Lauren Lee

Professional Writer | Editor | PR & Social Media | Freelance Article & Pet-Content Writer | Animal Rescuer

United States

I am a professional writer, editor, and communications specialist with experience in print journalism, corporate writing and editing, content writing, pet content writing, curriculum writing, poetry, narrative, and creative writing.

I have a Master's degree in curriculum design and more than 30 years of experience writing professionally. I studied Sociology, Psychology, and Creative Writing as an undergraduate student.

Writing and animals have been my lifelong passions. I love researching, observing, learning, and writing about (human) and animal behavior. I believe we are all connected; my work reminds me that we are more alike than different.

I volunteer in dog rescue and spend time advocating for homeless, neglected, and abandoned dogs. I have written about how our society's misunderstanding of pitbull breeds has contributed to ineffective legislation, further marginalizing these dogs. I believe educating people about these issues is the way to change minds. We must be that change.

I have an eye for detail and the ability to make communications compelling.

PROFESSIONAL WRITER AND EDITOR: Experience in news journalism and the corporate sector. I was a news reporter, writer, and education editor for a weekly newspaper. I led the editorial department for an international research and consulting firm. I have spent several years writing web content on pet health, pet-related businesses, and animal advocacy.

CURRICULUM DESIGN: Designed the writing portion of two Newtown, Connecticut, workshops to inspire creativity and empower young people through art and writing.

CURRICULUM WRITING: Coordinated and designed curricula for various ages and needs, from middle school language arts to adult education students.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Designed and wrote public relations brochures that improved communications between a large regional school district and the three communities it served.

EDUCATOR: 15 years of experience teaching language arts and writing. Planned, implemented, and assessed various creative plans and instructional techniques to meet academic, intellectual, and social needs.

Portfolio

RECENTLY FEATURED

GoodRx
7 Tips to Get Your Dogs to Safely Take Their Pills - GoodRx

Key takeaways: The easiest way to give dogs their pills is to disguise them in tasty foods such as deli meats, treat pockets or wraps made to hide tablets, meatballs, or cheese. Reassure and reward your dog throughout the process of giving them pills or liquid medications.

DailyTails BLOG - 5 Best Pet Insurance Providers for Cats 2023
Paws & Claws Community - DailyTails

A community for pet owners to ask questions about their four-legged friends or share stories and advice on a wide range of topics. We cover everything from injuries, illnesses, and insurance to specific breeds, behavioral issues, bonding, and more.

LONG FORM ARTICLES

GoodRx
How Apoquel Works to Relieve Your Dog's Itching and Allergies - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication used for dogs to manage itchiness caused by airborne allergies. Apoquel works by disrupting the immune response that causes itching and inflammation. Apoquel for dogs is a safe, long-term allergy treatment with minimal side effects. However, it may increase your dog's risk for skin infections.

GoodRx
26 Common Foods and Liquids That Are Poisonous to Dogs - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Before you share food with your dog, you should know that some human foods can have toxic consequences for canines. Certain fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients commonly used in human foods can be seriously harmful to dogs. Call your vet, an emergency animal clinic, or an animal poison control center if your dog has eaten something toxic.

GoodRx
What Are Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs? How Do You Treat Them? - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant tumor diagnosed in dogs, accounting for about 20% of all canine skin tumors. Certain dog breeds, such as boxers and Boston terriers, are more at risk of mast cell tumors. Surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment method, followed by chemotherapy and radiation if necessary.

GoodRx
Pancreatitis in Dogs: Common Symptoms of Dog Pancreatitis - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ that makes digestive enzymes that break down nutrients. Common signs include appetite loss, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration. There are several risk factors for pancreatitis, though the exact cause is unknown. Pancreatitis is a common condition in dogs.

GoodRx
Here's When Probiotics Can Be Good for Your Dog - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain beneficial bacteria naturally found in the digestive tract. However, there are few scientific studies supporting the health benefits of probiotics in dogs. Issues with oversight, manufacturing, and product labeling make it challenging to ensure that commercial dog probiotics provide any health benefits.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

GoodRx
Seasonal Allergies in Dogs: How to Tell and How to Treat Them - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Like people, dogs can have seasonal allergies caused by allergens in the air, such as pollen, mold, or dust. Dogs with allergies typically have itchy, irritated skin and issues caused by infections from scratching. Several treatment options are available, including medications, shampoo therapy, and allergy shots.

GoodRx
Why Is My Dog So Itchy? 5 Causes of Itchiness in Dogs - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Dogs who lick, scratch, and chew at their skin may be experiencing itchiness. The most common causes of itching in dogs are allergies, parasites, and skin infections. Over-the-counter medicines and home remedies can relieve your dog's itching. However, you may need to visit a veterinarian for a thorough skin evaluation to find the cause of your dog's itch.

DailyTails
Can I Still Get Pet Insurance for My Older Cat?- DailyTails Answers

Is insurance for your senior cat worth it? Discover the benefits of cat insurance and learn how to keep your older feline friend healthy and happy. By Lauren Lee Reviewed by Davor Štefanović Published April 28, 2023. Check out MetLife's cat insurance .

DailyTails
At What Age Will My Puppy Start Barking?- DailyTails Answers

Curious about when your puppy will start barking? Find out what to expect and how to help your furry friend develop good habits in our latest article. By Lauren Lee Reviewed by Davor Štefanović Published March 8, 2023. Welcoming a new puppy into the home is an exciting time filled with many new experiences.

GoodRx
Is Prozac Safe for Dogs? Dosing, Side Effects, and Tips - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Veterinarians use the popular antidepressant medication, fluoxetine (Prozac or Reconcile), to treat canine anxiety. Several dog behavior problems can be signs of severe anxiety, including excessive barking or drooling, having accidents in the house, and restlessness. Prozac is most effective when combined with a behavior modification program.

GoodRx
Is My Dog Depressed? The Red Flags to Watch For - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Dogs can get depression, and it's most often caused by big changes, such as the loss of a significant human or an environmental change (such as a move). Depressed dogs may show symptoms such as a lack of interest in activities, loss of appetite, increased irritability, and unusually clingy or needy behavior.

GoodRx
Can Dogs Get Colds? If So, How Can You Tell? - GoodRx

Dogs can get colds, but the viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections in dogs are not the same as those that affect humans. Different viruses affect different species, so it is nearly impossible to catch a cold from your dog or transmit it to your dog.

GoodRx
What Is Agoraphobia: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments, and More - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes people to fear public spaces and situations where they believe they can't escape or get help. Factors like genetics, environment, stress, and history may all play a role in developing agoraphobia. Treatment for agoraphobia usually involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and healthy life habits.

PAW PROMISE - Love Through All Life Stages

GoodRx
9 Ways to Improve Your Senior Dog's Quality of Life - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Senior dogs are at greater risk for health problems and therefore require extra attention to keep them happy and comfortable. A vet-recommended nutritious diet is critical for senior dogs because they cannot digest and absorb as many nutrients from food and are at greater risk of weight gain.

GoodRx
Does My Dog Need a Joint Supplement? Expert Recommendations - GoodRx

Key takeaways: Any dog can develop joint problems, though larger breeds, senior dogs, and dogs with a history of injuries are more likely to develop joint issues. Some supplements may help manage existing symptoms of joint problems and prevent further damage to joints and cartilage.

MetLife
01/26/2022
5 Behavior Changes You May Notice in Your Senior Dog

No one wants to admit that their canine companion that has been with them for many years is aging. Oftentimes, you might not even notice behavior changes that occur gradually as your pet ages. Sometimes changes in your senior dog's behavior indicate that he is in pain or has an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.

MetLife
01/24/2022
5 Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog

November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month. Older dogs possess so many remarkable qualities; it is worth highlighting a few of the reasons to consider a senior when searching for your next canine companion. Potential adopters often pass over older dogs in favor of puppies.

MetLife
4/18/2023
Keeping Your Pet Updated on Vaccinations- Core vs. Noncore | MetLife Pet Insurance

If you're like many pet parents, you want your furry family member to live a long, healthy life. Many pet owners go out of their way to ensure the health of their fur friends, including choosing their pet's food carefully, investing in vitamins and supplements, and carefully vetting pet-sitters, doggy daycares, and boarding facilities.

Linkedin
Choosing the Right Shelter Dog

If you are looking to add a new dog to your family, shelters are filled with wonderful dogs just waiting for their forever, loving homes. Each day dogs of every breed, size, temperament, age, and activity level leave shelters and become members of loving families.

MetLife
01/18/2022
How To Handle Puppy Teething

Have you recently added a new dog to the family? Have you come home to find shoes, pillows, clothing, or furniture chewed to bits? If your dog is 1-year-old or younger, there is a good chance he is chewing because he is experiencing pain from teeth that are still growing in.

PRIVATE CLIENT BLOG ARTICLES

Raw Dog Chews
12/15/2022
Why You Should Ditch Rawhide Treats | RAW DOG CHEWS

You have probably heard about collagen, most likely relating to products that promote youthful skin and beauty in humans. Science has shown that collagen has numerous health benefits for dogs too. These benefits go far beyond appearance and may affect the quality and length of your pets life.

Pet University
03/31/2020
We've Got Your Paws Covered! - Pet University

While people began panicking about the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, Liza became inspired to create a natural paw sanitizer for our four-legged friends. She saw a need and created a product to fill that need.

Raw Dog Chews
12/15/2022
How chewing helps dogs manage anxiety | RAW DOG CHEWS

For many dogs, chewing helps alleviate stress and anxiety. For example, dogs who suffer from separation anxiety often chew when left home alone. Some dogs have been known to chew around doors or windows to "get out" and lessen their stress if not confined to a crate.

Raw Dog Chews
12/15/2022
Top Pet Poisons Hiding in Plain Sight | RAW DOG CHEWS

Each year the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) releases a list of the top pet toxins based on reports received the previous year. The following is a list of those items most frequently reported to the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

PET HOLIDAYS

MetLife
04/19/2022
May is Responsible Animal Guardian Month

Those with animals know that being responsible for our furry friends is a daily, year-round commitment. To highlight the importance of humans' responsibilities to animals, In Defense of Animals (IDA) has declared the month of May "Responsible Animal Guardian Month."

MetLife
04/12/2022
National Pitbull Awareness Day

October 26th is National Pitbull Awareness Day (NPBAD). This is a day dedicated to those who own a pit bull (or a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier) and to educate others about these lovable dogs.

PetFirst
10/23/2020
National Pet Wellness Month: 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Healthy - PetFirst

We love our pets like family, and we want them to live long, healthy lives. October is National Pet Wellness Month, a perfect time to re-evaluate your furry friend's health and lifestyles. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) launched National Pet Wellness Month in 2004 to educate pet parents on the importance of regular pet ...

MetLife
04/15/2022
National Black Dog Day

If you've ever spoken to anyone who does rescue work or works at an animal shelter, you may have heard about Black Dog Syndrome ( BDS). Black Dog Syndrome is when dogs (and cats) with black fur get passed over for adoption in favor of other pets.

ANIMAL ACTIVISM

Published as a Guest Publication on Established Pet Websites
A Wonderful Foster Failure

By Lauren Lee He knew it was his turn. That much was clear. Finally, he was getting his "freedom ride." It was a sweltering, late August afternoon, easily one of the top five hottest days New England had seen that year.

Originally published as a Guest Article on The Fifth Paw and later on Wildsight.bo
03/21/2019
The Real Bully; Blaming America's Dog for Society's Problems

Guest article written by Lauren Lee, Animal Advocate, Professional Writer and Editor | Animal Advocate & Rescuer | Freelance Article & Pet Content Writer, August 19, 2016, originally published in The Fifth Paw We are a country that loves our dogs.

Wildsight
02/24/2020
When Will Legislators Learn BSL is Not The Answer?

I am reading through numerous articles and clippings on Denver, Colorado's lengthy and highly controversial pit bull ban in the midst of the mayor's latest decision to veto the repeal on breed specific legislation. Pictures from the The Rocky Mountain News in 2005 show dogs being rounded up, forced onto trucks, and taken to their deaths.

INFORMATION FOR ALL PET PARENTS

MetLife
01/27/2022
9 Dog Breeds That Require Lots of Room to Roam

Dogs need daily exercise. That statement sounds obvious, but what constitutes daily exercise can vary vastly from one dog breed to another. If you are considering adding a dog to your family, there are a few things you should know before you decide on your canine companion.

MetLife
01/19/2022
How To Find A Pet Sitter | MetLife Pet Insurance

Are you looking to hire a pet sitter? Looking at a pet sitter's qualifications and references, as well as letting them do a 'trial run' with your pets, can help. Thinking of going away? Add another level of protection with pet insurance.

MetLife
01/26/2022
How To Recognize Signs Of Stress In Your Dog

If you have noticed changes in your dog's behavior, we would like to share some tips on how to recognize signs of stress in your dog. We also want to provide tips on how to alleviate your dogs' stress when you notice it. Is your dog a "Velcro dog"?

The GoodRx Prescription Savings Blog
08/17/2021
Dog Coughing: Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, and More - GoodRx

Why is my dog coughing? Just like human beings, dogs have to get rid of particles that they breathe in such as germs and dust. Oftentimes, a few hacks is all they need to remedy the issue, but some serious causes of continuous coughing can include kennel cough, lung problems, and heart disease.

MetLife
06/30/2022
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Most pet parents share a bite or two of food with their pups, so long as you know what human foods they can eat. Mushrooms are one food humans generally love; cooked, stuffed, sauteed, or chopped in salads. But are mushrooms poisonous to dogs?

The GoodRx Prescription Savings Blog
08/18/2021
What Is Kennel Cough in Dogs and How Do I Treat It? - GoodRx

A contagious and infectious respiratory disease found in dogs, kennel cough can cause a forceful, persistent, hacking cough or gagging sound. Though it usually resolves on its own over time, kennel cough can be treated with antibiotics, medications, and at-home remedies.

GoodRx
What Causes Dogs to Pant a Lot, Wheeze, and Breathe Heavily? - GoodRx

There are several reasons why your dog may be wheezing, panting heavily, or having a hard time breathing. Some of those reasons could include the breed of dog, overexerting themselves, or having a heat stroke. Learn more about the signs, factors, causes, and what you can do to support your dog if their breathing is fast and labored.

GoodRx
Do Allergy Shots for Dogs Work? How Effective Are They? - GoodRx

Immunotherapy allergy shots for dogs can be an effective method to treat allergies. They can provide your pet some relief from itching while improving their quality of life. Allergy shots are more effective if given earlier in a dog's life, as environmental allergies can get worse as a dog ages.

MetLife
01/10/2022
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Lots of human foods could be dangerous for dogs - but some human foods can make for a fun snack. So, where does watermelon fall on the list? Can dogs eat watermelon? The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat watermelons as a healthy treat.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Adventures in Time Travel and Other Amazing Stories!
10/30/2013
Kids Share Newtown

"KIDS SHARE NEWTOWN - Adventures in Time Travel and Other Amazing Stories!" features the art and writing of the children of Sandy Hook and Newtown, Connecticut. It is the final product of the Kids Share Newtown Project by Kids Share Workshops and Publishing, Inc. Kids Share Workshops (501)(c)(3) is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people to be the artists and authors of their own stories through art and literacy workshops in the United States and abroad. Kids Share Newtown...

Totem designs, recreated by young artists in Connecticut
03/18/2015
Kids Share Newtown Totems

We are grateful for the compassion and talent our volunteers bring to Kids Share Workshops. Below are new volunteers who have enthusiastically joined our 2015 spring workshop in Newtown, CT.

POETRY AND NARRATIVE WRITING

Thoughts on healing vs curing in a technologically and medically advanced society
08/23/2010
What is Healing Really?

A Narrative