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!
2026 Pet Photo Contest Winners
Posted inColumns
Understanding MDMA’s Gifts and Challenges
Q: I’ve enjoyed MDMA recreationally several times with friends – the euphoria and deep connection to music, environment, and community feels profound. However, I consistently experience blues and low energy in the days following. Can you help me understand why this happens and how to minimize it? I’m also curious about MDMA’s therapeutic potential – […]
Posted inLocal News
Oiling the Cogs of the Housing Industry
Amid an ongoing housing crisis, homebuilders, first-time homebuyers and the building appraisal industry are on their way to earning big wins not just in Oregon, but throughout the country. Two bills, either authored or co-authored by U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05), are aimed at building more houses, decreasing housing costs and speeding up the licensing […]
Posted inOutside
Embracing What’s Real & Important in Life
Cinematographer Greg Balkin made a short film in 2023 that so inspired him he’s organizing an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The 24-minute film, “The Life We Have,” which was shown during last year’s BendFilm Festival, follows Rob Shaver of San Antonio, Texas, for more than a year. After being diagnosed […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New Mexican Restaurant
A new Mexican restaurant has opened in northeast Bend. Dani’s Taco Shop has a robust menu starting with breakfast plates and burritos with eggs, potatoes, cheese and vegetarian and meat options such as beef, ham and chorizo. Other menu items include a variety of tortas, tacos, soups and more. The menu is vast and there’s […]
Posted inColumns
You Name It
I’m not talking about the nonhuman animate things we name, such as pets, even plants, but rather the inanimate things, like houses, boats, cars or even vacuum cleaners. I grew up in houses named Up Yonder and Verte Feuille, learned to sail in the Me Too. Since moving to Oregon, houses have been christened Dorothy’s, […]
Posted inCulture
Free Will Astrology, Week of March 26
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries poet Maya Angelou proclaimed, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” In that spirit, Aries, I urge you to tell everyone everything—all your secret thoughts, hidden feelings, and private opinions. Post your diary online! Confess your fantasies to strangers! Share your unfiltered inner monologue with […]
Posted inCentral Oregon Pets
Pet Evacuation Team Scrambles to Save Lives
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
A ‘Turdological’ Survey
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
Herd Mentality
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 […]