Puppy sales skyrocketed during COVID shutdowns because people who found themselves stuck at home turned to canine companionship. Designer dogs were at the forefront of the adoption frenzy, despite high prices and long wait lists. Designer dogs are bred from two registered pure dog breeds to optimize the best characteristics of each parent. Everything from Cockapoos (Cocker … [Read more...]
Why Should You Adopt an Older Dog?
Having a partner to help you when you’re raising children can mean the difference between self-confidence and a breakdown. Someone who will gently remind you to get out and go for a walk when you need some fresh air. Someone who will snuggle up to you when you are doubting yourself. Someone who won’t judge you over every parenting decision you make (like that parenting group on … [Read more...]
3 Steps in How To Train Your Humans by Joey the Highly Effective Irish Setter
Just as there are Habits of Highly Effective People, there are “habits of highly effective dogs.” Some dogs are not as effective as others. My dog Joey could easily write a book. In fact, he has started to codify his wisdom by teaching his habits to his little sister, Scamps. Although Joey doesn’t speak English, he has clearly defined the habits, which are the following: … [Read more...]
The Secret Lives of Dogs
Spiritual author and mindfulness teacher Eckhart Tolle calls dogs “guardians of being” because when we look into their eyes for brief moments, we forget our inner turmoil, distractions and thought noise, and we “exist in the moment as they do.” We can learn this important lesson from dogs because they always live in the now. Irish Setter living in the now? Not … [Read more...]
David Broderick Protection Sport: Importance of Mental Engagement in Dog Training
For eons, dogs have been training humans to accommodate their desires. David Broderick has devoted his career to leveling this playing field. David has been training dogs for 22 years and in that time he has learned what makes a "good dog." His main insight is that physical activity alone does not get a dog to calm down. Instead, it just builds stamina. "Mental … [Read more...]
Dog Obedience for Everyone
Decades ago, my grandfather was the pharmacist at a downtown Rexall Drug store, but his heart lay in the outdoors. He was well known as an avid fly fisherman, and also helped to establish the first duck hunting club in Utah; the Utah Duck Club. His true passion, however, was in training hunting dogs, a passion that was handed down to me. I mostly train bird … [Read more...]
Salt Lake’s Dog Friendly Restaurant Patios
If you like your four legged best friend to accompany you while dining out, Salt Lake City is then the right place to live in. Here is the list of twenty Salt Lake's dog friendly restaurant patios approved and supplied to Utah Stories by the Salt Lake County Health Department. Allies American Grill 480 South Wakara Way Brewhouse Pub 1722 South Fremont … [Read more...]
A New Leash on Life: A Nurse Practitioner Finds Happiness As A Dog Walker
“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.” - Franklin P. Jones, humorist. Missy Berkel has a new leash on life. This January, Missy started All Good Dogs dog-walking service. After spending 17 years working in the medical field, Missy has reinvented her professional life and now spends her days in the company of canines. “Working as a nurse practitioner is a hard … [Read more...]
Love Your Neighbor? Pick Up After Your Dog!
Pick it up. It sounds so simple, and is, but the pervasive problem of people not cleaning up their dogs’ feces is not only disgusting and annoying but is a potential health hazard for you and your pets. Anyone who has lived in an apartment complex has encountered this rampant situation, whether they contribute to it or not. Unfortunately, it is all too common of a sight to … [Read more...]
Road Tripping Wyoming: Part One–Evanston
Evanston Wyoming: For as long as I can remember this has been the place to buy liquor, kegs, and fireworks. Evanston, similar to her sister city on the border of Utah and Nevada, Wendover--is where Utahns go to sin. Or so was the reputation I heard when I was growing up. I've never bothered spending time here; I've only filled my gas tank at truck stops a few times. And … [Read more...]