I’ve always held a strong belief that my two dogs and cat have unique personalities, but after reading all the entries for the pet contest, I must acquiesce that other people’s fur-babies — and even feathered ones — are just as special. The paddleboarding cat on the cover seems remarkable as does the chicken that […]
Central Oregon Pets
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
2026 Pet Photo Contest Winners
View all the entries and see which ones came out on top!
We received over 400 amazing entries, each one full of personality, charm, and heart. From playful pups and cuddly cats to the most unique and lovable companions, this year’s contest was full of them all. Click here to see the winners!
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
The Star of the Show
Miniature donkey Cimarron Kid attracts attention wherever he goes.
A miniature donkey from Montana has become a celebrity in Central Oregon. Cimarron Kid was relocated to Crook County in 2000, from Bart and Marion Barton’s donkey farm, Barton’s Brayin’ Assets. He found his Oregon home with their daughter, Kim Griffin, who also owns a variety of animals including a mustang, chickens and goats. The […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
The Happy Little Hero
“Smooch the Super Pooch” by Ed Jackiewicz shares the sweet story of a small, deaf dog’s superpower of spreading joy.
As Roger Caras, an animal rights activist, once wrote in “A Celebration of Dogs,” “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” This sentiment certainly captures how Ed Jackiewicz felt about his pup, Smooch. When Ed’s daughter first expressed her desire for a dog, her mother was skeptical. After being turned […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
Take Your Pet to Work Day — Everyday!
It’s not uncommon for a four-legged friend to greet customers in businesses
With more than 40 restaurants that welcome dogs, nine off-leash dog parks, miles upon miles of dog-friendly trails, and even dog-specific food carts and menus around town, it’s no wonder Bend is known as “Dog Town, USA.” The city of Bend has more than 12,000 licensed dogs, many of them on the go daily and […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
Herd Mentality
Highly intelligent herding dogs require action and room to roam
Every other Saturday, at various pet stores in Bend and Redmond, the nonprofit Herding Dog Rescue of Central Oregon hosts adoption events, inviting the public to come meet the herding dogs available for fostering or adoption. At a recent event at Local Paws in Redmond, HDRCO President Jessi Harrison was joined by dog trainer Ali […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
A ‘Turdological’ Survey
The Bomb Squad, which removes dog poop from yards throughout Central Oregon, lends punny charm to a “crappy” job
Most likely, The Bomb Squad, a local dog waste removal service, has already beaten you to any pun or turn of phrase you could possibly cook up related to their niche business. After all, these are the folks who define “turdology” as “the joyful study and pursuit of professional dog waste removal.” Their employees are, […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
Pet Evacuation Team Scrambles to Save Lives
The all-volunteer nonprofit ensures safe evacuations and care of animals during emergencies
June 17, 2025, is a day Mick Phillips won’t soon forget. The 51-year-old resident of Crooked River Ranch owns A2Z Security and was working for a client in Bend when he got an evacuation notification on his phone due to the Alder Springs fire that broke out on Crooked River National Grasslands. “It went from […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
CO Pets Photo Contest – Vote Now!
Calling all Central Oregon pet parents!
VOTING IS NOW OPEN The winners will be featured in our Central Oregon Pet issue in print and online! The winning photo from each category will receive a free 8″ x 10″ or 11″ x 14″ print from our friends at High Desert Frameworks. Voting will close March 5 at midnight! Take a look at last years winners!
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
Taking Dog Training to the Next Level
A young dog trainer from Prineville earned a prestigious award at State Fair for dog training and getting her dog certified as a therapy dog
It is often said that the bond between a human and dog is unlike any other. Khasidy Lefthand, or Khas, as she prefers, is a freshman at Crook County High School. She has experienced this bond firsthand and has taken it to the next level with her canine friends. Lefthand has been in 4-H for […]