Central Bark

Water Safety Tips from Trupanion

Most dogs can swim, but not all dogs are good at it or like it. Flat-faced dog breeds, like French Bulldogs or Pugs, not only have short snouts but are also top heavy with big chests. If they get too tired trying to stay afloat, they can quickly sink. When bringing your canine companion along to join the fun on ...

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Best Cars for Dog Lovers

According to the Humane Society, the citizens of America own 83 million dogs. Chances are good that at least some of the time we’ll want to bring our four-legged friends with us in the car. From taking our pooches on camping trips to including them on scenic drives around the area, it can be a real joy to take them ...

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The Benefits of Dog Companionship for Senior Communities

By: Karen Acton, Vice President, Resident Care, Sunrise Senior Living As people enter their retirement years, it’s important for them to maintain the special bonds they’ve shared with dogs. This is especially important to help make the transition easier for those moving into an assisted living community. The companionship of a dog encourages residents to stay physically active, promotes socialization ...

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A Painted Pet: The Finished Portrait

This is the fifth and final installment in a series documenting Ollie’s portrait process. Nearly 14 years after I first contemplated commissioning a portrait of my first fur baby Ollie and now it’s finally complete. To be clear, the actual portrait process took less than two weeks. It just took me that long to place the order. Todd Belcher, of ...

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A Painted Pet: Week 4

Pet Portraits

This is the fourth installment in a series documenting Ollie’s portrait process. Ollie’s portrait is nearly complete! I’m still in awe of the intricate details captured by the artist, Todd Belcher, of Jimmydog Design Group. It is true that an artist can really capture the soul of your pet. Normally, the artist would not be giving me a play-by-play update ...

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5 Essential Apps for Dog Owners

Dog Apps

Canine companionship enriches life in many ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, as well as increase an owner’s physical activity level and sociability. And don’t forget the unconditional love, too. For all they do for you, make their health and happiness a priority with help ...

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A Painted Pet: Week 3

Pet Portraits

This is the third installment in a series documenting Ollie’s portrait process. Ollie’s portrait is really starting to take shape now as the artist, Todd Belcher, adds more color and detail. At the top you can see the original photo and to the right is the progress after a few days. It’s fascinating to watch it come together. Getting Ollie’s ...

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A Painted Pet: Week 2

This is the second installment in a series documenting Ollie’s portrait process. I did it. I finally pulled the trigger and commissioned a portrait of my oldest dog, Ollie. I am so excited to see the process each week and am even more excited to get the final product. As I documented, I selected artist Todd Belcher to paint Ollie’s ...

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Coping with the Loss of a Pet

Pet loss

All of the sudden you walk into the door and there is emptiness, you see no pet there to greet you curling around your legs, wagging his tail, attempting to please you, The one who sits at your feet or curls up on your lap with no judgment at all.As a Psychologist, I said to a friend “listening and sharing ...

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