Central Oregon Pets 2026

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 uses people as La-Z-Boys and the teeny black kitty named Ladybug whose favorite treat is McNuggets! Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest. I enjoyed reading about and looking at all those sweet faces.

This issue also shares stories about a rescue group specializing in finding good homes for restless herding dogs and a business that takes pride in picking up the stink. We talk with the Pet Evacuation Team working miracles under terrifying circumstances and a man so heartbroken over losing his best bud that he immortalized him in a children’s book. There’s also a miniature donkey stealing hearts in Prineville and folks, so attached to their fur-babies, they take them to work because, why wouldn’t you?

—Managing Editor Nic Moye

On the Cover

This adventurous Persian–Scottish Fold started out as a kitten going for walks along the river in a cat backpack and quickly worked her way up to paddle boarding on the Cascade Lakes of Oregon. These days she confidently struts up and down a stand-up paddle board, sometimes even hopping from board to board like she’s supervising the whole operation. Safety first, of course—Blaze never hits the water without her Ruffwear life vest. She loves camping and the outdoors so much that people often think she’s a dog… until they realize she’s actually a cat, and the look on their faces is priceless. Around the lakes, she’s become a bit of a legend, an elusive feline known for mysteriously gliding across the water on a paddle board.

Off the water, Blaze is a little less majestic and a lot more mischievous. She spends her time chasing squirrels, attempting to hunt birds (with very limited success), taunting her cat sister Sheba and generally keeping life interesting for her proud parents, Emily and Justin. At home she rules the house, but she’s always ready for the next adventure…and with Blaze around, there’s always one coming.

Central Oregon Pets 2026 Stories

The Star of the Show

Miniature donkey Cimarron Kid attracts attention wherever he goes.

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.

Take Your Pet to Work Day — Everyday!

It’s not uncommon for a four-legged friend to greet customers in businesses

Herd Mentality

Highly intelligent herding dogs require action and room to roam

A ‘Turdological’ Survey

The Bomb Squad, which removes dog poop from yards throughout Central Oregon, lends punny charm to a “crappy” job

Pet Evacuation Team Scrambles to Save Lives

The all-volunteer nonprofit ensures safe evacuations and care of animals during emergencies

Central Oregon Pets 2026 Photo Contest Winners!

We love our pets and it’s clear y’all do too!

This year, our Central Oregon Pets Photo Contest had over 400 photos submitted and then almost 2,000 votes in 15 categories. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of your pets and to everyone who took the time to vote for this year’s winners. We would like to give a special should-out to our friends at High Desert Frameworks for their generous sponsorship of this year’s photo contest and for awarding each winning pet (and their owner) with a free print. Without further ado, enjoy these cuties!