Special Issues & Guides

Central Oregonians may have gotten a glimpse or two of the encampments dotted around Central Oregon, from Dirt World between Bend and Redmond to China Hat south of town. But in a new documentary, viewers get an up-close-and-personal view of the places where people live on the literal margins — with a focus on not […]

They’re very kind to the land,” Amanda VandenBosch says about the camelid cousin to the llama, the alpaca. VandenBosch has dedicated her life to spreading knowledge and experience about the alpaca’s sustainability, and yes, their unique healing powers. “Alpacas are very calming,” she explained. “We always say to people, especially when having picnics, ‘take a […]

The kittens are coming… This ominous fact rings true when kitten season rolls around, running from mid-spring to early fall. Or, as Lynne Ouchida, director of Community Partnerships for the Humane Society of Central Oregon, puts it, “from Easter to Halloween.” That’s a lot of kittens and they all deserve loving homes. That’s where volunteer […]

Oregon Ranks Highest in Animal Protection Oregon had the strongest animal protection laws in the nation as of 2023, according to a new report published by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the legal advocacy organization for animals. Many factors and laws were taken into consideration, including a law allowing victims of domestic violence to keep […]

Dogs are man’s best friend. Some dogs, however, need a little extra help in becoming successful, well-trained pets. That’s where the idea for a woman-owned dog training business, Paw 2 Paw, came from. A drive and a passion to help both people and dogs prompted dog-trainer Lauren Henderson to start a business of her own. […]

A fitting destination to launch her second book, “Never Leave the Dogs Behind,” Brianna Madia will soon introduce r eaders in Bend to her poignantly radiant display of survival. Known publicly as a bold and wild woman, Madia’s raw storytelling in her newest memoir reveals the grit behind the blue checkmark, which often leads strangers to […]