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THE BARK BLOG
Pour a cup, grab a pup, and settle in.
We’ve got plenty to bark about.
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The Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are popular for good reason — but that doesn't mean they're easy dogs. Before you bring home a Lab, let's talk about their energy, training needs, health, shedding, and what life with one really looks like.
Kim Brown
7 days ago12 min read
The French Bulldog
They didn't start as a status symbol. They started as a lace worker's lap warmer in freezing Nottingham workshops. Somewhere between Paris and Instagram, the French Bulldog became the most popular breed in the country — and one of the most medically fragile. Here's everything you need to know before you fall for the face, including the story of a Frenchie named Babs who's living proof of why this matters.
Kim Brown
Jul 1713 min read
The Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog earned its keep on fishing boats centuries before it became a presidential pet. It herded fish, retrieved gear, and carried messages between ships — and it was paid a wage for the work. That history matters, because this breed still shows up ready to do a job. Smart, loyal, and deeply attached to its people, the PWD is a remarkable companion. But there's more to this curly coat than meets the eye. Read on before you fall in love.
Kim Brown
Jun 2310 min read
The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd didn't just happen. In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz set out to engineer the ideal herding and working dog — one with intelligence, stamina, courage, and a relentless work ethic. He succeeded spectacularly. What followed was a breed that thinks, decides, and acts — often independently. Here's what that actually means to live with, including the health realities, lifetime costs, and why GSDs are one of the most commonly surrendered breeds in th
Kim Brown
Jun 135 min read
LIFE WITH DOGS
Stories, lessons, adventures, and everyday moments from life with Pike, Gus, and the dogs who inspire My Barking Life.
The real cost of responsible dog ownership
Adoption fees get all the attention, but they’re the smallest part of bringing home a dog. This post breaks down the real cost of responsible dog ownership — food, vet care, training, emergencies — and why “not yet” can be the most loving answer. Plus, how My Barking Life helps close financial gaps so more adoptions succeed.
2 days ago7 min read
Why Confidence Building Matters More Than Obedience
A confident dog isn't fearless—they just believe they can handle whatever comes next. Here's what Gus's growth-spurt regression taught us about rebuilding trust, one rubber mat and one brave stranger at a time.
Aug 114 min read
Walking the Line
An off-leash dog, a scary few seconds, and a lot of feelings about who's actually responsible when a walk goes sideways. Spoiler: it's not the dog wearing the leash.
Aug 47 min read
Two Dogs, a Kia Soul, and a Week of Unexpected Adventures
We packed two adults, two dogs, and everything we needed into a Kia Soul for a week-long road trip to Kennerdell, Pennsylvania. Here's what we learned.
Jul 2711 min read
Build a Better Dog First Aid Kit
Pre-made dog first aid kits are expensive and half-full of stuff you'll never use. Here's what's actually in mine — from dollar store basics to the two items I almost skipped and now never travel without.
Jul 185 min read
Tick Talk
Ticks are small, patient, and efficient. They’re also one of the most effective disease-delivery systems in the animal kingdom — capable of transmitting bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can cause kidney failure, paralysis, and death in dogs. Most tick-borne diseases are treatable. The catch? You have to catch them early. Here’s a full breakdown of the tick species found across the U.S., what they carry, and what you need to know to protect your dog.
Jul 1411 min read
The Fungal Disease That Doesn't Care Where You Live
Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that can strike any dog, anywhere — and it comes in two forms with very different outcomes. Learn the symptoms, which dogs are most at risk, and when to push for answers.
Jul 1010 min read
Histoplasmosis in Dogs: The Fungal Disease Ohio Dog Owners Need to Know About
Histoplasmosis is the most common fungal infection in Ohio dogs — more prevalent than Blastomycosis, and frequently misdiagnosed. Learn the symptoms, risk environments, and when to call your vet.
Jul 36 min read
What's Breed Got to Do With It
Exploring dog breeds with curiosity, history, and a reminder that every dog is an individual.
7 days ago12 min read
Aug 59 min read
Jul 299 min read
Jul 1713 min read
Jul 136 min read
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Jul 19 min read
Jun 2310 min read
pet parent toolkit
Downloadable guides, checklists, and resources to help you care for the dogs you love.
Tick Talk
Ticks are small, patient, and efficient. They’re also one of the most effective disease-delivery systems in the animal kingdom — capable of transmitting bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can cause kidney failure, paralysis, and death in dogs. Most tick-borne diseases are treatable. The catch? You have to catch them early. Here’s a full breakdown of the tick species found across the U.S., what they carry, and what you need to know to protect your dog.
Jul 1411 min read
Who Let the Suits In?
There's a scene in almost every horror movie where the protagonist walks into a familiar place and something feels off. Everything looks the same on the surface, but something essential has been hollowed out. That's increasingly what's happening at your local vet clinic. Same sign on the door. Maybe even the same doctor behind the exam table. But somewhere upstairs, the decisions are being made by people who have never once looked a dog in the eye.
May 165 min read
Is your dog ready if disaster strikes?
Bad weather season is here. Is your dog ready? Here's how to build a pet emergency plan — and a free printable checklist to make it easy.
May 23 min read
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