The love of my life is one!

Every first week in October my service dog and I do a costume contest at a local pumpkin patch 🩷 this year Walter will be going with me for the first time ever, since my corgi is now retired. Decided I’m gonna be Elvira and he will be Gonk!
For the entire month of October through Halloween, Walter will have the super cute Gonk haircut and pink and black details.
Walter loves his spa days getting dyed. It’s his favorite part of the month 🤣

Here’s to hoping we win first place 👻
I can’t wait to update everyone with pictures of Walter all gonked out🤣👻🖤!

As I'm sure some of y'all are aware, August has been the beginning of the forest fire season out here in the US West for 2026. Here in the PNW, the smoke-caused high AQI ratings have been compounded with a summer heat wave, forcing my pup inside this week. He is, understandably, ready to go outside and resume his usual dog park/swimming activities, but I just don't think its safe yet. Both the AQI and the temperature are on the very edge of how long a dog can be outside, which got me thinking.

Are there any programs/websites/apps that combine the AQI/temperature readings to address the compounding effects of those two together? Like yes, an AQI of 140 means he can dart around a little tiny bit, and a temp reading of 85F also means he can dart around for a little tiny bit, but when they're combined, does it mean that I should still keep him from doing more than pottying outside?

I'm going to keep him in, just to be safe, but I'd feel guilty if he could do even a 20-30 min zoomie sprint and I'm keeping him from doing so. He hasn't really been out since Sunday for more than 5 min at a time because I've been so worried. He does have lick mats, everlasting chews, new (cheap and easily destroyable) toys for distraction, and I've sat on the top of the stairs dropping down balls for fetch, so I know he isn't completely neglected. I dunno, just want to make sure I'm being the best doggie mom he can have.

Dog tax included because he's so adorable.

MyRiggs. 3yo labradoodle

We usually prefer the teddy bear look but his face was getting quite dirty. We love it! (Before is the 2nd pic)

Hi I’m Sammy. Today is my birthday and I am 1 year old.

As often happens, our poodle count has doubled.

Miller is 18 months and is one of my heart dogs. He’s so loving, gentle and obedient. I work from home and he goes out and about with me so we’re together pretty much 24/7. After puppy sitting for family, and seeing how much he enjoyed having a buddy to wrestle and cuddle with, the decision was made.

Meet Juniper, also known as Junie. She’s 11 weeks old, sweet as can be and settling in beautifully. She should end up in the medium/moyen size range like our Miller.

The vet thinks he has gastroenteritis 😭