CELEBRATING NATIONAL WOLF AWARENESS WEEK: HONORING THE MAJESTY OF WOLVES- GREAT ANCESTOR OF DOGS (Updated with 2025 info, dates, etc.)

• We are Re-Releasing this Article we Originally Published on October 13, 2024 in Celebration of

  “ National Wolf Awareness Week” October 20-26, 2024. Last year October 2024

  *We were able to go to the National History Museum of Los Angeles, view the Wolves Exhibit by Ronan Donovan National Geographic Photographer and attend the discussion on Wolves in the Western United States to meet, listen to and speak with some members of the panel including: Ronan Donovan: Photographer, Axel Hunnicutt: California Division Of Fish & Wildlife/Gray Wolf Coordinator, Dr. Kaggie Orrick: California Wolf Project, Kirk Wilbur: VP Government Affairs- California Cattlemen’s Association, and Kacey Manjarrez from WolfConnection.org * Be sure to stop in Now Thru June 2025 to see the Wolves Exhibit.

• This year, October 2025- Ronan Donovan; National Geographic Wildlife Photographer and Biologist will have his latest works on Display in Lodi, Italy.* SEE PARAGRAPH BELOW WITH DETAILS and more about Ronan Donovan and his work with wolves.

If it were not for Wolves, there would be no modern day dogs.  Yes, that’s right. Did you realize this?…

The Dog Goddess, being the Worldwide Compassionate Community of Dog Lovers we are, would love to share more with you about these beautiful, intelligent, family-oriented creatures and how you too can learn more and help to raise awareness about them.

Each year, during the third week of October, we celebrate National Wolf Awareness Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness about wolves, their ecological importance, and the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. Wolves are iconic for their intelligence, social bonds, and resilience, and they play a critical role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. This week encourages us to learn about these magnificent creatures and the many ways we can support their continued survival.

Why Wolves Matter

Wolves, as apex predators, are what is referred to as a ‘keystone’ species. This means that all other species rest upon the role of wolves. Wolves regulate prey populations, such as deer and elk, allowing plants and forests to regenerate. This ecological balance fosters biodiversity—a phenomenon known as a trophic cascade. Beyond their role in nature, wolves represent wilderness and resilience, and their complex social structures continue to captivate biologists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Wolves have unfortunately faced centuries of persecution and deep misunderstanding. Although wolf populations in certain regions have begun to recover, they continue to face threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and debates over their legal protection. Conservation efforts rely on advocacy from individuals, organizations, and communities to ensure that wolves thrive in their natural habitats.

Wolves and Advocates in the Western U.S.

California and other Western U.S. states, including Oregon and Washington, have become focal points for wolf conservation efforts. These states, home to critical wolf populations, have seen increased interest in both protecting and coexisting with wolves. Local organizations, government agencies, and advocates are working to promote awareness and action.

California: Wolves were declared extinct in California in the 1920s, but the species made a return when OR-7, a lone wolf, crossed into the state in 2011. Since then, California has seen the emergence of small wolf packs, including the Lassen Pack. California Wolf Center, located in Julian,CA focuses on education, research, and advocacy for wolves, hosting events and webinars for the public to learn more about the species and their return to the Golden State. The California Wolf Center also actively engages with ranchers and policymakers to promote peaceful coexistence between wolves and humans.

Oregon: With the establishment of the Oregon Wolf Plan, the state has worked to balance wolf recovery with livestock protection. Oregon is home to thriving wolf populations, such as the Wenaha Pack and Rogue Pack, and efforts to ensure their continued survival include collaboration between conservationists, ranchers, and government agencies. Organizations like Oregon Wild advocate for the protection of wolves while educating the public about their critical role in ecosystems.

Washington: The Pacific Wolf Coalition, a partnership of groups throughout Washington and Oregon, focuses on wolf conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Washington’s wolf population continues to grow, particularly in the Northeastern part of the state. Conservation Northwest, one of the coalition members, works to promote coexistence between wolves and local communities while advocating for the preservation of wolves under state laws.

Image Courtesy of Getty Images

National Geographic Photographer Ronan Donovan and His Work with Wolves

Ronan Donovan, a renowned National Geographic photographer, has spent years documenting the lives of wolves, capturing their social dynamics, behaviors, and the challenges they face in the wild. His stunning photography brings the wild beauty and complexities of wolves into sharp focus, encouraging deeper empathy and understanding for these misunderstood creatures.

Donovan’s most famous work on wolves centers on the packs of Yellowstone National Park, where he spent extensive time documenting their lives in the wild. His photography has captured the intimate bonds between pack members, the importance of cooperative hunting, and the essential role wolves play in maintaining Yellowstone’s ecological balance.

Beyond Yellowstone, Donovan embarked on an extraordinary journey to Ellesmere Island in the high Arctic, where he spent months living alongside the wild Arctic white wolves—wolves that had never before encountered humans. This experience offered Donovan a rare glimpse into the lives of wolves unafraid of human presence, providing him with unparalleled insight into their behavior in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth.

The Arctic white wolves on Ellesmere Island are unique in that they are not habituated to humans, allowing Donovan to observe their natural behaviors without the fear or aggression that wolves in more human-populated areas sometimes exhibit. Donovan learned that these wolves are incredibly social, working together as a family unit in the harsh Arctic tundra. He also observed how they efficiently hunt muskox and hares, showcasing their adaptability and resilience in a landscape where resources are scarce.

Donovan’s work on Ellesmere Island highlighted the raw beauty and purity of wolves living in one of the last true wildernesses on Earth. His time there not only deepened his understanding of wolf behavior but also reinforced the importance of preserving wild spaces where animals can thrive without human interference.

This October 2024, during National Wolf Awareness Week, Ronan Donovan will debut his much-anticipated exhibit, “The Wild World of Wolves”, at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. This exhibit will feature some of Donovan’s most iconic wolf photography, including images from Yellowstone and his work with the Arctic wolves on Ellesmere Island. The exhibit will include a special panel discussion on October 20, 2024, where Donovan and leading wolf biologists will discuss the future of wolf conservation, the lessons learned from observing these majestic creatures, and how photography plays a critical role in raising public awareness about wolf conservation.

*The exhibit will also include a special panel discussion, where Donovan and these leading wolf biologists will discuss the future of wolf conservation, the challenges these animals face in a changing world, and the role that photography plays in driving public awareness. * Please feel free to contact the National History Museum of Los Angeles for more information. While we wish we could include some of Ronan Donovan’s Images, you’ll have to go see the Wolves Exhibit to check it out.

The above photo is Credited to Getty Images. The photos Ronan Donovan is sharing now will be on display in Lodi, Italy according to this post September 30, 2025 by Ronan Donovan on Instagram where he says: A new photo exhibit of mine - titled 'The Wolves of the High Arctic' - is now on display outdoors in Lodi Italy trough the @fotografiaetica until October 26th 2025. I have released new imagery of the Polygon Wolf Pack that has never been seen by the public. I will be there the last weekend of October 25/26 for an artist talk and other public programming. This outdoor exhibit will introduce visitors to the daily lives of wolves in the Arctic—how they hunt, play, travel, and rest in one of the harshest environments on Earth—with unparalleled intimacy.
 He goes on to say:
“My work as a National Geographic Storytelling Fellow, wildlife biologist, and conservation photographer has always been to mend the rift between modern humans and the more than human world. Through visual, written and spoken stories, I strive to capture the intimate rhythms of family bonds, shared challenges, and ancient behaviors that call us back to our wild selves. My photography and film reveal that the boundaries we imagine between ourselves, and nature are illusions—reminding us, as Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote, “It has been said that people of the modern world suffer a great sadness, a “species loneliness”—estrangement from the rest of Creation. We have built this isolation with our fear, with our arrogance, and with our homes brightly lit against the night.” Before Kimmerer, Rachel Carson said that, “man’s endeavors to control nature by his powers to alter and to destroy would inevitably evolve into a war against himself, a war he would lose unless he came to terms with nature.”
 
I believe, as the above wisdom speaks to, that our path forward to honor and preserve both the natural systems on this planet and the health of ourselves could be to rewild ourselves in whatever ways we can. To remember that we are part of Earth, not apart from it. In doing so, I’ve felt more aliveness, more connection, more grief and love, and a felt sense of my place amongst my fellow humans.”
 
📍Location of the outdoor exhibit:
Public Garden, Giardini Viale IV Novembre
26900 Lodi, Province of Lodi, Italy

Thank you Mr. Ronan Donovan. * to learn more* copy/paste the link into your favorite browser https://www.instagram.com/p/DPPjxTCEvAC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

How You Can Get Involved

Mother and Baby Wolf Sleeping

During National Wolf Awareness Week, there are many ways you can support wolf conservation:

1. Attend Events: Join local or virtual events hosted by organizations like the International Wolf Center, Defenders of Wildlife, and regional advocacy groups. These events provide opportunities to learn more about wolves and their critical role in ecosystems.

2. Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations that work to protect wolves, such as the California Wolf Center and Conservation Northwest. Your support helps fund research, advocacy, and education initiatives aimed at protecting wolf populations.

3. Raise Awareness: Share information about wolves on social media, participate in discussions about wolf conservation, and encourage others to learn more about the importance of protecting these apex predators.

4. Get Involved Locally: *Many states have regional wolf advocacy groups that offer opportunities for volunteers. Whether through habitat restoration, educational outreach, or wildlife monitoring, you can help make a difference.

   A Future Where Wolves Thrive

   National Wolf Awareness Week reminds us of the critical role wolves play in our ecosystems and the continued efforts needed to protect them. Through the dedication of advocates like Ronan Donovan, local and regional organizations, and individual supporters, we can help ensure that wolves not only survive but thrive for generations to come. Let’s use this week to engage, learn, and take action for these magnificent creatures and the wild spaces they call home.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. JANE GOODALL- FAMOUS LAST WORDS

A MESSAGE FROM DR. JANE GOODALL- FAMOUS LAST WORDS

Jane Goodall’s final message is an invitation to carry her work forward.  Her “famous last words” inspire us to act with courage, kindness, and reverence for life.  All Life.  They are a reminder that each one of us has the power inside of us to make a difference, to protect the Earth, and to honor the animals with whom we share this planet.

This is the Seventh Journal Article in the series of Seven from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute to Jane Goodall”. We encourage you to share all of them and watch their accompanying videos and share them as well.

At The Dog Goddess, a Compassionate Community of Dog Lovers Worldwide, we echo her call.  By helping humans understand dogs, wolves, horses, and dolphins, we bridge worlds and hearts.  Every rescued dog, every wolf honored, every wild horse celebrated, every dolphin understood- these actions continue Jane’s legacy.  Our work is to illuminate the sacred connections that bind us all, guiding humanity to step forward as more compassionate guardians of life.

Jane’s answer when asked, “What is your favorite animal and why? may have surprised some, and yet, not others. Her answer was, “ My favorite animal altogether is a dog because dogs have taught me so much and dogs are faithful, and dogs give Unconditional Love, and I don’t like to think of a world without dogs.”

Like Jane, We believe that there is a deep emotional bond between humans and dogs, highlighting their personalities and their feelings.

COME JOIN OUR PACK! AND LET’S UNITE IN CONNECTING HUMANS AND OUR BELOVED ANIMAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

REASONS FOR HOPE ABOUT THE PLANET’S FUTURE

JANE GOODALL - “REASONS FOR HOPE ABOUT THE PLANET’S FUTURE”

#janegoodall #the_dog_goddess #dogs #wolves #horses #dolphins #animals #nature #wild #planet #earth #hope #love

Even in the face of climate challenges, environmental degradation, and human conflict, Jane Goodall offered hope. She taught that small, mindful actions, along with what is now referred to as ‘heart-brain coherence’ , when combined, create profound change.  Every tree planted, every rescued animal, every community educated about sustainability contributes to a healthier planet.

Lioness And Cubs- Credit: Colin Watts-Unsplash

This is the Sixth In A Seven Part Series of Journal Articles from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute To Jane Goodall’. We encourage you to read and share all of them and watch their accompanying videos and share them as well. The Dog Goddess mission aligns with this philosophy.  By teaching humans to understand and respect dogs, wolves, horses, dolphins, and other animals, we foster stewardship, compassion, and awareness.  Animals are guides to inspire hope: they remind us that our actions matter and that we are capable of positive transformation.  Through connection, observation, and care, humans can become active participants in preserving life on Earth.

COME JOIN OUR PACK! AND LET’S UNITE IN CONNECTING HUMANS AND OUR BELOVED ANIMAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

DR. JANE GOODALL REFLECTS ON A LIFE OF BRIDGE-BUILDING

Jane Goodall’s work has always been about ‘building bridges’- between species, between humans and nature, and between hearts.  Her research connected us to the emotional lives of chimpanzees, while her advocacy connected us to the responsibility we all have to care for the Earth.  Mother Earth.

DR. JANE GOODALL REFLECTS ON A LIFETIME OF BRIDGE-BUILDING

#janegoodall #the_dog_goddess #bridgebuilding #bridge #liaison #animals #wild #environment #dogs #wolves #horses #dolphins #cats #chimpanzees #nature

The Dog Goddess carries a similar philosophy.  This is the Fifth article in a Series of Seven from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute To Jane Goodall.’ *We encourage you to read and share all of them and watch their accompanying videos and share those as well. By fostering connections between humans and animals- particularly dogs, wolves, horses, and dolphins- we create pathways for understanding, empathy, and protection.  Our mission is to clearly demonstrate to humans that these animals are intelligent, compassionate, and worthy of our respect and protection.  Through storytelling, observation, and education, we continue Jane’s bridge-building legacy, inviting all to step closer to the natural world and to see themselves as part of a larger global family of life.  You can join us as a ‘liaison between the human and animal realms’.

Mother and Baby Wolf Sleeping In The Forest

COME JOIN OUR PACK! AND LET’S UNITE IN CONNECTING HUMANS AND OUR BELOVED ANIMAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

WE ARE A PART OF NATURE, NOT APART FROM IT

Humans often forget that we are not separate’ from nature- we are part of an intricate web of life.  Jane Goodall’s observations remind us that every action has a ripple effect.

When we destroy habitats, mistreat animals, or pollute ecosystems, we are affecting ourselves just as much as as the creatures around us.

We Are A Part of Nature, Not Apart From It.

Jane Goodall Speaks at Stockholm Climate Week.

#Janegoodall #climate #nature #the_dog_goddess #dogs #wolves #horses #dolphins #humans

We Are A Part Of Nature, Not Apart From It. Dolphins Swimming In Ocean. Credit: Mike Dierken-Unsplash

This is the Fourth article in a Series of Seven from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute To Jane Goodall’. We encourage you to read and share all of them and to watch and share the accompanying videos as well. At The Dog Goddess, we emphasize that dogs, wolves, horses, and dolphins are not merely companions or entertainers, ( they should NEVER be looked at as any form of entertainment)- these beloved animal brothers and sisters are teachers of empathy, guardians of the natural order, and they are mirrors of our own behavior.  Through understanding and respecting their needs, behaviors, and instincts, we reconnect with nature and ourselves.  Each moment observing, rescuing, or simply honoring these animals is in itself, an ‘act of reverence’ - a continuation of Jane’s mission to ‘remind humanity’ that we ‘belong in the great circle of life.’

COME JOIN OUR PACK! AND LET’S UNITE IN CONNECTING HUMANS AND OUR BELOVED ANIMAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

Lessons from a lifetime defending nature

Jane Goodall’s lifetime is a lesson in dedication, courage, and deep compassion.

Beginning with her immersive research in the Gombe Stream National park, she revealed the intelligence, emotions, and social complexity of chimpanzees, fundamentally changing ‘how’ humans ‘perceive’ the Natural world.  But her work didn’t stop there- in fact it was only just beginning to unfold.

Jane became an activist, a teacher, and a Global Advocate, reminding all of us that protecting nature requires persistent, mindful effort.

Lessons From a Lifetime Defending Nature.

“ A Lifetime Defending Nature, Jane Goodall’s lessons are ‘reminders’ that we, too, are ‘Guardians’ of the Earth.

Herd Of Horses, Mares and Foals Walking In Green Field- Credit: Unsplash

The Dog Goddess aligns with this vision. *This is the Second in a Series of Seven Articles from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute To Jane Goodall’. We encourage you to read and share all of them and watch their accompanying videos and share them as well. Just as Jane encouraged humans to understand and defend wildlife, we encourage humans to connect with dogs, wolves, horses and dolphins as sentient wise beings with lessons to share.  From guiding humans to ‘respect’ wolf ancestry in our domestic dogs, to teaching about the Spirit and freedom of our Wild Horses, we create a ‘bridge’ between species, reflecting Jane’s philosophy : “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what ‘kind’ of difference you want to make. “

Come Join our Pack! and let’s Unite in connecting humans and our beloved animal brothers and sisters all over the world.

IN HER 20’S JANE GOODALL STEPPED INTO THE FOREST

In her mid twenties, Jane Goodall embarked on a journey that would forever alter the human understanding of animals.  With no formal training on primatology, she relied on her own curiosity, patience, and empathy to observe the chimpanzees of Gombe.  Her work reveals intelligence, emotion, and the social bonds that challenged ‘conventional’ scientific thought.

In Her 20’s Jane Goodall Stepped Into The Forest.

#janegoodall #the_dog_goddess #dogs #animals #chimpanzees #love #nature #gombestreamnationalpark #wild

This is the Third article in a Series of Seven Articles from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute To Jane Goodall.’ We encourage you to read and share all of them and watch their accompanying videos and share them as well.

This fearless pursuit of understanding mirrors The Dog Goddess mission.  We, too, guide humans to step into the lives of animals with openness and reverence.  Dogs teach us love, loyalty, and patience, wolves teach us ancestry, family, and instinct, horses teach us grace, beauty, kindness, and power, and dolphins teach us playfulness, communication, and empathy.  By ‘honoring’ these lessons, humans can rediscover the sacred bond between species, fostering a deeper awareness and care for all life.

COME JOIN OUR PACK! AND LET’S UNITE IN CONNECTING HUMANS AND OUR BELOVED ANIMAL BROTHERS AND SITERS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

Hope is what keeps us moving forward

Chimpanzee in Forest- Credit: Unsplash- Simone Dinoia

Hope is more than a fleeting emotion; it is the foundation of courage, resilience, and purpose.  Jane Goodall’s life reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty, hope is what ‘drives’ action.  From her early years observing chimpanzees in the forests of Gombe, to her global advocacy for wildlife and the environment, she has demonstrated that one individual’s commitment can ripple across the entire world.

“Why We Should Be Hopeful”

“Hope is what keeps us moving forward”

#JaneGoodall #hope #the_dog_goddess #dogsandwolves #animalspirits

At The Dog Goddess, we mirror this mission by inspiring humans to see dogs, wolves, horses and dolphins, as well as other animals not as separate beings, but as guides and teachers.  This is the first of Seven journal articles from The Dog Goddess as a ‘Tribute to Jane Goodall’ . We encourage you to read and share all of them, and watch their accompanying videos as well. Hope is the sacred thread ‘connecting’ humans to these animals, helping us to understand the sacred interdependence of life.  By embracing hope in our own daily actions- rescuing a dog, protecting a wild horse, or advocating for dolphin conservation- we honor Jane’s legacy and ignite positive change in our communities all over the world. Come Join our Pack! and Let’s Unite In connecting humans and our beloved animal brothers and sisters all over the world.

THE HEART AND SOUL OF DOGS- WHY EVERY DAY SHOULD BE INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY

In a world where special days are set aside to honor and celebrate various aspects of life, International /National Dog Day stands out as a beacon of recognition for our loyal canine companions. While this dedicated day each year is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the joy and love that dogs bring into our lives, it’s worth considering why these incredible animals deserve more than just one day of recognition. In truth, every day should be celebrated as International/National Dog Day, given the profound and multifaceted ways dogs enrich our lives.

The Unwavering Loyalty and Unconditional Love

At the core of the human-canine relationship is an extraordinary bond defined by unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. Dogs have an innate ability to connect with humans on a deeply emotional level, often providing companionship and comfort during times of need. This bond is not only heartwarming but also scientifically significant. Most ‘dog people’ already know this and now Scientific Research has shown that interactions with dogs can lead to reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and enhanced overall emotional well-being. * Check out our article on Oxytocin and the powerful bond created by dogs and humans.

The Role of Dogs in Enhancing Human Lives

1. Emotional Support and Mental Health: Dogs have long been recognized for their therapeutic benefits. They offer emotional support and companionship, which is especially valuable for individuals facing mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. *The simple act of petting a dog has been shown to release endorphins, boost oxytocin, and reduce cortisol levels, all of which contribute to improved mental health.

2. Physical Health and Well-being: Beyond emotional support, dogs also play a role in encouraging physical activity. Regular walks and playtime not only benefit the dog, but also help keep their human companions active and healthy. This aspect of dog ownership promotes cardiovascular health, aids in weight management, and enhances overall physical fitness for both parties.  Not to mention, when you think about it, how many of the people you have met thru your dogs being interested enough to stop and ’introduce’ you, would you have even talked with these people if it were not for your dogs?… Dogs are naturally social creatures and help us humans to become more so as well.  You have their great ancestor the Wolf to thank for this. If it were not for Wolves, we humans would not have the hundreds of recognized domestic dog breeds and mixed breeds that we know today. Curious, friendly wolves bonded with our human ancestors thousands of years ago and it was through this unique connection that both humans and wolves/dogs evolved in various ways. Through dogs, we can develop friendships that might have otherwise passed us by.

3. Assistance and Service: Many dogs serve as guide dogs for the visually impaired, therapy dogs in hospitals, and service dogs for individuals with various disabilities. Their specialized training and innate abilities make them indispensable in various aspects of support and assistance, showcasing their profound impact on improving quality of life.

Celebrating Dogs Every Day!

Given the extensive benefits that dogs bring to our lives, it is only fitting that we honor them every day. While International/National Dog Day provides a focused opportunity to celebrate and appreciate dogs, acknowledging their value should be a continuous practice. Here are a few ways to ensure that every day reflects the spirit of International/National Dog Day:

1. Daily Acts of Kindness: Small gestures of love and care, such as regular walks, quality playtime, and attentive grooming, can make a significant difference in a dog's happiness and health.

2. Advocacy and Awareness: Supporting animal welfare organizations and advocating for responsible pet ownership helps improve the lives of dogs in need. Spreading awareness about adoption and rescue can contribute to the well-being of countless dogs.

3. Cherishing the Bond: Taking quality time each day to appreciate the unique bond shared with a dog reinforces the special relationship between humans and their canine companions. Whether through a gentle pat, a warm hug, or simply spending quality time together, these moments of connection are invaluable.

Happy International Dog Day

Dogs embody the essence of unconditional love, loyalty, and pure joy. Their impact on our lives is profound and far-reaching, making every day a celebration of their presence. While National Dog Day provides a designated time to honor these remarkable animals, recognizing their significance and celebrating them daily is a tribute to the heart and soul they bring into our lives. Let us embrace the spirit of International/National Dog Day every day, cherishing the companionship, support, and boundless love that dogs so generously offer.

DO DOGS ACTUALLY NEED TO BE TAKEN FOR WALKS?

Out for a Walk In Nature

Yes, it’s just like for humans- a dog’s overall well being includes needing to be out and about on walks; preferably in a natural surrounding; even a neighborhood park.

If you are a pet parent/guardian and you think that just putting them out in the yard or on a patio is enough, think again.

You need to take your dog for walks for many of the same reasons you need to take your self for more walks including: exercise, mental stimulation, air circulation, sunshine, and more opportunities for safe socialization.

Here’s why regular walks are essential for dogs:

* Physical Health

Daily walks are essential for maintaining a healthy body weight and helping to prevent becoming obese; which we all know is unhealthy for all living sentient creatures.

* Joints and Muscle Health:Regular physical activity like daily walks helps to maintain both joint health and healthy oxygenated muscles, bones and blood; reducing the risk of mobility and other health problems. 

* Cardiovascular Health: Walks will obviously improve cardiovascular health and be beneficial to your dog’s overall well-being. 

* Mental Health and Well-being:

* Stimulation and Socialization: Walks in a safe environment like a friendly, neighborhood park can help to provide mental stimulation allowing your dog to walk with you exploring and experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells while helping to prevent boredom and frustration.  All creatures love learning new things in a safe environment. Nothing is better to a dog than knowing he/she can be out and about with you going places and doing things both familiar and new.  They just LOVE being with us and sharing in life’s experiences.  Observing what/who we react to and why helps us both to know and understand one another better. Remember, dogs ‘read’ energy and ‘tune into’ not just the environment we are in, but to how we humans act or re-act to it. * I’ve always said that “Energy travels up and down the leash.”

Walking Your Dog In A Safe Environment

* Stress Relief: Exercise helps release stress and anxiety, promoting a calmer and happier dog and most usually a healthier, happier human pet parent as well.

*If you are going to skip walks with your dog, you do need to remember that ‘rain or shine, snow or wind’, it is necessary for you to dress appropriately and if need be to get them dressed for the weather as well, and this should be a ‘given’ but you’d be surprised, maybe even shocked about how often we get asked the questions about ‘how often’ to take the dogs out to go to the bathroom, so- take them out to do their bathroom business as often as you would need to do yours. First thing when you get up in the morning you have to relieve your bladder.  So do they.  After you wake up from a nap or something ‘startling’ you have to go to the bathroom. So do they.  After you eat and or drink alot you have to go.  So do they.  You have to go again right before you go to bed for the nite. So do they.  This is all ‘common sense’.   Yes,You can skip the adventure and exploration walks on those days of inclement weather if you wish and instead learn how to play ‘indoor’ games such as hide and seek, find me, games with a lighted /squeaky ball, and perhaps some fun, interactive puzzle games together.    If you both love to get out and about no matter what the weather, great, there’s that option too.  Please DO Consider your dog’s feelings and thoughts about this as well as your own.  Sometimes dogs are only doing things because they ‘read’ that it pleases us, and they are not into it at all, and sometimes it’s the other way around.  Learn to read one another and live lovingly and respectfully together. Have fun. Learn what it’s like to be a dog. Be a good pet parent or guardian.

How You And Your Pets Can Live Safely And Peacefully With Coyotes

We had originally written this article on coyotes regarding the return of warmer temperatures, however, the information contained in the article is pertinent to all seasons.

Did you know that Coyotes play a very important role in our ecosystem by controlling rodents and other potential disease carrying animals often times referred to as ‘pests’?…  Coyotes are often more active in the Spring and Fall because they need extra food for their young pups, and like most intelligent, resourceful creatures, they remain active all year round; especially at dawn and at dusk.   Just so that you are aware- in Most parts of the USA/North America; January- March is Coyote Mating season. This means that coyotes will be out and about searching for a compatible mate and looking for or creating places to serve as their family home- otherwise known as a ‘Den’ in the Canine world. Please do be Respectful and know that these creatures have just as much of a right to be here as any other, and all they want to do is create and raise their little families in peace and harmony with as little interaction with humans as possible. * It’s a bit ironic, but in Summer months, that is also the time that is the smartest for all animals, including us humans, to go out exercising ourselves and our pets; so just be aware. Not afraid or ‘fearful’; aware.

Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits, but as highly intelligent, resourceful creatures they will take advantage of any available food source including pet food, garbage, and wild animals such as the red fox, and domestic animals such as small dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.

You can help protect yourself, your pets, your property, and the coyotes themselves by following some Simple “Common Sense” Tips.

Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes no matter how cute they may look

Do not leave uneaten pet food outside

Pick up your pet’s waste

Bring pets inside at night and do not leave them outside unattended-ever; they are ‘pets’ and depend on you for love, comfort, protection, and survival.

Put garbage in tightly closed containers that coyotes and any stray domestic animals like cats, dogs, raccoons, possum, etc. cannot tip over.

Remove easy sources of water

Pick up fallen fruit from your trees- *a coyote’s diet consists of approximately 25% fruit, and remember to cover your compost piles, and DO consider a fence if need be.

Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote ‘prey’.

Install motion sensor lights, as coyotes do NOT like bright lights and loud noises.   * Just remember to ‘be courteous to your neighbors’ and not to install a ‘disco’ atmosphere, or you may get a call from your local HOA or City Code Enforcement.

Remember, If followed by a coyote, make loud noises, or if the coyotes do happen to get aggressive, which is not typical; you could get loud and throw rocks to ‘scare’ them away.  * we are NOT saying throw rocks to hit or hurt them.  We are saying for their own well being as well as yours and your pet’s, do not ever turn your back on them, and ‘yes’ do get loud and throw rocks IF you or your pets feel aggressively threatened by them.

*Share these tips with your neighbors*

A Natural part of our mountains and deserts, and countryside, beautiful coyotes are here to stay; because after all, this was their home FIRST, way before humans ever built their homes here and it will always be their home.  We can be respectful of one another.  You can do your part to encourage coyotes to remain in the wild where they are most safe and comfortable, by not doing anything foolish to attract them.  *Leave them alone to raise their families in peace and harmony with nature as they were meant to do, and they will leave you alone.

You and your pets will live more peacefully with coyotes if you have less contact with them and if they remain wary of you as humans. This is true for ALL wildlife species, including the squirrels you feed in your local parks. Remember- they have families they love, care about and protect, just the same as we humans do. Be respectful.