Welcome to Bay Woof, June 2025

“YOU BETTER WORK!”

Drag royalty RuPaul may have been singing about supermodels when she launched her 1992 dance club classic. But for our money, there are few things more beautiful than a highly trained working dog focused on their task. They may be life savers, service animals, search-and-rescue dogs, or household companions focused on their job. But whatever the mission, they perform it with style, grace, and a single-minded intensity that leaves us breathless. What’s not to love?

This Pride month, our dog-centric experts work it, too, with an inside look at the multifaceted world of working dogs. Galina Zhitomirsky lets us in on the fascinating history of some of the better known working breeds. Dan Perdios explains how a hearing dog changed his life. Estelle Weber of the Search Dog Foundation shares news about the organization’s training opportunities for other working dog groups. And behavior consultant Kirsten Wojcik discusses the need for a better understanding of what drives dogs who are bred to work - and how sometimes the kindest thing is to just let them be.

Continuing with the working theme, Nose for News spotlights recent headlines about working dogs (good and bad), while Sara Scott shares ways to help your worked-up pup reset and relax. VetSOS takes a look at a day in the life of a hardworking pop-up clinic for pets of those who are unhoused. And whether you’ve got a working dog or a pampered princess, don’t miss Dr. Kate Kuzminski’s timely advice for creating an emergency pet preparedness plan.

Elsewhere in the issue, trainer Ren Volpe offers tips to avoid pup trouble before it starts. Commission Tails tells all about the ch-ch-changes on tap for that body, including the departures of long-time commissioners Jane Tobin and Dr. Brian VanHorn. And of course, Mr. Smarty Pants and Red and Howling are there to brighten your mood no matter what kind of day you’ve had at the office.

As the old labor slogan goes, “United we bargain, divided we beg.” But whether you work like a dog or work it like a supermodel, we hope you’ll take time this month to unite with that favorite four-legged beggar at your house.

And maybe cop a little of their attitude while you’re at it. After all, work or play, dogs always seem to find the fun in everything.

Happy Pride month to All!

M Rocket
Publisher, Bay Woof

cover: Mavis J. at Golden Gate Park; photo: M Rocket, © Bay Woof 2025