones take time to understand—even the slightest upgrade can cause emotions to run high. Until the owner becomes accustomed to the new bells and whistles he or she is plunged into a vast, dark hole filled with new apps, missing contacts, and spam. For those of you that have never owned a cell phone,... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Gloucestercitynews.net--It’s that time of year, again—kids are going back to school and Fido will no longer have his best buddies home to keep him entertained. When your dog is suddenly home alone he may react in a negative fashion, becoming destructive or barking endlessly. You may want to consider asking a neighbor to look in on him during the kids’ absence. Sometimes, a senior citizen friend can intervene for a few dollars a week! It may give your dog a break while... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor One more business has stepped in to donate bicycles to the children whose bikes were stolen this summer in Gloucester City. Solutions in Warehousing, Inc is joining in this effort and will contribute 50 cents for every dollar donated by friends and customers at RiverPark Pub! Jason Fanning, Vice President and CEO, came to New Jersey in 2004 with a duffel bag of clothes, an old Chevy truck, and pocket change. He moved his growing business—and his family—to Gloucester City in 2012.... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Some people believe that, if their dog is lonely, adopting a second dog is the answer. While it can be a remedy, sometimes a second dog will exacerbate the problem. If you are away from home more than nine hours a day there are ways that you can occupy Fido’s time. For example, leaving treats “hidden” around the house will give him the opportunity to search for them. Turning on the radio or television may also help—a human voice can be a... Read more →

By Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor Gloucester City, NJ (August 29, 2019)--RiverPark Pub, located at 200 Jersey Ave in Gloucester City, is known for its community involvement. With the sudden rash of bicycles being stolen in our area, the entire staff of the Riverpark, led by Michael Soll decided to get involved. “We are committing to matching the contribution of every individual that comes into our establishment and makes a donation toward the purchase of a new bike for a child whose bike was stolen. "I've already... Read more →

Dawn Watson/CNBNews Contributor (Gloucestercitynews.net)--Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with several debt collecting services. Most people have, at one time or another. That does not make it any less unpleasant. I’ve noticed that most debt-callers are from the Midwest or the Southern part of the USA. I suppose there’s a reason; maybe the not-so-indebted get the Midwest callers because it’s cooler and they don’t need to get as mad at you. Alternatively, the Southern callers are hot already so it’s easier for them to... Read more →