This unassuming, semiaquatic rodent is seen as a nuisance by some but in reality, beavers are significant players in the health of ecosystems and are even vital in stopping wildfires. In addition to providing habitat and a source of water, the ponds and wetlands that...
Behind the Breed: Alaskan Malamute
Big, fluffy, and loyal, this breed is absolutely wonderful and can be quite the character. Like other spitz dogs, Alaskan Malamutes have a thick double coat that helps with temperature regulation and a strong, energetic personality. They were originally bred to be,...
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Roll down your windows and listen close when you’re driving up Northwest Trek’s driveway, as you may be able to hear a couple of wolves howling or elk bugling. This 723-acre zoological park is home to a number of native wildlife and exists in a quiet wooded area an...
Small Business Saturday
For the last few years, the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States has been known as Small Business Saturday, a day people have dedicated to supporting small and/or local businesses. There are so many wonderful small businesses in the Pacific Northwest that...
Behind the Breed: Airedale Terriers
Energetic, spirited, and loving, Airedale Terriers are great companions for those looking for a dog to join in on an active lifestyle. These terriers aren’t typically great with cats and other small animals or as first dogs for novice owners, as they love to chase and...
The ABCs of Shelter Animal Photography
Working in animal welfare and rescue involves every sort of emotion on a daily basis and there are so many ways to work or volunteer in the field. But one of the most wonderful aspects can be taking photos of the adoptable animals to help find them a forever home!...
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...
Behind the Breed: Irish Wolfhounds
Irish wolfhounds, also known as Cú Faoil, are an iconic and rather giant dog breed. Standing 30-32 inches tall at the shoulder, these dogs have a rather lanky but ultimately muscular build and can seem imposing at first glance. However, their calm demeanor and...
Behind the Breed: Cairn Terriers
One of the many terrier breeds the AKC recognizes is the Cairn Terrier! These small dogs have big, cheerful personalities and make great family pets. They have origins in Scotland, particularly on the Island of Skye and were used to root out rodents from mounds of...
Pigeons And Doves
Rats with wings, city chickens, and feathered rodents are just some of the things people call pigeons. But did you know that there is so much more to these birds than humanity’s deeply misguided hatred? Pigeons and doves, their more beloved cousins, are a part of the...
Behind the Breed: Bearded Collies
The Bearded Collie is a happy, bouncy breed that looks very similar to the Old English Sheepdog. Both breeds are in the herding group and can be hard to tell apart from a distance. But Beardies, as they’re also known, have a long tail, several different coat colors, a...
Cat Safe House Plants
After years of not having cats, I forgot that they love to, at the very least, try eating plants. So when my two little rescue cats were old enough, they definitely started eating the house plants I had around the house! I do not have much of a green thumb so the fact...
What Your Favorite Dog Breed Says About You [Part 1]
Humans and dogs have had a close relationship all around the world for tens of thousands of years and thanks to artificial selections, people have been able to hone in on specific physical and behavioral traits in dogs. That has resulted in thousands of different...
Behind the Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are unique-looking dogs with roots in the southern United States. The exact origins of the breed are debated but it’s considered to be the only one with roots in the state of Louisiana, which is why it’s also called the Louisiana Catahoula Dog....
Helping Ukraine
The news and first-hand accounts coming out of Ukraine are heartbreaking, frustrating, gut-wrenching, and so much more. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, roughly 2.7 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighboring countries and the European Union is...
Behind the Breed: Pomeranians
Pomeranians are small, affectionate dogs with foxy faces and gorgeous double coats. These dogs may be tiny in stature but are large in personality and have long been a favorite of royals and commoners alike. Poms are particularly great for novice owners and do great...
American Bison
As the continent’s largest mammal, bison are majestic, incredible animals that have long called North America home and were declared the national mammal for the United States in 2016. But after European colonization of the Americas, the population of these animals...
Behind the Breed: Native American Indian Dog
Dating back thousands of years, the Native American Indian Dog has a wild appearance and patient temperament. The exact origins are unknown and highly debated, including whether or not the breed today is actually a recreation of an extinct breed. Native American...
Getting Ready For Spring – Pets Edition!
After months of short days and long nights, spring finally feels like it's right around the corner! The astrological start to the season doesn't happen until March 20th/21st but there are still plenty of ways you and your pets can get ready for the longer days and...
Dog Parks 101: The History, Rules, and Etiquette Behind the Dedicated Spaces for Man’s Best Friend
Open, green spaces are an incredibly important part of urban cities and one type of these spaces is a dog park! Dog parks are great places for dogs and their owners to spend time outside, socialize, and release some pent-up energy. Relatively speaking, these parks are...
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...