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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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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
Behind the Shih Tzu Coat: A Breed Guide   Carrie Pallardy Source Shih Tzus may be the closed you will ever come...
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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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Siberian Husky: A Breed Guide
Siberian Husky: A Breed Guide
Updated 5/19-2026 The Elegant Siberian Husky: A Breed Guide    Bright, beautiful eyes, pointed ears, and a fluffy coat are characteristic of Siberian...
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Interview With @Lemon.The.Labrador
Interview With @Lemon.The.Labrador
  We interviewed Tara Lemon From Chicago, IL, USA with Lemon, A.K.A. @lemon.the.labrador on Instagram!   Tell us about Lemon! “Lemon is a 6 month old...
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Corgi: A Breed Guide
Corgi: A Breed Guide
What's the real difference between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis? Dive into this comprehensive guide covering origins, physical traits, care, and safety.
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Dachshund Breed: A Breed Guide
Dachshund Breed: A Breed Guide
The Long and Short of It: A Guide to the Dachshund Breed   Dachshunds are often called wiener dogs thanks to their...
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German Shorthaired Pointers: A Breed Guide
German Shorthaired Pointers: A Breed Guide
German Shorthaired Pointers don't do anything halfway. They point with their whole body, run with their whole heart, and love their families...
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Boxer:  A Breed Guide
Boxer: A Breed Guide
The Loyal Boxer:  A Breed Guide   Boxer breed name might sound pugilistic, but these dogs are more about playing than fighting....
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The Ultimate Golden Retriever Guide: America’s Sweetheart (and Biggest Shedder)
The Ultimate Golden Retriever Guide: America’s Sweetheart (and Biggest Shedder)
With their trademark "smiling" faces and luxurious coats, the Golden Retriever is America's sweetheart. But there is much more to this breed...
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Bernese Mountain Dog: A Breed Guide
Bernese Mountain Dog: A Breed Guide
If you aren’t afraid of a little (ok, probably a lot) of drool and shedding, life with a Berner can be bliss....
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Shiba Inu: A Breed Guide
Shiba Inu: A Breed Guide
The Petite Shiba Inu: A Breed Guide   Shiba Inus are a medium-size breed of dog, usually recognized by their curly tails...
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Rottweiler: A Breed Guide
Rottweiler: A Breed Guide
Behind the Rottweiler Reputation: A Breed Guide   Rottweilers have a bad reputation, similar to the misconceptions surrounding pit bulls. Many people...
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Beagle: A Breed Guide
Beagle: A Breed Guide
The Beautiful Beagle: A Breed Guide   Beagles are cartoon icons thanks to Snoopy and Odie, of Peanuts and Garfield respectively. Outside...
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Poodle: A Breed Guide
Poodle: A Breed Guide
The Proud Poodle: A Breed Guide Poodles are known for their fluffy and often elaborately groomed coats. But, there is more than...
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How First-Time Pet Owners Can Make the Right Match  for a Happy Pet-Parent Relationship
How First-Time Pet Owners Can Make the Right Match for a Happy Pet-Parent Relationship
  How First-Time Pet Owners Can Make the Right Match for a Happy Pet-Parent Relationship   When you’re getting a pet for...
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German Shepherd: A Breed Guide
German Shepherd: A Breed Guide
The Loyal German Shepherd: A Breed Guide   German Shepherds, affectionately referred to as GSDs, have a long history of human companionship....
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French Bulldogs: A Breed Guide
French Bulldogs: A Breed Guide
Fun with French Bulldogs: A Breed Guide   French bulldogs are one of the most popular small dog breeds. Often referred to...
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The No-Fuss Guide to Moving With a Pet
The No-Fuss Guide to Moving With a Pet
The No-Fuss Guide to Moving With a Pet   As tough as moving day is on humans (“Lift with your knees!” “Don’t...
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Getting to Know the Vizsla: A Breed Guide
Getting to Know the Vizsla: A Breed Guide
Getting to Know the Vizsla: A Breed Guide   Vizslas are a distinct breed, one that is increasingly recognizable thanks to social...
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How to Balance Working from Home and Being a Dog Owner
How to Balance Working from Home and Being a Dog Owner
How to Balance Working from Home and Being a Dog Owner Many people are facing months of working from home. While this...
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This Spot is MINE: Can We Stop a Dog From Marking His Territory?
This Spot is MINE: Can We Stop a Dog From Marking His Territory?
This Spot is MINE: Can We Stop a Dog From Marking His Territory?   It’s always the same: your walks with Buster...
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4 Tips To Keep Your Pet Flea Free!
4 Tips To Keep Your Pet Flea Free!
4 Tips To Keep Your Pet Flea Free!   Keeping pets flea-free should be a top priority for any pet owner. Our...
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Choosing the Right Dog Bed to Keep Your Canine Comfy
Choosing the Right Dog Bed to Keep Your Canine Comfy
Choosing the Right Dog Bed to Keep Your Canine Comfy Sleep is so important, for humans and hounds alike. When you give...
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4 Budget-Friendly Tricks for Spoiling Your Pets
4 Budget-Friendly Tricks for Spoiling Your Pets
4 Budget-Friendly Tricks for Spoiling Your Pets  Your pets deserve the best. When you are trying to stick to a budget, giving...
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What’s Causing Your Dog’s Runny Eyes?
What’s Causing Your Dog’s Runny Eyes?
What’s Causing Your Dog’s Runny Eyes? Do dogs cry? Dogs, of course, can be sad, and can certainly appear sad. Lethargy, not...
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How COVID-19 Helped With Animal Adoptions
How COVID-19 Helped With Animal Adoptions
How COVID-19 Helped With Animal Adoptions Here at Sparky Steps, we know that having a furry companion was one of the best...
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Interview with Yogibearii
Interview with Yogibearii
We interviewed Kyla From Magnolia, DE, USA with Yogi Beai II, Yogi A.K.A. @YogiBearii  & @Mylucky07 on Instagram! TELL US ABOUT Yogi! " Yogi is a...
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Everything You Need to Know About Canine Vaccines
Everything You Need to Know About Canine Vaccines
Everything You Need to Know About Canine Vaccines Dogs bring their owners a great deal of love and companionship. In return, it...
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