The Best Dog Essentials on Wayfair: A Dog Mom’s Guide
Exciting Finds For a Happier, Calmer Home If you share your life with dogs, then you know the truth:our homes revolve around them — and we wouldn’t have it any other way. With my pack, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve learned that the right dog items don’t just create a prettier home, they create a […]
The Best Dog-Friendly Wine Tasting in California’s San Luis Obispo County
Sipping With Furry Friends in Central California Wine Country Wine tasting with your dog in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County is one of the easiest ways to combine two of life’s great pleasures — exploring beautiful vineyards and adventuring with your best friend. Before Paige Turner joined our family, Seven was my one-and-only road-trip co-pilot, […]
Stress-Free Hotel Stays: Everything You Need to Know for Holiday Travel With Your Dog
With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are considering traveling with their furry family members. I say go for it! Whether you’re checking into a hotel or staying with relatives, traveling with dogs brings its own set of joys… and some amusing challenges. Over the years, I’ve stayed in countless hotels with my dogs, including […]
5 Best Indoor Dog Activities When the Weather Is Frightful
Rainy days, winter winds, and chilly evenings don’t mean the fun has to stop for you and your pup. When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to get creative indoors — keeping your dog’s body active and mind engaged (and saving your sanity in the process!). Whether you’ve got a high-energy herder […]
Why Do Dogs Hoard Their Toys? Instinct, Comfort, and Control
My dogs, Paige Turner and Seven, are notorious hoarders. Paige Turner has a secret stash. Every few days, I find one of her favorite toys—sometimes the squeaky squirrel, sometimes the donut—neatly tucked away as if she’s saving it for later. Seven, on the other hand, prefers treats over toys, unless it’s his big boy ball. […]
Caring for Senior Dogs: Our Canine Kids Deserve the Best 🚗🐾
Don’t Leave Your Aging Dog Behind They may be getting older, but Seven (now 11) and Cousin Rosie (12) still love to go everywhere. Whether it’s a drive to the beach or a trip to the vet (yes, my dogs love their vet), they both hop into the car as if an adventure is just […]
Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
My House Rule: No. 🚫 Nuts That Are Bad for Dogs (and Why) Even though some nuts are technically “non-toxic,” most come with risks that outweigh any reward. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones and why they’re best left out of your dog’s bowl: ❌ Macadamia NutsAmong the most dangerous nuts for […]
10 Amazon Must-Haves Every Dog Owner Swears By
(From a lifelong dog mom and therapy-dog trainer on California’s Central Coast) I’ve been a dog lover all my life, but my serious journey into the dog world began in 2000, when I started training and competing in agility and volunteering with my first certified therapy dog. Since then, I’ve shared my home, heart, and […]
How To Get Your Dog To Wear a Halloween Costume
Including Hats, Sunglasses, and Goggles Halloween is a lot more “pawsome” when your dog is comfortable, safe, and happy to wear a Halloween dog costume. My pups—Seven and Paige Turner—weren’t born with an “I’ll wear a hat” gene; they learned it with reward-based dog training. Start now with short, positive sessions so your dog thinks […]
Is Your Dog Afraid Of Thunderstorms & Fireworks?
What to Do When the World Gets Loud The first boom is never the loudest, but it’s the one that takes my breath away. In my beach town, the sound can roll in from blocks away and still hit like a hammer. My Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, go from relaxed to trembling in […]
Let’s Talk Dog Leashes
Connection, Clarity, and Control The right leash supports clear communication, keeping you and your dog confident and safe. A good leash is more than a tether. It’s a training tool, a safety device, and a language line between two nervous systems—yours and your dog’s. Fit, length, and material all shape how your walks feel and […]
Road-Tripping with Seven & Paige Turner
A Real-World Guide for Happy, Safe Miles Taking your dogs on a road trip takes planning. Even I must prepare, although my 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is outfitted like a dog wagon all the time, with one rear seat folded flat, a big cargo bed, and a spill-proof water bowl for Seven and Paige Turner. When […]
The Hidden Danger of Tennis Balls for Dogs
Tennis balls and fabric-covered dog balls can grind down teeth faster than you think. I learned this the hard way with my Australian Shepherd, Seven. What Happened to Seven During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seven carried a smallish, fabric-covered soccer ball everywhere. I called it his “emotional support ball” and encouraged the habit because it was […]
Celebrate Canine Companions in St. Johnsbury, Vermont
A Dog-Friendly Journey Through History and Natural Beauty When it comes to dog-friendly travel destinations in New England, few places compare to the charm and warmth of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Nestled in the state’s picturesque Northeast Kingdom, this historic town has become a beacon for dog lovers thanks to its crown jewel: Dog Mountain. Although […]
Doggy Summer Vacation in Mammoth Lakes
by Seven 🐾 For my family, summer is the season for one of our favorite traditions: our annual road trip to Mammoth Lakes, California. Each year, Mom loads up the car, and I, along with my little sister Paige Turner, get cozy in the backseat, dreaming of the mountain air and wide-open trails that lie […]
Dog-Friendly Morro Bay: A Pawsome Adventure Awaits!
A Coastal Sanctuary for Me and My Dogs Every summer, while fireworks boom across Santa Barbara and send my dogs into hiding, I pack up the car and head north with Seven and Paige Turner for our annual tradition—a getaway to dog-friendly Morro Bay. It’s the one place we can count on for peace, ocean […]
Dog-Friendly Redding, CA: Outdoor Adventures for You and Your Furry Friend
If you’re seeking the perfect getaway with your pup, dog-friendly Redding, California, is the place to be. Known as a haven for outdoor lovers, Redding has more sunny days annually than anywhere else in the state. With year-round sunshine, picturesque landscapes, and countless adventure opportunities, this dog-friendly Northern California city is ideal for travelers who […]
The Ones Who Were Silenced: A Birthday Tribute To My Dog, Seven
The Ones Who Were Silenced: A Birthday Tribute to My Dog, Seven Tomorrow, my dog Seven turns 11. He doesn’t bark. He can’t. He was de-barked by a breeder when he was just a show dog—silenced, not for misbehavior, but because his voice was inconvenient. That kind of forced quiet hits close to home. Because […]
Woofstock 2024: A Dog-Lover’s Music Festival
Grab your family and dogs for the pawtastic rockin’ music festival: Woofstock 2024. This dog-friendly benefit celebrates the love for animals and supports Marin Humane’s vital work. Give your dogs and family a day to remember at Woofstock 2024! Date and TimeSunday, May 19 · 12 – 5pm PDT LocationMarin Humane171 Bel Marin Keys BoulevardNovato, CA 94949 Celebrate […]
Puptopia Festival 2024 in Austin, TX
Prepare to wag your tails in excitement as something truly extraordinary is coming to the picturesque mountain town of Big Bear in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, July 27th! The annual Puptopia Festival is designed to turn every dog’s dream into a reality by bringing a one-of-a-kind amusement park for you and your furry friend. And the best […]
Tips for Balancing Work & Pet Ownership
By: Cindy Aldridge Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle presents exciting opportunities and unique challenges, especially when accompanied by a pet. This guide equips you with practical advice to manage both your professional endeavors and your pet’s well-being seamlessly. Here, you’ll discover how to select the best destinations, maintain your pet’s health, enhance your skills, and connect with a […]
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom lies a charming town where history, natural beauty, and a profound love for dogs converge. St. Johnsbury, Vermont, offers an enchanting retreat for both two-legged and four-legged adventurers alike. Almost every street corner in this hidden gem whispers tales of the past, and every trail beckons with the […]
A Paw-Some Weekend in Summerland
G’day, mates! Seven here, your friendly Australian Shepherd travel journalist reporting live from the gorgeous and dog-friendly paradise of Summerland in beautiuful Santa Barbara, CA Let me take you on a tail-wagging weekend in this sun-soaked haven where you and your furry mate can unleash some serious fun. Reserve a Dog Friendly Room at Blue Sands Inn A […]
Top Tips for Enjoying Your Outdoor Adventures
By Guest Blogger Cindy Aldridge Having outdoor adventures can be fun for the entire family – especially the family pet. Most dogs love the exercise and exploration that activities like hiking allows them, but it’s important to learn some safety tips before hitting the trails with your four-legged friend. Today, I’ll shares a list of […]
Take Stunning Pictures in the CA Wildflowers
Following the deluge of rain in the Golden State, the wildflower super bloom emerges as a beautiful silver lining. Each spring, Mother Nature bestows upon California a captivating spectacle, dotting the landscape with vibrant hues, particularly in areas where poppies thrive. This year promises a super bloom of unparalleled magnificence, offering an opportunity to snap […]