“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
—Anatole France, French poet.
A study released in September found that 51% of Oregon pet owners say their dog will come when called. That means just about half, which includes my dogs, basically run the show. The percent drops to 13% for the category “listens to commands,” and falls to 6% for “can be trusted off leash” and 4% for “doesn’t bark excessively.” It seems most of us are at the mercy of those puppy-dog eyes. The number-one reason Oregonians say they chose their dog: personality. Well, enough said.
Beyond those fun facts, we at Central Oregon Pets know that not everyone is a dog lover. In this issue, you’ll meet the owner of fancy rats who will try to convince you she has the best pets. Plus, read about compassionate horse lovers saving vulnerable equines one at a time and a sanctuary for unwanted parrots. Also meet a cat with a hard-luck life who’s finally found her furever home, and learn what it takes to be a good gecko parent. Enjoy this latest edition of Central Oregon Pets!
Read from the Central Oregon Pets stories below:
- Gentling Neglected Horses Back to Health & Happiness
- Life With Fancy Rats
- A Program Keeping Pets with Low-Income Owners Expands
- Taking Dog Training to the Next Level
- A Cat Gets a Second Chance at Life
- Cruisin’ with Canine Combustion
- Building Community, One Gecko at a Time
- A Place to Call Home
- Unleashing Happiness with Off-Leash Dog Hikes
Check out the Digital Version!
This article appears in Central Oregon Pets Fall 2025.
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