Two friendly doggos were out to make some friends, wagging their tails as they greeted a pack of wolves. But the frozen wolves did not reciprocate, giving their uninvited guests long cold stares. The playful pups did not seem to take the hint, however, even after the wolves warned them with a chase down a hill to stay the hell away. — Read the rest
Ben Goldfarb questions the responsibilities of dog owners in an essay focusing on the impact of unleashed dogs on shorebirds. Goldfarb brings this somewhat niche topic to life with a mixture of reporting and personal experience.
We drove to an ocean beach that some literal-minded city father had named Ocean Beach. I walked Kit onto the damp sand and watched her scrape at the stuff, as though trying to find its bottom. I unclipped her leash and Kit began to saunter, then run, one step ahead of the frothy surf, like a sandpiper. The wind pinned her floppy ears against her head, and she flung herself down to roll ecstatically in some dead washed-up thing. She looked happy; she looked free; she looked right.
Republicans didn't miss a beat, insisting that Democratic sugar daddy George Soros is the grand puppeteer behind Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's pursuit of the justice in the Donald Trump hush-money case. Never mind that Soros hasn't donated a single penny to Bragg or even exchanged pleasantries with him. — Read the rest
Today may possibly be the happiest (and cutest) national day in the world – it’s National Puppy Day! Being a new pet parent can be overwhelming, I’ve been there… So if you’re welcoming home a new puppy, or just looking to spoil your current one, here are 7 essential items to cover all your bases. After all, their happiness is your happiness! Plus, they’re all tested and approved by #dogintern, Koda, and trust me, she’s a picky one.
Did you know that puppies sleep for about 18 hours a day? All that rest is when their brain, body, and immune system are doing the most developing, so it’s no surprise that a comfy bed is the #1 thing they’ll be needing. Unlike most foam beds that trap heat, Koda especially loves Newton Baby’s Pet Bed, which features the same Wovenaire technology as their award-winning mattress. Koda’s an Aussie-mix with two fur coats, so she really appreciates a bed that keeps her comfy without getting her too warm! It’s designed to be 100% breathable, washable, and better sleep for your pup. (Extra emphasis on ‘washable’ because we all know accidents are prone to happen with new puppies.) For puppies that paw – not to worry because the bed cover is also scratch-resistant!
Timeless, simple, and made of food-grade stainless steel that’s dishwasher safe, Wild One’s bowls are perfect for mealtimes. The nonslip silicone base keeps the bowls from moving around, but if you want to go one step further, they also have matching silicone placemats to catch any spillage! With a messy drinker like Koda, the placemat is a lifesaver. It keeps my floors clean and dry, and it’s so easy to wipe down. Available in 2 sizes, with the option of neutrals (Black or Tan) or a pop of color (Lilac or their seasonal addition, Spruce)!
With all that puppy energy, long walks are a great way to tire them out. Maxbone’s GO! With Ease Hands Free Leash is perfect for us hoomans because 1) the leash distance is adjustable and 2) it can be worn around the waist or shoulder, making it one less thing to worry about while you’re training your puppy to heel. It can still be used as a regular leash if you don’t want to go hands-free, but I love the fact that it’s versatile to however YOU want to use it! Pair it with the matching Signature Collar + the GO! With Ease Pouch, and you two will be the most stylish duo on the block. Call me extra, but the Pouch is such an easy way to elevate your walking game since it can be attached to the leash. (Step aside, Lululemon Fanny Pack!) Load it up with your phone, credit cards, keys, and poop bags, and you’re good to go!
It’s hard to avoid your puppy tracking in dirt and germs from outside, but at least Dandylion makes it easy to clean! Their Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser has become my second best friend as it instantly washes Koda’s paws without the need to rinse. The foamy formulation and soft silicone bristles allow for a gentle deep cleanse with plant-based ingredients that soothe, nourish, and provide anti-microbial benefits! Just simply remove the cap, pump out some foam, and gently massage into those hard-to-reach areas. Wipe dry and your puppy’s ready to roam free again. I love that they have a refill bottle so that when you’re through with the bottle, you can reuse your pump to stay eco-friendly!
A daily routine extended to your puppy – personalized supplements for dogs have become a thing. Vet-formulated and pet-approved, Dandy has supplements that you can customize from scratch or simply choose pre-made packs to eliminate any guesswork. They also have a short quiz you can take, which gives you a vet recommendation based on your pup’s unique needs! For me, it’s been an uphill battle with Koda’s allergies, so I appreciate that their vet-formulated packs are a quick and easy no-brainer for me. They’re even available at some retailers so we never have to worry about going a day without them. Depending on your pup, choose from Allergy, Anxiety, or Wellness Care to target their concerns. (They also have Joint Care for anyone with older dogs!)
As mentioned before, this short puppy period is full of development. Physical fun and exercise help their little bodies develop, while mental challenges help grow their brains. Fable’s Enrichment Set includes The Game and 2 Falcon Toys, which allow for interactive or independent play. Their Twin Falcon Toy is also a great option if you’re looking for a two-in-one. Enrichment isn’t just limited to mealtime; the open cavities on the Falcons can be stuffed with spreads like peanut butter, but don’t worry about the mess – the toys are top rack dishwasher safe! (Just try to skip the heated dry cycle.) Koda’s a huge lover of peanut butter and non-fat Greek yogurt, so she always knows what time it is when I bring out her Twin Falcon!
Durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean, Fable’s Signature Balls are an upgrade from your typical tennis ball. They aren’t just for a good chase, they’re also great for mental stimulation! The two openings minimize choking risk, but you can also fill it up with spreads to keep your pup busy. Hand wash with soap and water, and they’re good as new.
It’s also nice to mention that Winnie Lou gives back to the dog community by donating some of their proceeds to local rescues each quarter. Koda herself was a rescue, so brownie points there!
Maivy Tran is a California native and if she’s not brainstorming narratives or curating content, she’s probably at the dog park with her pup Koda. See the BTS of her life over on Instagram.
This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!
I always saw deconstruction as detecting how medicine is laced with poison, and transmuting poison into medicine so it can't hurt anyone anymore.
And I've gotten to the point where in class yesterday I noticed I can now make Heidegger make the most anti-racist, decolonial noise I've ever heard in white western philosophy. (!!!)
This is on the same day when I found out I won the Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award in my job, which is lovely timing, because this is the year in which my lovely new colleague Kiese Laymon won the MacArthur genius award, and I have committed to creating the most powerful anti-racist laser I can create as how I talk about ecology. And on that note, here's something I tweeted. Think about it:
I write about ecology. I’m a big fan of Snoop Dogg. The BBC should hire Snoop as the next David Attenborough. I am deadly serious.
@SnoopDogg @BBC
Their voices overlap for a start. Think about it.
A few years ago I was one person away from David Attenborough and I was trying to persuade him that his parting gift to the world should be a show about whiteness where he turns the camera on himself.
This show could now include him handing his mantle to Snoop.
Who by the way is doing this, which is very similar to the Cool America tactic. Actually it IS a Cool America tactic:
In 1898, artist Francis Barraud memorialized his dog Nipper in the lovely 1898 painting "His Master's Voice." The image became an iconic trademark of the music industry, used by multiple record labels, from Deutsche Grammophon to RCA Records to HMV. While there's some uncertainty about Nipper's breed, it's suspected that he was a Smooth Fox Terrier. — Read the rest
A 26-year-old dog trainer in Florida has welcomed a pet skunk into her family by teaching it all the same tricks (and more!) that her dogs know how to do – heel, stand up on two legs, spin around, close its own crate door, and even pull off her socks. — Read the rest
A gentleman out hunting for deer in Connecticut killed two German shepherds with a crossbow instead, mistaking the dogs for coyotes. (As if killing coyotes is okay.)
The inept hunter – 61-year-old Michael Konschak – then texted photos of the dead dogs to a taxidermist in hopes of tanning their hides, according to the Miami Herald. — Read the rest
The phrase "tears of joy" is usually reserved for humans, but not for this golden retriever, who flew into jubilant overdrive with squinted eyes and happy cries. According to TikToker @naomiblk1, the pooch was overjoyed upon seeing her human, who had only been gone for about five minutes — and no doubt, her elated mood was enhanced by the gigantic toy in her mouth. — Read the rest
And by Fritz, we mean Approved by Fritz’s CEAO (Chief Entertainment and Approval Officer), a rescue dog from South Carolina and the inspiration behind the pet accessory brand founded by Danielle Heeren. When the realities of the pandemic first started to settle in, she, like many people, found herself looking for a four-legged companion and ended up on a waiting list to adopt a dog. Soon, Fritz entered her life and sparked the impetus that would eventually become Approved by Fritz. From dog beds to collar and leashes, the brand is an extension of who Heeren is: a New Yorker with a love of the city and her dog.
The dog beds, from the cover to the insert cushion, are made from recycled PET bottles and add a fun pattern to the homes of dog- and design-lovers. The cover is machine washable and scratch-proof.
Echoing in durability, the collar and leash sets are made from PVC coated nylon, making them easy to clean, odor resistant, and durable for walks in New York’s environments and abroad. The two-tone color combinations are all inspired by the city: street colors, subway train seats, Lady Liberty, Brooklyn murals, and NY sports teams.
The two-tone poop bag carriers, also made from recycled PET, add a fun pop of color for a necessary chore that’s not always exciting to do.
To shop the full collection of cheerful dog accessories, visit Approved by Fritz.
An enthusiastic pooch decided to compete in a high school running competition she never signed up for, and even though the good sport didn't win, she sure looked happy to be there. After all, "It's not about winning, it's about fun!" — Read the rest
I haven't spent much time with French bulldogs and so was not aware that they spoke pigeon, but this little guy shows his displeasure with some "fowl" coos. According to his TikTok (@potato.bulldog) video, it was the sprinklers outside that ruffled his feathers. — Read the rest
Our puppy Faye has recently crossed the 6 month mark and, as an adolescent, still hasn't gotten the hang of Potty Training. We're still homing in on her signals and various other things new dog owners learn the hard way. While going over the topic of Pee Pads with friends, her Veterinarian and the internet, much was discussed, but that's not what this post is about; this post is about a neat use of Pee Pads should one find their puppy has already peed on the floor. — Read the rest