Mountain Lions of North America
Also known as pumas, mountain lions, and catamounts, cougars are adaptable predators and the world’s fourth largest wildcat following lions, tigers, and jaguars. Cougars are relatively solitary animals but despite living mostly alone, these cats still have complex...
Behind the Breed: Brittany Dogs
Formerly known as the Brittany Spaniel, these dogs are incredibly energetic and affectionate dogs up for adventures!
City Nature Challenge: April 28th to May 1st, 2023
Spend time in nature and become a citizen scientist this weekend – April 28 to May 1, 2023!
Earth Day 2023
Happy Earth Day!
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch may be a familiar term to some, especially to those who care about oceans and marine life.
Behind the Breed: Pit Bulls
This post contains affiliate links that I could make a commission off of. All opinions are my own. For decades, pit bulls have had a bad reputation. They're seen as fighting dogs that are inherently aggressive and are more likely to bite, notions that are based on the...
Behind the Breed: Holland Lops, Flemish Giants, and Lionhead Rabbits
Did you know that domestic rabbits come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities? The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 50 unique breeds and each one has its own history, temperament, and physical characteristics. Some of the most common domestic...
Becoming A BARK Ranger with the National Park Service!
National parks are wonderful areas to explore, especially with pets!
Tokitae The Orca Is Coming Home!
As the oldest captive orca, Tokitae is the last killer whale still alive after being captured in the 1970s from the Salish Sea in Washington and British Columbia.
How wildlife tourism can harm animals
How is our search for a unique experience harming the very animals we claim to love?
#StopWillow – No More Drilling Projects In The Arctic! [April 4th, 2023 Update]
Simply put, the Willow Project, also known as the Willow Master Development Project, is yet another proposed oil development project slated to be built in Alaska’s Western Arctic. This $6 billion project is currently projected to open up an estimated 629 million...
Finnish and Swedish Lapphunds
Learn more about Lapphunds!
How To Become An Animal Control Officer
Life has an animal control officer can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. But it’s also difficult, both emotionally and physically. Are you interested in the field?
Behind the Breed: Borzois
Learn more about these beautiful dogs!
Grey Wolves
Grey wolves were once found around most of North America.
Beavers
This unassuming, semiaquatic rodent is seen as a nuisance by some but in reality, beavers are significant players in the health of ecosystems and are even vital in stopping wildfires. In addition to providing habitat and a source of water, the ponds and wetlands that...
Behind the Breed: Alaskan Malamute
Learn more about Alaskan Malamutes!
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Visiting Northwest Trek, a 700+ acre park in Washington, is magical. Learn more!
Small Business Saturday
Today is Small Business Saturday!
Behind the Breed: Airedale Terriers
Meet the Airedale Terrier!
The ABCs of Shelter Animal Photography
Taking photos of shelter animals can be a lot of fun!
Behind the Breed: American Water Spaniel
American Water Spaniels are relatively rare dogs that make great family companions, hiking companions, and/or watch dogs. This breed has a big dog personality in a smaller package, usually weighing 25-45 pounds, and despite the spaniel name, the AWS is more like a...
Behind the Breed: Irish Wolfhounds
Meet the Irish Wolfhound!
Behind the Breed: Cairn Terriers
Cairn Terriers are small but mighty dogs with lots of energy and personality!
Pigeons And Doves
Pigeons can often be gravely misunderstood while doves are considered signs of peace and tranquility. But these birds have a lot in common.
Behind the Breed: Bearded Collies
The Bearded Collie is a happy, bouncy breed that looks very similar to the Old English Sheepdog. Both breeds are in the herding group and can be hard to tell apart from a distance. But Beardies, as they’re also known, have a long tail, several different coat colors, a...
Cat Safe House Plants
After years of not having cats, I forgot that they love to, at the very least, try eating plants. So when my two little rescue cats were old enough, they definitely started eating the house plants I had around the house! I do not have much of a green thumb so the fact...
What Your Favorite Dog Breed Says About You [Part 1]
Our favorite dog breed can say a whole lot about who we are!
Behind the Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog
Meet the Catahoula Leopard Dog!
Helping Ukraine
Wondering how to help people and animals in Ukraine?
Behind the Breed: Pomeranians
Pomeranians are small but energetic dogs!
American Bison
American Bison once had a population of thirty to sixty million across North America. What happened to these iconic animals and where can you see them today?
Behind the Breed: Native American Indian Dog
Dating back thousands of years, the Native American Indian Dog has a wild appearance and patient temperament. The exact origins are unknown and highly debated, including whether or not the breed today is actually a recreation of an extinct breed. Native American...
Getting Ready For Spring – Pets Edition!
Springtime is right around the corner! There are so many wonderful things you and your pets can do to get ready for the warmer weather and longer days.
Dog Parks 101: The History, Rules, and Etiquette Behind the Dedicated Spaces for Man’s Best Friend
Open, green spaces are an incredibly important part of urban cities and one type of these spaces is a dog park! Dog parks are great places for dogs and their owners to spend time outside, socialize, and release some pent-up energy. Relatively speaking, these parks are...
Behind the Breed: Bull Terrier
With their iconic egg-shaped head, pointed ears, and triangular eyes, these dogs have an incredibly unique look to them. While Bull Terriers may seem intimidating to some, they can actually be goofy, loyal, polite dogs and are great for active homes. They are muscular...
Behind the Breed: Savannah Cats
As an adventurous, outgoing breed, Savannah cats are not for those wanting a quiet, couch potato feline. These cats can be quite large and in charge compared to other cat breeds and would do well with people who understand their audacious spirits and agile skills....
How To Become A Zookeeper
There are many different ways to have a career working with animals. One such way? Becoming a zookeeper! Keeping wild animals in zoos has a long and controversial history (and the dehumanizing and incredibly racist trend of keeping people in zoos around the turn of...
Behind the Breed: Mudi
As one of the newest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Mudi seems like a mix between a Miniature Poodle and German Shepherd, both in temperament and appearance. This breed has origins in Hungary, where most of these dogs currently live, and has worked...
The Domestication of Cats
Throughout history, humans have domesticated many different plant and animal species for a variety of different reasons. Cotton has been used for fabric (like clothing and rugs) and rope; wheat, lentils, rice, and potatoes are some of the first domesticated plants...
Behind the Breed: Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, the Basset Blue de Gascogne is a small scent hound that is rarely seen outside its native France. While recognized by the United Kennel Club in the United States and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Belgium, this...
Surviving The Winter With Your Animals
Do you know how to care for your animals in cold winter weather?
Happy New Year!
The last two years have been difficult, to say the least. For me, this site has been a saving grace and on some days, a reason to get out of bed. That's been particularly true during the Covid pandemic. It's been an absolute joy learning and sharing about all the...
Pygmy Rabbits of the Pacific Northwest
Did you know that there is a critically endangered rabbit species living in the Columbia Basin region of Washington state? The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbits are a subpopulation of the smallest rabbit species in North America and their numbers have drastically declined over the centuries.
‘Tis The Season To Give Pets As Christmas Gifts? How This Time of Year Is Busy For Animal Shelters And One Way You Can “Give” A Pet To Someone.
Working in the animal welfare realm is a wonderful, heartbreaking, terrific, and sometimes maddening experience. You get to help, in some form or another, so many animals in so many different ways. The adoption success stories are so joyful, with families becoming a...

