Feature Stories
This Month’s Hot Topics
This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.
Confidence: The Best Gift of All
The best gift we can give any dog is confidence to live in our human world without fearing unfamiliar people, unfamiliar dogs, scary stimuli, and strange scenarios.
The Present of Presence: It’s Already There!
If you share your life with a dog, one of your greatest gifts is right beside you in the relationship you have with them.
‘Tis the Season: Make It a Muttville Holiday!
Muttville and Marin Theatre present The Gift of Nothing, a heartwarming musical based on Patrick McDonnell’s beloved children’s book and his internationally popular comic strip, Mutts.
Sharing Stella’s Sparkle: Become a Secret Santa for a Pet in Need
When Stella arrived, her tiny body had endured so much, yet her spirit was still trusting and loving.
A World of Thanks: Service Dogs and the Gift of Independence
What truly sets service dogs apart is the intensive, specialized training that transforms them into life-changing partners.
Attachment, Gratitude, and the Dogs Who Keep Me Grounded
There's a moment sometimes - usually on an ordinary Tuesday or a lazy Sunday morning - when I look at Chester curled up against my side or Fernando sprawled across the couch like he owns the place, and I feel an overwhelming wave of gratitude.
Thank You, Dogs: A Canine Researcher’s Grateful Look Back
I have always been grateful that my job has also been my passion.
Grateful for Goldens: The Right Dogs at the Right Times
The other night I lay in bed worrying when a cold wet nose suddenly pressed against my hand.
Ouch! How Hidden Pain Can Drive Your Dog’s Behavior
Dogs can’t tell us how they’re feeling. And for that reason, many people aren’t aware how often pain and physical discomfort can influence their dog’s behavior.
It’s a Dog’s Life: Three Keys to Health and Longevity
When we think about canine health and wellness, three key issues immediately come to mind: (1) a dog’s physical health, (2) a dog’s longevity, and (3) a dog’s mental health.
Save Water Access for Dogs at North Point Isabel! Submit Comments by October 20
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) recently published plans for a major maintenance project on North Point Isabel.
Your Dog’s Daily Wellness Checklist: The Three Pillars Approach
“What are some important things that dogs need every day?” I opened my volunteer training session at Berkeley Animal Control with this simple question, and hands shot up around the room.
Beyond the Bowl: Simple Ways to Boost Your Pup’s Food Rewards
Like most dog folks, you probably use food rewards as part of your pup’s training. And of course, you can always simply hand your dog a little treat, but what’s the fun in that?
Fueling the Working K9 on a Budget: How to Feed Your Active Dog Without Breaking the Bank
As a Search and Rescue K9 handler, I need to feed my dog like the canine athlete he is.
101 Uses for a Piece of Kibble
It’s been over 40 years since I first started teaching off-leash puppy socialization and training classes and introduced the use of food lures and food rewards to the world of dog training.
Save the Date, Save a Life! Get Ready for SFAfA’s Annual Penthouse Pawty
Sixty percent of adults in the U.S. do not have $1,000 set aside for an emergency of any kind, let alone a vet bill.
Love On Leashes: Bringing Paws and Purpose to Youth Mental Health
In a world where anxiety, isolation, and stress increasingly weigh on young shoulders, a welcome alternative is stepping up to offer assistance and reassurance - on four legs with a wagging tail.
Can My Dog Play With Yours? Understanding Canine Social Behavior
We all want our dogs to get along with others. But the reality is, not all dogs like all other dogs—and that’s perfectly normal.
Enoch’s Story: From Heartbreaking Neglect to a Life of Love
During the cold, drenching winter storms, a Good Samaritan found the emaciated gray Pit Bull and rushed him to SPCA Monterey County.
Big Dogs, Big Hearts, No Fees: “30 over 35” Campaign Waives Adoption Fees for Eligible Dogs
The “30 Over 35” campaign isn’t just about waiving a fee. It’s about rewriting the narrative around big dogs.