Adopting and Interacting with Wildlife.
The Pacific Northwest is home to a wide array of wild animals and there are plenty of organizations dedicated to helping them. Interacting with wildlife can be a tricky endeavor in the wild; selfies with wildlife have caused injuries and even death on a few occasions,...
Behind the Breed: Boxers
Boxers are a popular breed and for good reason, these dogs are goofy, bright, and energetic. Despite their square jaw and muscular statue, boxers are great family dogs and wonderful around children. They're medium in size and have short coats. If you're looking for a...
Docked Tails: Why Removing Your Dog’s Tail isn’t Necessary.
There are plenty of dog breed standards that include a docked tail as a necessary requirement, including the German Wirehaired Pointer and Australian Shepherd. The American Kennel Club is an iconic organization that's been around for more than 135 years and recognizes...
Sled Dogs.
Our relationship with dogs has existed and evolved over tens of thousands of years and different breeds were developed for different jobs. Chihuahuas in Mexico were bed warmers and watchdogs; Golden and Labrador Retrievers were hunting companions; Great Pyrenees dogs...
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: Dachshunds
These small and spunky dogs were originally scent hound dogs that hunted animals like badgers and foxes but nowadays, they're great family dogs! Dachshunds are short but long dogs with friendly temperaments and high prey drives/wandering potential. They're...
Behind the Breed: Scottish Deerhound
At this year's National Dog Show, the winner was Claire, a lovely Scottish Deerhound. Up until her win, I personally had no idea that Scottish Deerhound was a breed! This large, regal breed is similar to the Irish Wolfhound in...
Behind the Breed: English Bulldogs
These kind and dignified dogs are short in stature but still well-muscled and strong! English Bulldogs are rather iconic dogs and would make a great companion for many, unless you're looking for a running partner! With their relatively flat faces, Bulldogs are prone...
Behind the Breed: Irish Setters.
Learn more about Irish Setters, a wonderful breed with a brilliant red coat.
Talking with Your Dog or Cat.
Bunny, a young sheepadoodle dog, has gained popularity on TikTok for her ability to talk with her owner. No, she hasn't gained the ability to actually say words; instead, she uses buttons that say words! These buttons are augmentative and alternative communication...
Distance Learning Resources.
Covid-19 has drastically changed life as we know it and school is just one aspect that has shifted. Many school districts around the northwest and the country have gone online for the foreseeable future. If your kid is learning online, it can be stressful and...
Behind the Breed: Vizslas
These energetic red dogs are moderately popular in the United States and for good reason! As energetic and affectionate dogs, Vizslas are great family dogs and would make great running partners. Vizslas aren't for those looking for a couch potato in a dog, as they're...
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...
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...
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...