Dr. Pia Salk is a psychologist, animal welfare advocate, and expert on the human-animal bond. Pia frequently highlights the important role that animals play in our lives and how our societal treatment of animals conveys important messages to our youth. In her own work, Pia often credits the animals as being "the real therapists."
Pia is also a writer and the spokesperson for Adopt-A-Pet.com, North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website. She is a professor in the area of diversity and family systems and a frequent guest on national radio programs, speaking on such topics as companion animals being important members of the family. Her extensive involvement in animal rescue efforts and her expertise on animal welfare have been featured on many national shows including The Martha Stewart Show.
Pia is the niece of polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk and daughter of bestselling author and psychologist Lee Salk. She resides in Los Angeles, California, with her multiple adopted animals.
So it’s that time of year when doting humans like to dress their furry family up in costumes. My friend Faye, whose firefighter husband saved the glue trapped gopher, has a special knack for ‘costuming’ her cast of rescued pooches.
Even the most serious among us can get all giggly over a get-up for Fido. …
Our companion animals have a knack for breaking through barriers on many levels. While they challenge us on a personal level — reminding us to live in the moment and to offer compassion freely — they can challenge stereotypes on a broader level as well.
A colleague recently sent me this lovely, compelling video about April …
There is no doubt that our companion animals inspire us in many ways. They bring out our protective and nurturing natures. They provide perspective when we need it most. They can frustrate us when learning a new skill, but then quickly fill us with pride as we see them master it. …
While we humans may welcome the change of seasons with a favorite fall cardigan or cozy up with a blanket knitted by grandma, we must not forget that dogs in shelters get cold too. Many shelter animals are kept in outdoor kennels or uninsulated enclosures. While this may be comfortable for most months, the …
Our best friends can be each other’s best friends too!
For those of us who have the good fortune to live with both felines and canines, it may not come as a surprise to learn the following; More often then not these two species get along swimmingly well!
A survey by Tel Aviv University of …
Having furry kids is not always smooth sailing, but I guess that is what parenting is all about, really. My little Minnow whom you recently met has what seems to be some discomfort in her lower back and legs. Needless to say we have been to every specialist under the sun and Minnow …
In recent weeks I’ve shared some of my own very happy adoption tales — first Pickles, then Minnow. This week I’d like to call your attention to some great ones sent in by our very own DW readers!
You can read more in our Stories of Adoption gallery and add your own! Please send us more …
Last week I had the pleasure of introducing you to my new little rescued girl, Minnow. Well this week I get to report on another little dog whose life was drastically changed for the better as a result of that post! As I was writing about Minnow and
searching my emails for the original photos that …
It is with great pride and pleasure that I introduce you to my newest fur child, Minnow! She arrived at 5 years old weighing 3 lbs, 11 oz of pure love and joy! Mother and daughter are resting comfortably
You may have gathered from my tribute to the late great Pickles, that I …
I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of your kind comments following Part 1 of my tribute to Pickles last week!
Soon after joining you here at the DW, I wrote about the challenges of losing a companion animal. And it is now that I am sharing some of my personal thoughts on the very …
