Zeb's Barky Bites

08/01/2026

Thank you to The Road Home Animal Project for bringing Primmie into our lives, to Town & Country Animal Hospital, Inc. and BluePearl Pittsburgh Pet Hospitals for helping us have so many years with her, and to Happy Tails Paw It Forward for keeping her so lovely. 💜

Our hearts were not ready. 🌈

This is one of my favorite photos of our sweet Primrose, taken around five years ago, right after she became a Helmick. We soon learned this was Primmie’s favorite activity - lying in the sun, temperature in the mid 70s, blue skies above, with her face turned into the breeze. When we met her the first time, it was truly love at first sight. We knew going in she had numerous challenges, but we also knew we’d happily love her through every one. We knew she’d likely not reach old age, but stayed certain that her time should be with us. I’m glad to say that was 100% accurate. She brought such joy and laughter to our lives.

When we got up yesterday morning, she had unexpectedly passed. She spent her last evening in the back yard, running as fast as her awkward gait could carry her, wind in her hair, happily barking at her pack mates (music to our ears, since she was deaf and very, very rarely made noise). We are shattered, shocked, and acutely aware of our missing piece.

Primmie - I know you are now running with ease, seizure free, seeing clearly, and for the first time, hearing the most glorious sounds. We are so grateful you called us home. When you get to where you are going, please say, “Hi!” to my mom, and have great fun playing with our dear Lucy Lou. She’ll introduce you to the rest of the gang. Please, thank her for sending you to us. She knew how much we needed you. We love you sweet girl. 💜

07/22/2026

🐾 I know. I know. We’re terrible about updating Facebook. 😬 YES - we’re still here!! Ordering info is in the pinned post, and in the pic below. You’ll also find us at Oglebay (at Sarita’s Coffee & Goods), Orr's Farm Market, and Tamarack Marketplace. In the meantime, enjoy this photo of 15 lbs of freshly made Chicken Jerky! 🐶💙🐓

06/29/2026

’Tis the season! 😬 How does your dog feel about fireworks? Any tips for other pet parents with dogs less than thrilled with the upcoming holiday?

06/28/2026

Our friends over at Town & Country Animal Hospital, Inc. have a new addition. Welcome Dr. Martin! 🐾

We are excited and proud to introduce Dr. Cody Martin as one of our new veterinarians at Town and Country Animal Hospital! 🎉

Dr. Martin is a graduate of Ross University. He completed his undergrad studies at WVU. He majored in animal and nutritional science with a minor in equine science. His interests in veterinary medicine include preventive care, exotics, and internal medicine. He would like to see more equine patients in the future as well. You may remember him from his time as a veterinary assistant with us before he went to vet school. 😊

His favorite foods include pasta and chocolate chip cookies. In his free time he enjoys riding his horses and checking out cool cars. Dr. Martin does not like spiders or heights. We won't be asking him to see any tarantulas!

The coolest thing he has gotten to do in veterinary medicine so far is an enucleation on a rat! 🐀 👁

Dr. Martin is going to be a great addition to our hospital. We can not wait to see what he accomplishes in his career. And we hope to support him along his journey as we continue to grow as a hospital. He is accepting new patients and will be starting with us on July 7th. 💙

04/26/2026

1. Bertie, 2. Zeta, 3. Byron, 4. Liam, 5. Layla

These spoiled babes don’t like even 60° weather. They prefer a nice 70°-75° temperature band. I wonder how long this peace will last. 😆

04/15/2026

Poor Bertie, just pining away, waiting for his dad to get home from work. Apparently napping on Steve’s throw pillow is the next best thing. 💙🐾

Mini-doodle / Adopted from: The Road Home Animal Project.

04/13/2026

Our Zeta has one very distinguishing feature. Now what was it again? Hmmmm . . . it’s right on the tip of my tongue. 🤔 😆

04/05/2026

04/04/2026

When adopting a new family member, please, don’t overlook our furry friends with special needs. MOST importantly, regardless of species or exceptionalities, please make sure you have the resources for a long-term commitment - shelter, food, love, time, grooming, and vet appointments (routine and emergency). We adopted Primmie (Primrose Ann) from our friends at The Road Home Animal Project. She immediately captured our hearts. Despite the challenges of being deaf, nearly blind in one eye, weak haunches, and a seizure disorder, we knew she was coming home. She is stubborn, quirky, loves the wind in her hair, and running her daily laps. But, she also requires a level of extra care compared to our other pups. Decent seizure control requires morning and evening meds, costing around $125 a month (with a pharmacy discount card at Walmart). She has rescue meds for when it rains/snows - both increase her seizure activity. In addition to her routine vet visits, and blood draws for proper medication levels at Town & Country Animal Hospital, she has also sees a neurologist twice a year at BluePearl Pittsburgh Pet Hospitals. Would we do it again? Absolutely!!

04/04/2026

❤️🐾 ❤️🐾 ❤️🐾 ❤️🐾 ❤️🐾 ❤️🐾

The dog banners are officially up at the Fitzsimmons Family Dog Parks in Warwood!🐾🎉

A huge THANK YOU to our friends at Why Don't You Stay Awhile for helping make the park even more paws-itively awesome. 🐶💛

Mark your calendar for May 16, FidoFest at Garden Park, Warwood!