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Welcome to the Sparky Steps Pack!

We are dedicated to bringing you the best in pet care guidance, professional training tips, local Chicago updates, and helpful resources for pet parents. Love writing about pets? We are always looking for fresh perspectives, advice, and heartwarming stories from guest contributors.

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How We Met ♥ Feat. @chicagoromeo
How We Met ♥ Feat. @chicagoromeo
  I had been looking for the right dog for a long time. And then during the pandemic, I got a lot...
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Interview With Eileen and Watson Belvedere
Interview With Eileen and Watson Belvedere
We interviewed Eileen From Chicago, USA with his dog, Watson Belvedere!     Tell us about Watson Belvedere! Watson is a sensitive, independent ‘little man’, clever...
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The Beginner’s Guide to Sit and Stay
The Beginner’s Guide to Sit and Stay
  Sit and stay are the foundation of training your dog. While these are relatively simple commands, they require a good deal...
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A Guide to Recall Training for Your Dog
A Guide to Recall Training for Your Dog
Carrie Pallardy Source   Does your dog come when you call? Reliable recall is an essential part of training your pet. You...
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The Tallest Dog: An Irish Wolfhound Breed Guide
The Tallest Dog: An Irish Wolfhound Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy   Source   Irish Wolfhounds take their names from their history of hunting large game, including wolves. While their stature...
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The Dog Behind the Spots: A Dalmatian Breed Guide
The Dog Behind the Spots: A Dalmatian Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy   Source   Dalmatians are a beloved breed of dog easily recognizable by their white coats with black spots. While...
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The Pet Lover’s Guide to Albany Park
The Pet Lover’s Guide to Albany Park
Source   Plenty of neighborhood guides delve into the restaurant, bar, and cultural scenes of Chicago’s neighborhoods, but your pets are more...
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At Home on Land and in Water: A Breed Guide to the Portuguese Water Dog
At Home on Land and in Water: A Breed Guide to the Portuguese Water Dog
Carrie Pallardy Source   The Portuguese Water Dog might not be as a big of a name as a Golden Retriever or...
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Lincoln Square Chicago for Dogs and Cats
Lincoln Square Chicago for Dogs and Cats
Source   Pet owners have quite a few features to consider when choosing or getting to know a neighborhood. For dog owners,...
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The Dog Behind the Fluff: Meet the Bichon Frise
The Dog Behind the Fluff: Meet the Bichon Frise
Carrie Pallardy   Source   With its white fluffy coat, the Bichon Frise is one of the most recognizable lap dog breeds....
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The Mighty Akita: A Breed Guide
The Mighty Akita: A Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy   Source   Akitas are a large working breed of dog, easily distinguishable due to their upwardly curled tails and...
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Canine Agility: A Breed Guide to the Belgian Malinois
Canine Agility: A Breed Guide to the Belgian Malinois
 Carrie Pallardy    Source   The Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah) breed might not be a household name, but action flick fans will probably...
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Meet the Westie: A Breed Guide to West Highland White Terriers
Meet the Westie: A Breed Guide to West Highland White Terriers
Loyal, low-shedding, and packed with terrier personality, the Westie is a small dog that fits big-city life. Here's a complete guide to...
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A Noble Hunter: A Breed History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
A Noble Hunter: A Breed History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Carrie Pallardy Source   Rhodesian Ridgebacks are sometimes mistaken for Vizslas. Both breeds have similar close, burnished coats of copper and lithe,...
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The Big and Beautiful Newfoundland: A Breed Guide
The Big and Beautiful Newfoundland: A Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source   From afar, you might confuse a Newfoundland for a small bear. These enormous dogs have long, shaggy coats...
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A Noteworthy Nose: A Basset Hound Breed Guide
A Noteworthy Nose: A Basset Hound Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy   Source   If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, you might recognize Sherlock Holmes’s dog from “The...
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Interview With Alyssa and Herbie
Interview With Alyssa and Herbie
We interviewed Alyssa Lynch From Texas, USA with her dog, Herbie!   Tell us about Herbie! "Herbie is a 6 year old terrier mix who...
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A Lovable Herder: A Breed Guide to the Collie
A Lovable Herder: A Breed Guide to the Collie
Loyal, gentle, and famously good with kids, the Collie is far more than Lassie. Here's a full guide to the breed's two...
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The Small But Mighty Maltese: A Breed Guide
The Small But Mighty Maltese: A Breed Guide
Source Updated August 2026 The Maltese is the quintessential lapdog. These pups have long, flowing white fur and a petite frame perfect...
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Interview With Family Vermeulen-De Fauw and Their Pets Roro and Tseetsee
Interview With Family Vermeulen-De Fauw and Their Pets Roro and Tseetsee
We interviewed Family Vermeulen-De Fauw From West Vlaanderen, Belgium with their pets, Roro and Tseetsee! Tell us about Roro and Tseetsee! “2 beaucerons, French sheperd...
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Interview With Barb and Rudy
Interview With Barb and Rudy
We interviewed Barb Natividad From Chicago, IL, USA with her dog, Rudy! Tell us about Rudy! "Rudy is a beagle/American Staffordshire Terrier mix. He loves playing fetch and...
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The Different Kinds of Spaniels: A Brief Breed Guide
The Different Kinds of Spaniels: A Brief Breed Guide
Those floppy ears and soulful eyes are hard to resist, but not all Spaniels are created equal! From the apartment-friendly Cocker Spaniel...
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The Gray Ghost: A Weimaraner Breed Guide
The Gray Ghost: A Weimaraner Breed Guide
Striking, silver-gray, and famously devoted, the Weimaraner is a high-energy sporting dog that bonds hard and hates being left alone. Here's a...
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A Smart and Tireless Breed: A Guide to the Border Collie
A Smart and Tireless Breed: A Guide to the Border Collie
Carrie Pallardy   Source    Border Collies routinely top the list of the smartest dog breeds. The Border Collie Chaser actually earned...
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A Bodyguard Breed: A Guide to the Cane Corso
A Bodyguard Breed: A Guide to the Cane Corso
Carrie Pallardy   Source The Cane Corso is a large breed that commands attention with its powerful body and regal appearance. Like...
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Interview With Sandy And Enzo
Interview With Sandy And Enzo
We interviewed Sandy From Wolcott, CT USA with her dog, Enzo! Tell us about Enzo!   “I lost Enzo 2 years ago. But I keep his...
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A Spunky Spaniel: A Brittany Breed Guide
A Spunky Spaniel: A Brittany Breed Guide
Brittanys run on something that doesn't quite look like regular dog energy. It's more specific than that: it's the focused, purposeful drive...
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Interview With Samantha and Scout
Interview With Samantha and Scout
We interviewed Samantha Lacy From Chicago, IL, USA with her dog, Scout! Tell us about Scout!   “My dog Scout is a 3 year...
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Can Cats And Kittens Get Down Syndrome?
Can Cats And Kittens Get Down Syndrome?
by George Vezilich Source    Any cat lover would agree that cats are unique animals and each and every one of them...
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Herding Talent: A Sheltie Breed Guide
Herding Talent: A Sheltie Breed Guide
Herding Talent: A Sheltie Breed Guide   Carrie Pallardy   Shetland Sheepdogs are one of those breeds where the first impression, a...
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A Petite Athlete: A Breed Guide to the Miniature American Shepherd
A Petite Athlete: A Breed Guide to the Miniature American Shepherd
Carrie Pallardy   Source When most people think of a herding dog, the image of a wide-ranging Border Collie or a rugged...
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Small and Sassy: A Chihuahua Breed Guide
Small and Sassy: A Chihuahua Breed Guide
Carrie Pallardy Source Chihuahuas may be the smallest breed of dog, but what they lack in size they make up for in...
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A Fluffy Toy Breed: A Guide to the Havanese
A Fluffy Toy Breed: A Guide to the Havanese
Source A Fluffy Toy Breed: A Guide to the Havanese   The Havanese is a popular toy breed known for its lively...
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Summer Safety Tips For People Who Love Their Pets
Summer Safety Tips For People Who Love Their Pets
Brandon Butler Source If you have big summer adventures planned with your furry friends – cat or dog – you’ll want to...
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Black and White Style: A Guide to the Boston Terrier Breed
Black and White Style: A Guide to the Boston Terrier Breed
Black and White Style: A Guide to the Boston Terrier Breed Source Boston Terriers have alert eyes, perky ears, and an inviting...
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Behind the Shih Tzu Coat: A Breed Guide
Behind the Shih Tzu Coat: A Breed Guide
Ancient, affectionate, and endlessly charming, the Maltese is a tiny white companion made for city living. Here's a complete guide to the...
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Standard, Miniature, and Giant Schnauzers: A Breed Guide
Standard, Miniature, and Giant Schnauzers: A Breed Guide
With their bushy eyebrows and distinguished beards, Schnauzers often look like grumpy old men trapped in a dog's body. But did you...
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Interview With Sam and Daxter
Interview With Sam and Daxter
  We interviewed Sam Schultz From Chicago, IL, USA with his pup, Daxter! Tell us about Daxter!   “Daxter is a hilarious and adorable 65lb...
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Puffy Pomeranians: A Breed Guide
Puffy Pomeranians: A Breed Guide
By Carrie Pallardy | Updated June 2025 Quick answer: Pomeranians are small (3–7 lbs), double-coated toy dogs with big personalities. They're loyal,...
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5 Tips to Earn a Dog´s Trust
5 Tips to Earn a Dog´s Trust
Source 5 Tips to Earn a Dog´s Trust Since ancient times, humans and dogs have maintained a strong relationship of cooperation. Even...
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Choosing an Assisted Living Community for You — and Fido Too!
Choosing an Assisted Living Community for You — and Fido Too!
Source Your dog goes everywhere you go. So, when it comes time to move to assisted living, it only makes sense that...
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Interview With Al and Charlie
Interview With Al and Charlie
  We interviewed Al Marcano From Chicago, IL, USA with his pup, Charlie!   Tell us about Charlie! “Charlie is a lovable 53lbs Old English...
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Interview With Josephine, Trixie, and Maximus
Interview With Josephine, Trixie, and Maximus
  We interviewed Josephine Castle From Iola, Wisconsin USA with her pups Trixie and  Maximus you can find them here!    ...
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Doberman Pinscher: A Breed Guide
Doberman Pinscher: A Breed Guide
The Sleek and Loyal Doberman Pinscher: A Breed Guide Doberman pinchers are working breed of dog that can often be misunderstood. They...
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Breed Guide
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Breed Guide
  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Guide to the Toy Breed   Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniels (Cavs if you prefer to eschew...
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Great Danes: A Breed Guide
Great Danes: A Breed Guide
Gentle Giants: A Breed Guide to Great Danes Great Danes are imposing figures, almost resembling small horses than dogs. But this dog’s...
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Interview with ItsFictionsWorld
Interview with ItsFictionsWorld
We interviewed @ITSFICTIONSWORLD from Instagram!   What’s Your Story? “I love him more than anything, and especially in the pandemic...he keeps me sane.”  ...
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Interview With @_StellaThePit_
Interview With @_StellaThePit_
We interviewed Kate Stella From Chicago, IL, USA with her pup Stella, A.K.A. @_stellathepit_ on Instagram!   Tell us about Stella! “Stella is a half pittie, half...
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Australian Shepherd: A Breed Guide
Australian Shepherd: A Breed Guide
  Despite the breed’s name, Australian shepherds are not actually from down under. But, they do have strong herding instincts. What can...
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Interview With EddiesWorld01
Interview With EddiesWorld01
We interviewed Anna Eddie From Chicago, IL, USA with her pup Eddie, A.K.A. @eddiesworld01 on Instagram!   Tell us about Eddie! “Eddie is a 5 yo...
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