Parrots.
Found primarily in warm areas of the Southern Hemisphere, parrots are iconic birds that can often mimic sounds and even words! There are many kinds of parrots around the world and while many are found in warm areas, there are some like the maroon fronted parrots and...
Otters of the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Northwest is home to an array of amazing and wonderful animals. Southern Resident and transient orcas and California Gray Whales frequent many parts of the Salish Sea and the waters off the coast; the largest unmanaged Roosevelt Elk herd is found in the...
Behind the Breed: Siberian Cats.
This very friendly and affectionate cat breed comes from the taiga of Siberia, which is a forested area with snow and a subarctic climate. Siberian cats have been known in Russia for over 1,000 years and are even found in some Russian folktales! Many other cultures...
Monarch Butterflies.
The Tropical Butterfly House was and still is my favorite part of Seattle's Pacific Science Center. This warm and humid part of the center is home to many different kinds of butterflies but many kinds of butterflies call the Pacific Northwest home outside of the...
Behind the Breed: Basset Hounds
With large domed heads, floppy ears, sad eyes, and a long body, Basset Hounds are truly one of a kind and instantly recognizable! These dogs are part of the hound breed ground, as you might have guessed, and despite their awkward framing, they're powerful and able to...
Rainforests of Washington.
When you say 'rainforests', most folks might think of tropical rainforests like the Amazon Rainforest (also known as Amazonia) in South America. However, rainforests can actually be found all around the world, as defining characteristics of these forests include tall...
Behind the Breed: Scottish Fold Cats.
Scottish Fold Cats are, as you might imagine, cats with unusual folded ears and while their lopped ears make these cats look like owls, these cats are sweet, loving companions for any person or family! The name of this breed also points to the country of origin, as...
Behind the Breed: Orpington Chickens
Orpington chickens are, in my opinion, some of the best backyard chickens. Like Rhode Island Reds, these chickens are a dual purpose breed and can regularly produce great eggs! There are several full sized and bantam varieties but one of the most common is the Buff...
Happy Earth Day!
Earth Day is personally one of my favorite days of the year, as this day is a reminder that the Earth is our home and a place we should care for. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson started Earth Day after witnessing the effects of a massive oil spill off the coast of...
Behind the Breed: Black Russian Terriers
Black Russian Terriers are, despite having the name of terrier, large and powerful dogs! They have long, coarse all-black coats that don't shed that much but need weekly brushing. This breed is relatively new and still fairly rare but given the right training and...
Double Coated Dogs.
Dogs come in all sorts of sizes, colors, temperaments, and abilities. There are small dogs who love to cuddle and big dogs who love adventure. Some dogs need wheelchairs and others get by with only three legs! One important difference in dogs is their coats, as their...
Behind the Breed: Rhode Island Reds.
Over the past few weeks, I've been writing about the history, characteristics, and care of different cat and dog breeds. Knowing the general characteristics of different breeds can give pet owners a sense of what to expect with different cats and dogs, especially in...
![Rooster Dog’s Bucket List [April 2019 Update]](https://i0.wp.com/animalsofpnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/rooster-doge28099s-bucket-list-april-2019.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
Rooster Dog’s Bucket List [April 2019 Update]
Over the last ten months or so, Rooster and I have been doing so many fun things to celebrate the time we have left with him! We've gone to Paws For A Beer and made so many friends, said hi to animals at Hovander Park, played in the snow, gone on adventures with Milo,...
Behind the Breed: Salish Wool Dog
In the 'Behind the Breed' for Labrador Retrievers, I mentioned that labs came from a now extinct St. Johns Dog. The St. Johns Dog isn't the first nor is it the only dog breed to go extinct. Over time, breeds of dogs have shifted and changed, which has meant that there...
Behind The Breed: Australian Shepherds
Not only are Australian Shepherds incredibly adorable, they're also known to be smart, exuberant, and work-oriented! These dogs are medium in size and are usually 40-65 pounds. Aussie coats come in different colors and patterns; one Aussie pattern is merle, a...
Weed, Hemp, and Our Pets.
Most of the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia/Canada) has legalized marijuana use, both in recreational and medical use. Cannabis can be used in a variety of ways for humans; many might use it to experience life a little higher but for some,...
Behind the Breed: Norwegian Forest Cats
Norwegian Forest Cats are large, semi-longhaired cats that have a long history in their native Norway, where they're called 'skogkatt' (which literally translates to forest cat!). These cats have been recorded in Norway for at least 500 years but have been around for...
Behind the Breed: Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are friendly, medium-sized dogs with a thick coat and an ability to help pull light loads over a long frozen expanse in freezing temperatures. These dogs are pack dogs, which means that their friendly demeanor and love for family life and other dogs...
Bird Watching.
While it may sound a bit boring for those don't know much about it, birding and bird watching is actually a popular pastime for millions of people around the world. There are thousands of clubs and societies dedicated to bird watching and numerous blogs and social...
Behind the Breed: Birman Cats
Personality wise, Birman cats are exceptionally friendly cats around all sorts of people and other animals and are quiet and docile. They'll love to spend time with you and might try to follow you from room to room! Birmans are smart cats and very curious; they love...
![Esther The Wonder Pig by Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter with Caprice Crane [Book Review]](https://i0.wp.com/animalsofpnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/esther.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1)
Esther The Wonder Pig by Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter with Caprice Crane [Book Review]
This post contains affiliate links that I could make commission off of. All opinions are my own. Esther The Wonder Pig: Changing the World One Heart At A Time is the story of how Esther the pig came into the lives of Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter and drastically...