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: 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...

Can My Dog Say Hi?

Over the years, I've gone on walks and interacted with a whole lot of dogs and generally, it's been a whole lot of fun! Bellingham, and the Pacific Northwest in general, is such a dog friendly place and many of the dogs that I've walked love to say hi to the other...

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...

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: Italian Greyhounds

Greyhounds are an iconic breed known for their fast speeds and slender builds. But did you know there is another greyhound breed? The Italian Greyhound has similar qualities to the greyhound in a smaller package, including their contradictory need for speed and couch...

A Bucket List For Dogs.

I fully admit that I cry at a whole lot of things: stories of interspecies friendships, people doing good deeds, if Rooster's looking super cute one day. But one thing that always gets me is people doing bucket list items with their dogs or saying that final goodbye...

Behind the Breed: Rottweilers.

There are a few breeds that look or are considered dangerous. The title of 'most dangerous breed' has changed over the years but for some, rottweilers are a scary breed. Like with any breed, a dog's temperament is often dependent on genetics and life experience; plus,...

The Canine Parvovirus [Parvo]

Every so often, I’ll be writing about some of the most common illnesses within animals. However: I am not a veterinarian or vet tech nor do I have any professional experience in animal medical care. Everything below comes from research I’ve done. If you’re worried...

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...
Behind the Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Behind the Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are, nowadays, most well known for their shaggy, profuse coat that's often done in a peek-a-boo hairdo! Many will be white with gray markings in color but some many have grizzle, merle, or any blue shade. These dogs are very mellow, friendly, and...

Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest

Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest

One of the reasons I wanted to start this project was to learn about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. We share this region with a plethora of wild animals, animals that rely on the same ecosystem we do and are significantly affected by human action and...

Behind the Breed: American Bobtail Cats.

Behind the Breed: American Bobtail Cats.

American Bobtails are rather interesting and unique cats, as get their name from their distinctive tails that are significantly shorter than other domesticated cats. American Bobtail cats also have tufted ears and toes, a large personality, and will often weigh 8-13...

Animal Podcasts.

Animal Podcasts.

I'm lucky enough to spend a whole lot of time with animals of various kinds and some of this time is walking around with dogs like Milo. Because I spend a lot of my day doing chores and walking, I listen to a lot of podcasts! And there are more than a few podcasts...

Behind the Breed: Dog Breed Groups.

Behind the Breed: Dog Breed Groups.

'Behind The Breed' is a new series here at Animals of the Pacific Northwest that looks at the histories and characteristics of different dog and cat breeds. While many rescue pets might not be purebred, knowing the general characteristics of different breeds can help...

Mountain Goats in Washington.

Mountain Goats in Washington.

In the autumn of 2018, mountain goats in the Olympic Peninsula made the news for a rather unusual reason. Park officials in Olympic National Park worked with the USDA Forest Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to remove mountain goats from the...

Behind the Breed: Golden Retrievers

Behind the Breed: Golden Retrievers

There are countless 'National/World Days' that are celebrated each year. One such day is National Golden Retriever Day that's celebrated every February 3rd! So for this week's 'Behind the Breed', let's take a look at these goofy and wonderful dogs. Golden Retrievers...

When Elephants Were Young [Review]

When Elephants Were Young [Review]

When Elephants Were Young is a 2016 documentary about wild and captive elephants in Thailand, one family's relationship with elephants and street begging, and the efforts to reintroduce elephants to the wild. Through interviews with numerous people, the film shows the...

Behind the Breed: Tuxedo Cats.

Behind the Breed: Tuxedo Cats.

This week's 'Behind the Breed' will actually be focused on tuxedo cats! 'Tuxedo cats' aren't actually a specific breed but rather, a type of coloring that's found in different cat breeds. Many tuxedo cats are black and white and were given the name 'tuxedo' because...

End of Life Care for Our Pets

End of Life Care for Our Pets

Making that decision to say goodbye to our pets isn't an easy one; sometimes, they do pass on without intervention while there are other times when we need to help the over the rainbow bridge. Our pets and working animals, for many, are a part of the family but they...

Behind the Breed: Maine Coon Cats.

Behind the Breed: Maine Coon Cats.

Maine Coon Cats are large, long hair cats that originated in the northeast United States. They were first recognized as a specific breed in Maine, where they are, unsurprisingly, the state cat! Maine Coons evolved to survive the harsh winters of the northeast and were...

What Happens After You Adopt?

What Happens After You Adopt?

When you adopt a rescue animal, you're honestly changing their life by providing a loving forever home. For animals that might spend most of their lives at a shelter or rescue organization, having a new home and family can make such a difference! But there are some...

Behind the Breed: Labrador Retriever

Behind the Breed: Labrador Retriever

Each week, I'll be sharing information about different cat and dog breeds! For the first 'Behind the Breed', here's some information about labrador retrievers: Labrador retrievers, according to the American Kennel Club, are the most popular dogs in the US and have...

Behind the Breed.

Behind the Breed.

Behind the Breed is a new series about the history and characteristics of different breeds of cats and dogs! There's nothing wrong with a pet that's a mix or a mutt; Rooster, for example, is probably a black lab mix and has all the characteristics of a lab retriever...

Rooster’s 7th Gotcha Day!

Rooster’s 7th Gotcha Day!

At the beginning of 2012, Rooster came to my family's home for a home visit to see if he'd be a good fit with us. It's been seven years since then and he's been a wonderful and consistent part of our family. Even with all his anxiety and flaws, I can't imagine a life...

Puppy and Kitten Care.

Puppy and Kitten Care.

Puppies and kittens are, at least in my opinion, incredibly cute and one of the best parts of life and the internet. They're tiny, curious, loving, and cute as heck! While these things are all true, it's also true that every puppy and kitten will grow and they'll also...

The Tigers of Scotland [Film Review]

The Tigers of Scotland [Film Review]

The Tigers of Scotland is an hour-long documentary about Britain's only native but very elusive wildcat. Initially starting off as a pitch for visiting Scotland, the film eventually delves into the Scottish Wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris), an animal that's now...

Owls of the Pacific Northwest.

Owls of the Pacific Northwest.

Of the 19 species of owls in North America, 15 can be found in the northwest at different points in time during the year! Many owls are nocturnal (although there are a few exceptions) and hunt at night. They're some of the most skilled night hunters, as their wings...

Pick Of The Litter [review]

Pick Of The Litter [review]

Pick Of The Litter is a recently released documentary that follows five puppies born at Guide Dogs For The Blind (GDB) as they train to become guide dogs for blind and visually impaired people. The litter of Labradors is cuter than can be but the work they might do as...

Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving.

Happy (early) Thanksgiving to all in the United States! For many around the country, tomorrow is a wonderful day filled with family, friends, food, and feeling grateful. For those who are celebrating tomorrow with pets, there are a few things to keep in mind...