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Becoming Man’s Best Friend: The Story of Dog Evolution It is hard to imagine life without dogs. Pet owners know just how integrated they become in daily experience. But, thousands of years ago, the dog and human relationship wasn’t what it is today. How did dogs evolve to become the pets we know and love?   Wolfish Beginnings It is commonly accepted that modern, domesticated dogs are the descendants of wolves, but nailing down the exact timeline gets a little hairy. Estimates of domestication can range from 10,000 to 30,000 years ago, according to The Atlantic. Other sources say 20,000...

Be My Guest: Things to Know about Pet-Friendly Hotels If you’re like 85% of the dog owner population, you think of your pup as family (as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2018). So that means Buster gets birthday and Christmas presents, sleeps on the bed with you, and goes with you when you go on vacation, right? Of course! In 2016, a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association showed that 37% of pet owners take their dogs, cats, birds, and other furry or feathered family members with them on vacation. But unless you own a...

Every Puppy in the Pool! – Teaching Your Dog to Swim A nice swim is a great way to cool your dog off during the hot summer months. Being in water will help to maintain their body temperature while they’re outside in the heat. Remember, our pups don’t sweat the way we do; they don’t sweat to cool off their skin the way their owners do. Dogs rely on panting and sweating from their paw pads to expel the heat from their bodies. If Sasha has been pretty active out on a hot day, cooling down her body with a...

Preparing for Your Dog’s Annual Vet Visit Dogs may live a simple life, but they need routine healthcare just like people. Once you get past the multiple visits necessary in the first year of a puppy’s life, you can expect routine annual vet appointments for a healthy dog. What should you expect during these annual visits? The Cost Owning a dog means having a constant companion, but it is also a financial commitment. Food, toys, grooming, and veterinary visits all add up over the course of the dog’s lifetime. The American Kennel Club estimates the cost of dog ownership at...

Summertime Fun Activities Summer is finally here, Chicago. Roll down the windows, let our tongues hang out, and tails wag while the wind swiftly runs through our furry ears, because it is time for some summertime activities! Here are several ideas for you and your pup this summer. So let’s get the paw-ty started!   Parks, hiking, & road trips, oh my! Amy Steinkhul is making sure her active boy, Theo, has days filled with fun and adventure! Amy and Theo’s favorite summer activities include: dog parks, hiking, and "bye-byes" also known as car rides. Plus they have a road...