Environmental Justice.
Talking about climate change is a vital part of addressing the problems we're currently facing. Natural disasters are worsening because of the rise in the Earth's temperature; the ocean is currently going through acidification because of the increasing carbon dioxide...
The West Coast Wildfires (2020)
This year started out with massive wildfires in Australia so it's sadly not a big surprise that the west coast of the United States is now experiencing our own huge wildfires as well. But that doesn't take away from the emotional and destructive nature of these fires,...
Behind the Breed: Bohemian Shepherd
While Bohemian Shepherds aren't particularly well known in the United States, these dogs are friendly, intelligent, and devoted to their people. Also known as Chodský pes, the Czech Sheepdog, or the Bohemian Herder, these dogs are lively and take to almost any...
Behind the Breed: Saint Bernards
These large dogs are iconic and lovable animals, known best for mountain rescues and their gentle nature. Originally from the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are named after Saint Bernard, an 11th-century monk who founded a hospice in the pass to...
Behind the Breed: Great Danes
As one of the tallest dogs in the world, Great Danes are powerful, graceful animals that are taller than some humans when standing on their hind legs. In fact, their graceful nature is the reason why they're often called 'Apollos of dogs'. For the most part, they have...
Summer Treats For Your Dogs
Summer may be officially winding down but here in the Pacific Northwest, August and early September tend to be very hot. Keeping cool is vital for both you and your pets, as heat exhaustion or a heat stroke can be dangerous or even fatal. But there are some really fun...
Weasels of the Pacific Northwest.
The fact that weasels are actually found all around the world, including here in the Pacific Northwest, might be surprising to some. But these nocturnal animals are small, with the largest getting to be only a couple of feet long and weigh less than a pound, and their...
Supporting Black People and Communities.
The last few months have been stressful and the last week has been especially so. Between Covid19 and the unjust killing of George Floyd, there are a lot of things going on in the world right now. Speaking only for myself and as a white person, watching all of...
The State of Climate Change.
Climate change is an ever-present threat to humans, animals, and ecosystems around the world. A new study confirmed suspicions that human-caused climate change made the 2019-2020 southeast Australian fires worse and that is just one natural disaster that's negatively...
Dogs, Cats, and Wildlife.
Growing up, my family always had indoor/outdoor cats and for some odd reason, those two cats loved to bring any animal they caught to my (carpeted) room, often hiding the dead animal under my bed. It was a particularly gross habit they had but it meant that after a...
Behind the Breed: Aidis (Atlas Mountain Dogs)
Also known as Atlas Sheepdogs and Atlas Mountain Dogs, this breed is a muscular, energetic, and protective dog native to Northern Africa (particularly Morocco). They're medium in size, usually weighing 50-55 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall. Aidis have some...
Dog Zoomies: What They Are and What They Mean.
My family's first dog was a rescue named Penny. It had taken years of asking before my parents finally caved and we found Penny on our first trip to the local humane society. She was a young German Shephard/Beagle mix with plenty of energy and a sense of adventure....
Behind the Breed: Poodles.
Poodles are, for many, an iconic and regal breed. These curly dogs are incredibly smart and popular, especially for some with dog allergies. There are three different sizes of poodles (standard, miniature, and toy) that have several kinds of coat colors. While there...
Spring Is On Its Way.
There is an unusual tradition held each year in a Pennsylvania town that's based on an old German legend. On February 2nd each year, a groundhog determines whether we'll have another six weeks of winter or if spring will be early! Groundhog Day has been happening in...
Adoption Tips.
Adopting a rescue animal is, in my opinion, an incredibly wonderful experience. There are so many reasons to adopt but the actual process might take some time and it might be a while until your pet feels truly at home. Here are some tips for the adoption process. Tip...
Behind the Breed: Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Despite the name, this breed is an active breed that can cover quite a bit of ground in a hurry. Like other hounds, the Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred to be hunting dogs and will definitely follow their noses after interesting smells if given the chance. These dogs...
Ocean Acidification.
Climate change has affected so many different ecosystems around the world. Wildfires in California and Australia have been made so much worse because of drier conditions. Rising ocean temperatures are causing glaciers to melt and are cooking some salmon. The Great...
Behind the Breed: Dalmatians.
These iconic dogs, known for their black spots on white fur, are incredibly intelligent, active, and affectionate. Dalmatians have made their way into popular culture many times, including through being circus performers, the Disney classic 101 Dalmatians, and by...
Potential Pet Poisons.
There are many human foods that aren't good for our pets. Alcohol, avocados, onions, and chocolate are just some of the human foods that pets can't have but there are plenty of other things that your pet might come across that can be potentially fatal. Antifreeze is...
Useful Winter Pet Products.
This post contains affiliate links that I could make a commission off of. All opinions are my own. Right now, parts of Western Washington and the Puget Sound are coated in some snow. We've never been that great at dealing with snow, especially compared to other parts...
Behind the Breed: Pugs
This tiny, flat-faced breed is incredibly intelligent and playful. Because of their short noses, they get easily stressed out by hot and cold weather and can get allergies, colds, and other chronic breathing problems. Despite all that, pugs are quite playful and...
How To Help: Australian Fires.
Australia may be 8,000 miles away from the Pacific Northwest but the current fires happening there have international implications and impacts countless people, animals, and ecosystems. Smoke from these fires have even crossed oceans to nearby New Zealand and even...
Happy New Year! A Reflection on Last Year and The Year To Come.
Happy New Year everyone! It's officially a new year and a new decade. Here in Bellingham, WA, the first day of 2020 is a gorgeous and sunny day, a welcome break from all the rain and overcast skies we've been having lately! The start of a new year is a great way to...
Happy Winter Solstice!
The Winter Solstice is a turning point in many ways. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it's the shortest day of the year, meaning the days are going to start getting longer! But it's also the astronomical start to winter, which is dependent on Earth's position in...
![The Biggest Little Farm [Film Review]](https://i0.wp.com/animalsofpnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/biggest-little-farm.jpg?resize=400%2C249&ssl=1)
The Biggest Little Farm [Film Review]
Two disclosures before the review: one, this post contains affiliate links that I may gain a commission off of. All opinions are my own. Two, this film does deal with the ups and downs of traditional farming, including the death of many animals. In 2010, John and...
Behind the Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier
These stocky, muscular terriers are confident, smart dogs and if well socialized and trained, they can be loyal friends and companions! American Staffordshire Terriers are also known as AmStaffs or Staffys to some and have an agile, graceful, and springy gait. This...
Holiday Gift Ideas
Holidays of many cultures are approaching and for some, gift-giving is a part of the celebrations! If you have any folks who love animals or even some animals you love in your life, there are many gift ideas for them! This post contains affiliate links that I could...
Wildlife Conservation Day.
This post contains affiliate links that I could make a commission off of. All opinions are my own. Today is Wildlife Conservation Day! Wild animals all over the world are facing threats from climate change, urban development, plastic/trash, and more. Giraffes all over...
Small Business Saturday
The Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States has recently been called 'Small Business Saturday' as a call to support local and small businesses. In the Pacific Northwest, there are so many small businesses dedicated to animals, pets, and folks who love them!...
Thanksgiving.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States, a day usually dedicated to food, community, and feeling grateful. There are plenty of myths and misinformation about Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales seem to creep in earlier and earlier each year. For so many reasons,...
Behind the Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
These incredibly intelligent, sturdy dogs were, as you might imagine, initially developed in Australia to help herd cattle on large ranches. Their size and energy levels have proven useful for herding livestock and they excel at activities and sports like agility,...
‘Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome’
Canine idiopathic vestibular disease can be very scary for pet parents, as symptoms can often mimic serious and life-threatening conditions like a stroke or brain tumor. This disease, also known as 'Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome' and 'Old Dog Disease', affects a dog's...
Behind the Breed: Egyptian Mau Cats.
As the only naturally spotted domestic cat breed, Egyptian maus are unique and wonderful cats. In addition to their spots, these cats are also very fast and intelligent. They're great with people and other cats, making them great additions to any home, especially on...
Salmon of the Pacific Northwest
Salmon are an incredibly important part of the Pacific Northwest. These fish are vital to our ecosystems and in the food chain; in addition, they play a significant role in our economy and have played a big role in indigenous cultures for generations. In Washington...
Behind the Breed: Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers have been a popular breed for about a century now. Their tuxedo-like markings and affectionate, gentle personalities have earned them the nickname 'American Gentlemen', despite being initially bred to be fighting dogs. These dogs are relatively small,...
Remembering Rojo The Llama.
If you live in or around the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area, you might have heard of Rojo the Llama. Rojo was born in April 2002 and was a gentle, loving llama for his entire life. When he was five, Rojo and his handlers, Lori Gregory and Shannon Joy, completed...
Behind the Breed: Akitas
Akitas are dignified, brave, loyal dogs that are devoted and affectionate to their family. Almost feline in nature, these dogs are usually clean and tidy in the house and can be rather independent. Their double coats are relatively short (only about two inches long)...
Behind the Breed: Plymouth Rock Chickens.
This black and white chicken breed is one of the oldest breeds in the country and was a favorite amongst folks all across the US, as it's one of the few breeds to rival the Rhode Island Red in egg and meat production. Also known as Barred Rock chickens, Plymouth Rocks...
Adoption Barriers.
Time and time again, I have personally written about the joys and benefits of adopting animals. There are millions of animals in shelters and rescues who are looking for a home and family. There are plenty of reasons one may not be able to adopt a rescue but for me,...
Behind the Breed: German Shepherds
German shepherd dogs (commonly referred to as GSDs) are an incredibly popular breed in the US and one of the best all-purpose workers! This breed is confident, loyal, brave, and very intelligent. Their personalities make this breed a great working dog as...
What You Should Know About Goats.
Farm animals are, in my opinion, incredibly sweet and cute and I still count my blessings that I got to care for Shasta the llama and Mady and Mini the sheep for a couple of years. And recently, there seems to be a rise in urban farming (to some degree). Backyard...
Behind the Breed: Jack Russell Terriers.
Jack Russell Terriers are one of the more iconic small dog breeds, with several making appearances in movies and one PBS children's show from the mid-1990s even had a Jack Russel Terrier as the main star! (Unsurprisingly, I loved the PBS show 'Wishbone' as a child!)...
Climate Change’s Impact on Natural Disasters, Ecosystems, and Wildlife.
All around the world, the impacts of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, even here in the Pacific Northwest and the surrounding areas. The rising sea temperatures are essentially cooking some salmon in the Salish Sea before they can reproduce; high...
Behind the Breed: Bernese Mountain Dogs.
These large dogs are working dogs and built for hard work. But despite their size and strength, Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, affectionate, and gentle dogs. They're great family dogs because they love their people and love to be included in any activity! As Jackie...
#ClimateStrike: Do What You Can to Save Our Planet.
Climate change is an increasingly pressing issue that affects people, wildlife, and ecosystems around the world. Rising sea levels from melting glaciers affect island countries around the equator and animals like polar bears are losing more of their habitats....