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...

Behind the Breed: Boerboels

Because of their muscular appearance and blocky head, these large dogs can easily be confused with Cane Corsos or other mastiff types. But Boerboels are their own, unique breed with origins in South Africa and Europe (through colonization). Boerboels, which roughly...

Scoop the Poop!

One of my least favorite things about caring for dogs and cats is picking up poop and cleaning out litter boxes. It’s always stinky, a bit gross, and an annoying chore. But doing so is a vital part of having a pet, as leaving poop or improperly disposing of used...

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...

Behind the Breed: English Foxhound

English Foxhounds are a fairly rare breed nowadays, ranking near the bottom of the American Kennel Club's popular breed list (188 out of 197!). But despite that, these hounds have a long history as hunting dogs and they're medium in size, standing 23-27 inches at the...

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...

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: 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...

Grooming Your Dog.

For many pet owners, the animals in our life mean so much to us and it can be hard not to spoil them 24/7! While having a pet like a cat or a dog can usually mean a lot of cuddles and definitely a lot of love, these animals do need regular care to keep them happy,...

Behind the Breed: Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies and even the 'Tomboy Toy', are small but energetic dogs that thrive when given a job to do. Despite their size, these dogs are full of courage, confidence, and spunk in addition to being a bit high maintenance. Their size...
Keeping the Wild In the Wilderness

Keeping the Wild In the Wilderness

One of the most amazing parts of the Pacific Northwest, as least in my opinion, is being surrounded by wilderness and forests. Going out into nature is relatively possible all around the region, even in major cities like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver! Sometimes,...

Blackfish [Review]

Blackfish [Review]

Back in 2013, a documentary came out about the orcas that live in captivity and in addition to being immensely popular/controversial, it caused massive ripple effects in the animal captivity industry. Blackfish takes a look at the controversial practices of keeping...

Sunburns in Cats and Dogs.

Sunburns in Cats and Dogs.

Summer is nearly upon us and with a rise of sunny, warm weather, it’s important to know how to keep your pets cool and how to prevent, spot, and/or treat sunburns on our pets! It may seem weird but dogs and cats can get sunburns like us humans and those burns can get...

Rooster’s Bucket List

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...

A Bucket List For Dogs.

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...

Procession of the Species.

Procession of the Species.

Two of the many descriptors you could use for the Pacific Northwest are quirky and passionate. The slogan for Portland, OR, for example, is 'Keep Portland Weird' and there's an entire show slightly exaggerating the weird nature of the city. To protest the planned...

Earth Day 2018!

Earth Day 2018!

For the last 48 years, April 22nd has been Earth Day, a worldwide celebration of the planet we call home and a day to work on environmental issues. There are many people all over the world who spend the day doing work like planting trees and other plants, removing...

Can I bring my dog?

Can I bring my dog?

With Rooster's severe anxiety, it's hard to leave the house without him. All of my friends and family know that there's always a good chance that I'll have Rooster with me if I come to visit or if we make plans. The good news is that my hometown is pretty dog...

Taking care of pet fish.

Taking care of pet fish.

For many, goldfish are an easily accessible pet that can be used as a test to see if someone (like a child) is ready for more responsibility. It’s true that relatively speaking, goldfish are easier to take care of than other animals and there seem to be wide spread...

5 Facts About Grizzly Bears

5 Facts About Grizzly Bears

Recently, US Interior secretary Ryan Zinke announced that he is directing his staff to accelerate the recovery planning process for the grizzlies in the North Cascades to eventually help restore the grizzly back into the area. Because of that decision, here are some...

DOG ADVENTURES: Lake Padden, Bellingham, WA

DOG ADVENTURES: Lake Padden, Bellingham, WA

One of the best things about the Pacific Northwest is that many cities will have parks and trails within city limits. Bellingham, WA is no different and has a plethora of places to walk with your dog! One such place is Lake Padden, a lake that's surrounded by miles of...

5 Facts About Bunnies!

5 Facts About Bunnies!

I recently wrote about how you shouldn't give bunnies or chicks as Easter presents without looking into just how much responsibility comes with them. Pet rabbits can be an amazing addition to your family but they also need care of different kinds. If you want to know...

Easter Activities.

Easter Activities.

Easter can be an incredibly fun day, as there are so many traditions and spring is often just beginning. Here are some fun things to do with your family, including your pets! Decorate eggs! Did you know that there are ways to dye eggs using all natural ingredients you...

Plastic in Our Oceans

Plastic in Our Oceans

In mid-February this year, the Church of England made the news by recommending that their parishioners give up plastic for Lent. This religious season is one of the most important time for many of the world’s Christians and Catholics and many make sacrifices during...

Releasing Pets Into the Wild

Releasing Pets Into the Wild

Taking care of a pet of any species is often a long term, intense responsibility and there are so many domesticated animals that live with and depend on humans for day to day life. In this day and age, there are so many animals that are brought to different areas of...

5 Fun Facts About Sheep!

5 Fun Facts About Sheep!

If you asked me just a few years ago if I thought I would spend two+ years caring for some sheep, I would have laughed. But life finds a way and even though Mady and Minnie are at a new home, I'm so thankful to have had time with them. In honor of the time I got to...

Finding the good in the world.

Finding the good in the world.

The world can be a scary, scary place. Stories and photos of bombings, shootings, poverty, and more all regularly headline the news and for many, these stories are lived experiences and daily life. There's trauma and pain all around the world but there's also hope and...

5 Fun Facts About Bees!

5 Fun Facts About Bees!

I’m sure I’m not the only one with a mild fear of bees. I’ve been stung many times before and it’s not a particularly pleasant feeling to say the least. But over the years, I’ve definitely gained a new appreciation for these insects and wanted to share some fun facts...