Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

The "Dog Dads" of Hollywood: A Heartwarming Look at Five Celebrity Canine Companions

In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where stars often shine brighter than their pets, there exists a group of male celebrities who have embraced the role of "dog dads" with genuine affection and commitment. From rescue missions to heartfelt tributes, these men have showcased that their love for dogs transcends the screen. Let's delve into the lives of five notable dog dads and their beloved canine companions.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Dogs and Houseplants: What’s Safe, What’s Toxic, and How to Keep Both Happy

For many of us, pets and plants are part of the family. But what happens when your love for greenery collides with your dog’s curiosity?

Spoiler alert: not all houseplants are safe for dogs—and some can cause serious health problems.

Let’s break down what the research says, which plants are dangerous, and how to create a pet-safe indoor jungle.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Do Dogs Cry? The Truth Behind Those Puppy Dog Eyes

Spoiler: It’s complicated—but fascinating.

When your dog gives you those big, glossy eyes, you might wonder: Are they crying? Do dogs feel sadness so deeply that they actually shed emotional tears, like humans do?

Let’s break it down.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

How to Gently Approach a Skittish Dog (Without Scaring Them)

Not every dog you meet will come bounding toward you with tail wags and wet kisses.
Some are cautious. Nervous. Skittish.
Maybe they’ve experienced trauma, or maybe they’re just wired to be more fearful of new people or environments.

So how do you convince a skittish dog to go with you—whether you’re a groomer, sitter, rescuer, or just a kind stranger trying to help?

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Why Science Says We Pick Dogs That Look (and Act) Like Us

It’s not just your imagination—your dog might be your mirror.

You’ve probably noticed it before: the husky guy with the stocky bulldog. The high-energy woman with the bouncy border collie. Or maybe… you looked at your own pup and thought, “Are we kind of twinning right now?”

Turns out, it’s not just a cute coincidence.
Science shows we tend to choose dogs that both look and behave like us.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

The 5 Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the US & Canada to Visit This Summer

Planning a summer getaway with your pup? You're not alone. As more people prioritize their dogs’ happiness and social lives, cities across North America are stepping up — offering dog-friendly beaches, parks, patios, and even cruises.

We’ve rounded up 5 top-tier cities in the US and Canada where you and your furry companion can truly thrive this summer — complete with local activities and dog-loving highlights.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

What Really Makes Dogs Happy? (It’s Not Just Treats)

We love to spoil our dogs — toys, beds, gourmet snacks, cute outfits. But what actually makes our furry companions genuinely happy? Beyond the belly rubs and biscuits, true dog happiness comes from a complex mix of mental, emotional, and physical fulfillment. And spoiler alert: it’s not always what we think.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Do Dogs Absorb the Culture of Their Humans? How Food, Music, and Daily Routines Shape Our Dogs

Dogs live deeply immersed in the world of their humans. They hear what we hear. Smell what we cook. Feel our stress levels. React to our rituals.

While we often think of dogs as products of their breed or training, science shows they’re also shaped by the culture of the home — from how we eat to how we dance in the kitchen.

Let’s explore the surprisingly powerful ways that dogs absorb the culinary, musical, and emotional rhythm of human life.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

“Our Dogs Aren’t Just Pets — They’re Chosen Family.”

For generations, LGBTQ+ individuals have formed deep, emotional bonds with animals — particularly dogs and cats — that go far beyond standard pet ownership. These bonds aren’t just anecdotal; they’ve been studied, documented, and celebrated in sociology, psychology, and queer culture.

During Pride Month, we often honor love in all its forms — romantic, familial, and platonic. But one often overlooked kind of love is the quiet, healing, unwavering devotion between LGBTQ+ people and their pets.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Why Pets Are the New Family: Exploring the Link Between Declining Birth Rates and the Rise of Pet Parenthood

Why are more people choosing to raise dogs instead of babies? Why are pet supply stores booming while birth rates fall?

We’re living through a cultural shift—and the stats prove it. Around the globe, marriage and childbirth rates are in sharp decline. At the same time, pet ownership is skyrocketing, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. What’s driving this transformation—and what does it say about how we define “family” today?

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

How Classical Music (and Beyoncé) Can Help Calm Your Dog’s Anxiety

If you've ever played soothing music during a stressful moment, you know how powerful sound can be. But it’s not just humans who benefit—dogs do too. A growing body of research shows that dogs respond to music in very specific ways. From calming nerves to reducing barking, the right playlist can do wonders.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Dogs See in Color—But Not the Way You Think

Let’s bust a myth once and for all: dogs are not colorblind in the way most people think. While it’s true they don’t see the full rainbow of colors like humans do, their vision is far from black and white. In fact, understanding how your dog sees the world can help you design a better environment—and pick toys and accessories that actually stand out to them.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Why Your Dog’s Nose Print Is as Unique as a Human Fingerprint

You already know your dog is one of a kind. But did you know that science backs that up in a really surprising way? A dog’s nose—specifically, the pattern of ridges, bumps, and creases on the tip—is just as unique as a human fingerprint. In fact, some veterinarians, breeders, and tech developers are exploring ways to use nose prints for biometric identification.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

3 Surprisingly Harmful Habits to Avoid When Walking Your Dog (And What to Do Instead)

Walking your dog should be one of the most joyful parts of the day—for both of you. But modern habits, distractions, and even good intentions can unknowingly make walks more stressful, unsafe, or emotionally disconnected than we realize.

Here are three seemingly harmless things dog parents often do during walks that may actually do more harm than good—plus simple, mindful swaps that’ll strengthen your bond and boost your dog’s wellbeing.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Why Dogs Are the New Relationship

Dating has become a minefield of ghosting, breadcrumbing, and algorithmic disappointment. Emotional unavailability is trending, communication is a lost art, and trust feels like a relic from another era. But in the middle of all that chaos, there’s one relationship that continues to thrive: the one you have with your dog.

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Maria Katayama Maria Katayama

Why Human-Dog Bonds May Be the Key to Lasting Happiness

Unlike many human relationships, which can become complicated or conditional, the relationship between dogs and their humans is pure, present, and rooted in trust. As science continues to affirm what dog lovers have always known, it’s clear: happiness might just be spelled “D-O-G.”

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