Canine Anal Glands -- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Some dog owners have the good fortune of never needing to know where or what anal glands are. Others are plagued by them. So what are they? And why bring up such a seemingly gross topic?

Disc Dogs -- Poetry in Motion

If you’ve ever watched disc dogs at work, you’ve seen poetry in motion; the symbiotic fusion of speed, grace, and precision. It’s the canine/human bond as verb.

A New Puppy, A New State of Mind

Ah, the joys of puppies! But what happens when that new pup has to join an established pack of dogs already at home? Integrating a new puppy into a pack of established dogs isn’t easy, but it's something we’ve been working on for a couple of weeks. We recently adopted a 6-month-old male muttster pup, Fenway, into our pack. He’s small, sweet and has the most wonderfully balanced energy. While his integration has not been without challenges, we’re getting close to having it all sorted out.

Elevation Burger Makes an Impression in Hamburger-Happy Dallas

You’re probably tired of spotting a new burger place every week, and have even less desire to try them all out. Or maybe you’re an In-N-Out devotee, in which case this article will fall on deaf ears. But if you’re interested in good, honest burgers made with good ingredients, not snobby or trendy burgers, then Elevation Burger is the place for you.

A Crack in the Earth -- The Montmorillonite Story

With Dallas early morning temperatures in the low 90’s these days, Arwen and I walked quickly, avoiding deep cracks in the soil. Each summer we’ve lived here, I’ve been amazed at the soil’s cracks. This is a phenomenon I’ve never seen or experienced elsewhere. Many of the cracks on our path today seem to be growing exponentially with each rain-less, hot day. I was intrigued to know why.

A First Look, an Introduction

All relationships begin with an introduction. But that’s just the beginning. For a relationship to thrive, there has to be a common passion, interest, love. We will share our love for dogs.

Pit Boss Shorti Rossi in Dallas for Rock-A-Bully 2011 Benefit

Rock-a-Bully 2011 is a great event coming up this weekend to help out our Fido friends. Shorti Rossi of Animal Planet’s Pit Boss, his famous pooch, Hercules, and fellow co-star Ashley Brooks will be at Lee Harvey’s in Dallas this Sunday, Oct 9, from 3-10 p.m. to help raise money for pit bull rescue and speak about breed specific legislation (BSL). Proceeds will benefit Shorty’s Charities, Animal Rescue of Texas, and Dog Star Pit Bull Rescue.

Over the River: Revisiting Oak Cliff's Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff boasts some beautifully refurbished and repurposed early 20th century architecture, as well as a quirky, small-town attitude that welcomes pedestrians, bikers and pets equally. So clear you calendar Saturday night and head west: It's time to revisit the Bishop Arts District.

Dallas Diva Dog or Maybe Somewhere in the Middle?

Some Dallas dogs live the diva lifestyle. They eat home cooked meals out of artist-inspired ceramic handmade bowls. They wear designer clothes and sleep on doggie feather beds. Then there are the dogs who live outdoors ...

Cutting Back Fido's Food the Easy Way

The advice from the vet is always the same: "Max needs to lose some weight." We've heard it before, but it's frustrating. We know the benefits of having a lean dog, but how do we help our dogs lose those unwanted pounds? How do we deny those enormous, pleading eyes? Here are some strategies to try.

Exhaling Gratefully Into The Great Wide Open

One of the first things we noticed about Dallas was the availability of open land. Having moved here from the crowded Northeast, we were struck by how much space there was to spread out and exhale.

Dive Dallas and the Art of Coastal Cuisine

If you’re ready to mix-up your weeknight dinner routine, head over to Dive. Located on Rankin Street at Hillcrest, Dive offers some of the freshest, tastiest food around.

The Dog Days of Summer Pet Food Drive

We’re all getting older. Each day, hour by hour, we’re making our way into our senior years. Hopefully, we can each look back on the life we’ve lived and feel we’ve done some good – doing kind, generous and merciful acts.

A Beginner's Guide to Yoga in Dallas: Tips, Products and Studios

Yoga has turned into the Starbucks of the Dallas workout scene; you can’t go three blocks without seeing a studio. But this is a good thing because if you’ve ever thought about trying it now's the perfect time to give it a shot.

Could Your Dog Be Dehydrated?

Our heat just won’t go away. Like a deadbeat uncle “just crashing for a few days,” it’s long since overstayed its welcome. Watching plants wither and the soil crack is becoming old news. Enter water. Where would we be without its life giving powers? Heat and dehydration are going hand in hand in drought-stricken Texas, with the Red Cross reporting a 46% increase in required disaster responses. Are you keeping your Dallas dog hydrated?

Waking Up in Dallas: Adventure in the Life Ahead

Time has an unusual characteristic to those who watch it closely: it makes even the most monumental of changes appear to be inconsequential while they are happening.

Summer Vacation Means a Pet Sitter, Boarding ... or Going With

As the summer weeks pass, I see more and more people taking those hard-earned vacations. But what to do with your pets while you’re away?

Fireworks Are Frightening to Dogs!

I love going places with the dogs – festivals, parks, even the drive-through! But not this weekend! This is one weekend that’s a mandatory stay at home for my pups.

Check Out Your Many Options for Yoga Classes

There are many places offering a variety of yoga classes, from the YMCA to private studios. Do a little research online and check out your options before you go.

Are Veterinarians Undercover Vampires?

Are veterinarians and their nurses vampires in disguise? During exams, why do they always want to draw your dog’s blood? Oftentimes this is an uncomfortable moment between health practitioner and pet parent.

Big Dogs in the Big D

People love their dogs to death. Literally. A little extra cookie here and there and the next thing you know, Fido can’t run as far, can’t jump as high, or can’t walk for as long as he used to when he was leaner. Canine obesity is one of the biggest health risks facing our dogs today. With Texas-sized portions, fried food everywhere and this summer’s killer heat, Dallas dogs are putting on the pounds. If not curbed, this trend is a recipe for painful health problems and a shorter life.

The Journey to Dallas

Our pack is nomadic. We’ve traveled along the East coast for the past several years. Three years ago, a business opportunity sprung from a friend of Matt’s -- one too good to refuse. We decided to leave Maine’s struggling economy and head for greener pastures -- in Dallas.

Doggie Paddling Through the Long, Hot Summer

The heat is on us in Dallas and even the dogs enjoy the water at this time of the year. It's great exercise for them, too. But they all require supervision, especially those still developing their swimming skills.

Hot Dogs and the People Who Love Them

Our air conditioning went out for a few hours last week. I sat in the dark, with the blinds drawn, the girls panting quietly at my feet. I put a call in to the maintenance department when it became clear to me that the heat wasn’t just the normal afternoon heat increase from the sun beating on my apartment’s western façade.