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...

Rooster’s Bucket List

Rooster is the kind of dog that defines the phrase "man's best friend". This rescue dog has never met a person he doesn't love and has charmed his way into the hearts of many in my hometown. He's sweet and gentle and does great with kids. He is, by all accounts and in...

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,...

Art Projects With Animals.

Recently, I decided to get a print of Rooster's paw. As he gets older, I know we have less time with him and I just wanted an extra something to remember him by (in addition to all the photos I've taken!). So with some research and a trip to a nearby crafts store, I...

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.

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...

Easter Activities for the Whole Family, Including Pets.

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. For those who celebrate, Easter is just around the corner! There are so many fun activities for this holiday, including Easter egg hunts, dying eggs,...

Why Should You Adopt Senior Animals?

In the last few years, I've had to say goodbye to a number of senior animals. Shasta the llama was 17 years old; Tommy the cat was 18; Rooster was 14.5; Milo was 11. And those are sadly just a few of my senior furry friends that crossed the rainbow bridge. Taking care...

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...

Happy Holidays and Happy (Early) New Year.

Winter is officially upon us and the shortest days of the year are still to come. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, I hope you have (or had) a peaceful, loving, and socially distanced celebration and a happy new year. This...
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...