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Can you believe that it's already Halloween!? With everyone getting into the Halloween spirit early last weekend, we put together a list of the 12 best dog Halloween costumes. 1. Say hello to Professor Dumble-dog. 2. Do you want a balloon too, Georgie?... No, I'd rather a treat. 3. Let's TACO' bout how cute this is. 4. King of the jungle (or in this case, Stanley Park). 5. Gotta catch 'em all! 6. *Cue* Tequila Song. 7. It's a bird, it's a plane, no... it's Superdog! 8. Lookin' like a real snack. 9. This costume makes miso happy. 10. Special delivery! 11. PUPS WORLD ROCK ONNN 🤘🏼! 12. When all else fails, just grab a sheet and cut two holes in it! If you liked the dog Halloween costumes we posted, don't be shy! Follow us on Instagram to keep you updated :)

Dogs are great. What’s not so great is unforeseen vet bills that pop up from time to time. Depending on what’s wrong, vet bills can hike up to thousands of dollars, unless you're one of the lucky (and perhaps smart) dog owners who decided to get pet insurance. For a monthly premium, your beloved dog is covered. But policies across Canada vary based on your dog’s breed, age, size, and where exactly in Canada you live. It’s a polarizing topic for many Canadians. On average, the insurance premium in Canada is approximately $39 a month for a dog ($29 for a cat). So is pet insurance worth it? For Datis Mohsenipour and his pup Juniper: Yes. Datis's last dog, Kingston, was a French Bulldog who got dealt a rough hand medically. "Our last dog, Kingston, was a French bulldog who got dealt a rough hand medically. We were in and out of the vet's office frequently and I was extremely thankful that we had coverage on him.” Datis explains. According to a PC Financial poll, only 4.6% of Canadians insure their pets, despite knowing that a serious illness or injury can take a major toll on their financial health. Cancer treatments, for instance, can run upwards of $5,000. Paralysis, which is more common than we think, can run up to $10,000. Datis spent roughly $25,000 and would have had to spend upwards of $60,000 if he didn’t have pet insurance. “100% it was worth it. Our last dog was a French bulldog, which is a "higher risk" dog, and his IVDD surgery cost $9,000 before physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.” So when Datis decided to bring a new member into the family, it was a no brainer to sign up for pet insurance right away. Datis feels confident in his choice to get pet insurance again, “Juniper is on a plan. She's a mixed breed dog, so it's much cheaper and I get really great coverage with them. We're grateful we did, as we recently found out that she has hip dysplasia, a lifelong issue that many large breed dogs face that will require physical therapy or hydrotherapy, daily supplements, and hip surgery at some point in her life. Hip dysplasia surgery can cost anywhere from $4000-8000.” A dog owners nightmare, especially without pet insurance! If you’re considering getting pet insurance, Datis does warn people to remember some downsides to insurance, like deductibles. “Some will have an annual deductible that resets each year (pet plan, pet secure, and most others follow this model) and others will have a one-time deductible associated with individual illnesses (Trupanion is the only one I know that does this). So if your dog is diagnosed with allergies, once you have paid your deductible, you won't have to pay it again for the life of your dog with a company like Trupanion. Whereas with Petplan, every year the deductible resets but it's applicable to all illnesses and injuries." He also recommends to do your research and know what is and isn't included in your plan. Things like dental work, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc. are a few to inquire about. "There is so much information available on the internet... but you'll also want to do some additional leg work by looking into the fine print of each provider and jumping on calls with them to sort out any questions you may have. " So if you find yourself questioning pet insurance, according to Datis, don’t. You may find yourself in a situation where you could be financially crippled by an illness your dog is facing and simply won't be able to afford the medical treatment necessary. “Hopefully, you'll never have to use your insurance and you just pay for peace of mind. " Want more tips from dog owners like Datis? Join the next Meet-Up on November 2nd in False Creek! Download the app for the details and to RSVP!

Whether you're a Vancouverite with a troubled pup, or a new dog mom or dad, it can be hard and confusing when choosing which training method to focus on. A new training technique introduced by hosts and trainers, Dylan and Darijan Northstar, of the new television show, the Dog Dudes, centres around the fact that you don't have to choose. We sat down with the Vancouver duo to get the low down on the training method that they've been using to rehabilitate dogs over the last 7 years. According to Dylan and Darijan, each of the numerous traditional and well-known techniques used comes with an array of advantages and disadvantages. Take the widely used positive-reinforcement training, for example, rewarding good behaviour with treats, praise, and toys, while completely ignoring bad behaviour. According to Dylan and Darijan, it's the most popular used method and is a great starting point, especially for obedience and trick-training. "It is based on Thorndike’s Law of Effect which essentially says that behaviour that is rewarded increases in frequency, while behaviour that is unrewarded decreases in frequency," they explain. Another one, the Alpha Dog or Dominance-Based Training - think Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer. The technique is centred around the theory that dogs see their human family members as members of the pack. Every pack has an Alpha Dog or dominant dog, and in order to show the other dogs who is in control, humans need to dominate their pet dogs like an Alpha dog would in a pack. The method includes not allowing dogs to walk ahead of you on a leash, eating before you do, be on furniture or the bed, and not going down to their eye level. It also includes punishment when they misbehave, which according to the Dog Dudes, is often harsh. "Punishments involved in training can involve: reprehending verbally, isolation, spraying with water, pinning down the dog (often with aggression, intimidation and growling - to recreate what dogs would do to one another), grabbing the scruff, and hitting." "This method is criticized as being antiquated, abusive, and dangerous. Furthermore, critics say that dogs do not rely on pack mentality as much previously believed and that this method can create fear and anxiety within dogs or worsen them if they are already existing." The duo had countless tips on an array of techniques including electronic training, model-rival or mirror training, and relationship-based training, and the methods above don't even scratch the surface of the numerous options available to dog owners. So how do you know which training technique to use for your own dog? The Dog Dudes acknowledge that each of the methods come with their own advantages and disadvantages. So, they take the best of each and formulate a method that works for the specific dog that they are training. Here's how it works... "Our Pack Power behaviour modification and training approach is instinctual, intuitive, scientific and primarily focused on using relationship-based, positive reinforcement, and dog-based mirror training." They consider themselves to be "balanced" trainers, mixing the traditional positive reinforcement training with modified techniques of alpha dog/dominance training. In their opinion, "the whole premise of having a dog in your life is to spend time with it, play with it and develop a deep spiritual and emotional bond with it." They don't believe that we need to be in constant control of every aspect of our dogs' behaviours or expect them to respond to our every request or demand, and their training method mirrors this belief. They broke their technique down into three stages. Stage one is to understand the dogs' situation. And this isn't only tailored to the individual dog they are working with, but also to the human family. "Each dog’s problem has its own unique approach, and even the same problems between two different dogs can have completely different root causes and thus require different training methods." Once they understand the situation, they work on the second stage, which they like to call “Sahelu,” or the trust stage. This is when the bond between the dog and the Dog Dudes is established enough to allow them to physically touch and interact with them. And then the final stage is introducing them to the Pack. Ever heard of the saying, you're a combination of the 5 people that you spend the most time with? Well, they believe this theory is the same for dogs. "It is scientifically proven that when unconfident dogs are consistently exposed to groups of confident dogs in a controlled environment, the confidence of the other dogs begins to rub off on them. We see this time and time again with our pack." According to The Dog Dudes, not everything can be taught by humans, which is why they incorporate their pack of Siberian Huskies. The pack leads the way to create a clear pack dynamic which can't be replicated by humans. The Huskies instil manners, patience, canine body language, social skills, recall and off-leash obedience, among other things. The Dog Dudes explains that with the Pack leading the way, other dogs seem to more effectively pick up on the above skills. "When unsocialized dogs are exposed to our dogs, they learn extremely quickly. The Power of the Pack is truly a magical process to witness and be part of." And they want you to witness that magic. The tv show, which just premiered on September 25th, can be found on Amazon Prime Video Channel, and on Apple TV. Create your human Pack of trusted dog sitters on PawSwap by joining us at our next Meet-up. Download the app for details and to RSVP.

Nothing excites us more than reposting the cutest Vancouver dog instagram accounts...nothing except perhaps posting them all in one place. Our instagram account is full of follow worthy Vancouver dogs, from dogs in raincoats, to dogs hanging out with celebrities, there's something for every dog lover and owner. Here's a list of 7 Vancouver dog accounts that we know you'll love. Hopefully this brightens the rest of your day just as much as it brightened ours! @theminihdson Hudson, the mini goldendoodle enjoys long walks on the beach, driving in cars (0r in dads knapsack), and treats, but only when they have his name written on them - we like your style Hudson. His life goal is to stay up past 12am to see Santa next year. @eeveethebernedoodle We're not sure if Eevee is a dog or a human, but we're pretty convinced she's human. From her larger than life smile to the look she gives you when she wants a treat, this Bernedoodle is the cutest thing since X-men underwear. @justinthefrenchie Like a true Vancouverite, Justin cannot function without coffee in the morning, so naturally we had to have him on the list. Justins favourite pastimes include playing monopoly, although he's not very good at it, hanging out with the cast of Riverdale, and stealing anything and everything he get his paws on. @lennyontheblock This fashionista has better style than some people we know. He enjoys the finer things in life, including shopping at Artizia, and photoshoots with mum and dad (or alone). Even his tipi home encompasses a stylish vibe that any dog would be lucky to have! @sweetbaby.olive Olive goes almost everywhere with her humans, but something tells us she'd rather be at home sleeping (and that something is the one thousand and one photos found on her instagram account of her happily sleeping everywhere and anywhere she can)! Don't worry Olive, we're right there with ya! Sleeping > EVERYTHING! @charliethepetitedood From his adorable head tilts, to his cute little smile, this Petite Doodle is always photo-ready! Except when it's raining it seems, totally understandable Charlie ;). @mrbentley_thedog You know him, you love him, we love him, everyone loves him....so how could we leave him off the list? Bentley rides around Vancouver in style. He enjoys tacos, laying on his belly, and hanging out with celebrities (something tells us that Justin and Bentley would make good friends, just saying). Darn, now we feel like tacos...thanks Bentley! Did we miss one of your favourites? Let us know which dog accounts you love in the comments on our Insta feed!

Whether you like it not, Summer is officially over, leaving us all with shorter days, cooler evenings, and an overabundance of PSLs. But even if you’re more of a spring and summer kind of human, one thing you have to admit: Vancouver is dang pretty in the fall. The crunchy leaves, the crisp, fall air, and the beautiful array of reds, yellows, and orange that make the perfect backdrop for the 1,000 photos you’re going to take of your pup this season. Take a peek at the best ball spots for you and your dog to hit up in Vancouver. 1. Stanley Park Photo via Instagram: @monstercavelier We hate to belly flop right into the obvious, but who can deny the obvious beauty of Stanley Park — those trees, those hills, and all the trails just begging for a romp and a wrestle. There are tons to explore in this urban forest. Plus, tons of water if you need a break from the breathtaking foliage (if that’s a thing). 2. Kitsilano Photo via Instagram: @browdog_ You don’t need an address for Google Maps — just pick a random street address in Kits and start exploring. Every street in Leafy Kitsilano is lined with trees that make for the most picturesque canopy. Plus, we guarantee you there will be plenty of piles of leaves at the curb just begging for you to toss a ball for Fido into. 3. Apple Festival 📷 Photo via: www.dogtails.com Address: 6804 SW Marine Drive This activity is a two for one! You and your pup can taste the many samples of BC’s favourite fruit (a dog-friendly snack), AND you can stroll through the UBC campus to catch the changing foliage. UBC is also backed by Pacific Spirit National Park, which is a beautiful forest with well-marked trails. Perfect if you and your bestie are in the mood for long walks through crunchy leaves! 4. Queen Elizabeth Park 📷 Photo via Instagram: @tuki_minigoldendoodle Address: 4600 Cambie St It’s the highest point in Metro-Vancouver, which means you’ll get stunning, sweeping views of the city in the midst of the fall foliage change. Plus — there are 130 acres of park for you and your pupper to play in. So, bring a hot apple cider, pack a frisbee, and bring your walking shoes. 5. Corn Maze 📷 Photo via Instagram: @chilliwackcornmaze Address: 41905 Yale Rd W A 12-acre corn maze for you and your pupper to explore sounds like the best way to spend a crisp, Sunday afternoon. The original Chilliwack corn maze has been operating since 1999 and every year has a new design. This year, they’re celebrating the Canuck’s 50th anniversary and will be raising awareness for the Canuck Place Children’s Hospital — all proceeds to the maze are going to the hospital this year. So not only will you and pup have fun, you’ll be having fun while also giving back! 6. Pumpkin Patch 📷 Photo via Instagram: @littlepnwpups Address: 6767 Balaclava Street (at W 51st Ave) Visiting a pumpkin patch is a no-brainer, but some people get put off by the drive. A lot of farms make it worth your while with extra activities, like hay bale mazes, tractor rides, and petting zoos. Plus, how can you resist the adorableness of your pup with a backdrop of hundreds of pumpkins? Keep in mind that not all pumpkin patches are dog-friendly, or, if they’re like Southland Farms, require your dog to be well-behaved and on a leash at all times. Make sure you double-check before you go! If pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple festivals aren’t your pup’s cup of tea, we’ve got you covered with our Meet-ups! Grab a PSL and join us for our next one!

What’s better than starting and ending your day with a dog? How about two dogs? That’s what PawSwap member, Victoria, wants you to consider. And we couldn’t agree more. “Having two dogs is honestly the best! They always keep each other entertained!” 📷 Dogs are pack animals. While humans are special friends to dogs, dogs also enjoy spending time with their own kind. “Emmi would get bored when we left the house, which resulted in some undesirable behaviour. After Ash joined, our family has completely changed! Emmi is more relaxed and less destructive since she had someone to play with. And, of course, Ash loves having a big sis to follow around everywhere.” “Emmi was the first one to join our family. She’s actually the very first dog I’ve ever owned. Growing up my parents were too keen on the idea of having pets in the house.” “Ash joined our family about a year and a half after Emmi.” “I got Emmi and Ash from the same breeder which helped a lot. Our breeder made it very easy and comfortable for us transitioning from one to two dogs. Obviously, having two dogs isn’t for everyone. We know that the sound of it can be daunting for some, especially in a city like Vancouver, which is notorious for its lack of pet-friendly housing. But if your schedule allows it and you find yourself fortunate enough to live in a pet-friendly building, then two pets can be beneficial to you and your dog. Plus, with apps like ours, finding pet-sitters for two pups is easy! “If it doesn’t strain you financially, then I’d encourage any pet owners to consider getting a second dog.” Though, continues Victoria, prepare yourself for just a little bit more work. “Two dogs can make things a bit difficult sometimes — that might just be because we do not own a car which makes getting around trickier with two dogs, especially if my boyfriend isn’t with me.” “It’s not that much more financially because we have two small dogs. I would say that vet bills are the biggest increase in our budget, but not much more than that.” 📷 “Other than that, though, two dogs are manageable — our days haven’t changed that much since adding Ash to our family. A typical day sees us waking up at 7:00 for our morning walks and breakfast at 8:00. We go off to work while the dogs stay at home and party home for the day. When we get home from work, we’ll go to the dog park in Olympic Village and let our dogs get some exercise and socialize. After dinner, we all cuddle up on the couch and watch some Netflix before getting ready for bed. The dogs get to sleep with us in our bed every night because we like it and they like it!" “When my boyfriend is not home, I have two dogs that snuggle up to me on either side of the bed, which is pretty great!” And it sounds as though the benefits far outweigh the limits: Another dog means they’ll have a constant companion to calm them, but also burn off excess energy with. Plus, double the dog means double the love — and who doesn’t love that?

More than just creepy, ticks can spread a plethora of diseases that can affect both humans and dogs, and finding one on your dog is always a little scary. The good news is that if you arm yourself with the right info and follow a few simple precautions before and after an adventure in the woods, you and your pupper will be just fine. Photo via: Unsplash With fall on the horizon, read on to learn why you still need to be vigilant with ticks and what to do if you find one. We even bust some myths in the process. Myth #1: Summer is over, so tick season is over As the weather in the summer gets warmer, our pets spend more time outside, which can expose our doggos to ticks. While summer is the time to be on the lookout for ticks, tick season doesn’t end with summer — it lasts until late October. In fact, adult ticks are most active in the fall. So, before you go on an adventure in the woods, the best way to prevent a tick bite is to prevent it in the first place. This includes topical medication and medicated collars that help keep ticks away form your pet. Depending on where you live, you might also consider talking to your vet about vaccinations for Lyme disease. Myth #2: I vaccinated my pup — he’ll be fine While vaccinations help, especially when coupled with topical medication, there is no protection that is 100% effective. To be certain that your pup has no ticks, it’s important to inspect your pet after any adventure in the woods. You’ll want to do a head-to-tail inspection of your pupper. It’s important to look at the lifecycle of ticks beforehand so you know what you’re looking for. Pay special attention to the groin, between the toes, in or around their ears, around the tail, anal area, and eyes — this is where ticks like to hang out. Ticks need to be embedded for at least 24–48 hours to spread infection, so you have a quick window here after all your outings to do a proper once over. Tip: If you have a long-haired dog, use a hairdryer. This will allow you to easily part hair and see skin. 📷 Photo via: Saving Advice Myth #3 I found a tick and now my dog must be sick Did you know that not all ticks carry diseases? And not all tick-borne illnesses show symptoms right away. It’s really scary to find a tick on your dog. We’ve all been there! But just like we said above, a tick needs to be embedded for 1–2 days before it spread disease, and not all ticks are carriers for disease! So, if you caught it a couple of days after, chances are everything is okay. Breathe in, breathe out, boop your dog’s nose, and follow the steps below for proper removal of a tick. What to do if you find a tick If you find a tick on your dog, don’t panic, but do get it off of your dog as soon as you find it. Be careful of how you take the tick off — you don’t want to squish or crush it, as this could squeeze infected bodily fluids into your dog Grab a pair of tweezers Place them around the tick and as close as you can to the skin of your dog. Pull gently upwards with steady hands, applying pressure until the tick lets you pull it out. Don’t twist or jerk. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Dispose of the tick by killing it with alcohol of flushing down the toilet. Be careful not to touch it with your fingers — you don’t want any infected saliva or blood on your skin, as they may contain pathogens. 📷 Photo via: Unsplash If the mouthpart of the tick is still in your dog’s skin, don’t worry. Sometimes this happens when they’re really good and stuck in there those nasty buggers. Think of it as a splinter — it will naturally fall out in a few days. If you’re worried your dog might have been infected with a disease, or just want to be 100% certain, keep the tick in alcohol and take it into your veterinarian for testing. What to do if you find a tick and it’s been over a week It doesn’t matter how rigorous you were about the pat-down — ticks are masters at hide-and-seek. Chances are your dog has indicated to you via excessive itching or chewing that he has a tick. If you’ve find a tick and it’s been a little over a week since the time you were out and about in the woods, then repeat all of the above steps, but this time, keep the tick and get it tested. Grab your pair of tweezers and complete steps 1-5 above, and then keep the tick and take it in to get tested. There is no easy or quick way to determine if your dog has been infected by a tick. As we mentioned above, not all ticks carry diseases and not all tick-borne illnesses show symptoms right away. Taking the tick in for testing at your veterinarian is the only way you can know if your dog contracted a disease. In the meantime, keep a close eye on your dog for the next couple of weeks to see if they begin displaying any signs of illness. The most important thing to remember is to always pat down your dog after every adventure in a wooded area. Make it a part of your routine before heading home — plus, your pooch won’t mind all the pats and extra attention, so this is a win-win. Are you joining us for our next Meet-Up? Meet other dog lovers like you — we bet they have oodles of stories about close encounters with the tick-kind to share!

It’s the stuff of nightmares for any dog owner that has left their dog in the care of another. Sami, a two-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback-shepherd cross dog, was lost (and now found!) while being looked after last weekend. The same day the Vancouver family dropped Sami off, they received a message from the sitter, saying Sami had escaped while in the care of his roommate. What makes it even scarier is that the person pet sitting was not a random person on Craigslist — it was through a reputable pet-sitting app. We’re thrilled that Sami was found and reunited with her family, though her disappearance through a pet-sitting app got us thinking about how dog owners can protect themselves, and their dogs, from ever finding themselves in situations like the above. According to Aliya Bhatia, Founder of PawSwap App, “We trust so many apps, like Airbnb and Uber, to safely connect strangers, but it’s not the same when it comes to your dog. If a human gets in a car with a careless driver, they can easily tell the driver to stop and get out of the car. If a person enters a home on Airbnb and it isn’t as described, they can stay elsewhere. Dogs obviously can’t talk, can’t protect themselves, can’t just get up and leave.” She believes that with any pet care services, whether it be a daycare or PawSwap, building a relationship with the pet sitter is important, if not for the dog owner, then for the dog. “You need to know who they are, what they’re like with your dog, if you both get along, and if they’re used to looking after dogs,” Bhatia continues. We even have a cheat sheet on our website to help sitters and owners ask the right questions and be on the same page. It’s recommended for dog owners to carve out some time to get their pet familiar with pet-sitters (whether that be a neighbour, friend, family member, or a daycare) on their own terms. If the dog is staying at the pet sitters home, coordinating a time to drop by is extremely important to ensure a comfortable experience with anyone new. “You want your dog to be just as comfortable as you are, and that includes getting them familiarized with your pet sitters face, voice, and scent.” "The bottom line is: you can’t blindly trust apps, or any online services for that matter. You can’t even blindly trust offline services. What you can trust, though, are online services (including apps) that connect you with a community, and use them as an avenue to building trusting relationships over time." So, how does one do that without feeling uncomfortable having a stranger in your home, or visiting a strangers home for the first time? “We understand that first introductions aren’t easy,” Bhatia explains. The solution, in her option, “take the awkward element out of introductions and join dog Meet-Ups to grow your circle (or, your “Pack” as we like to call it). Whether you’re new to the community or a seasoned PawSwap member Meet-Ups give everyone, humans and dogs, a comfortable and safe environment to meet, and start building authentic relationships.” About PawSwap Like many apps you know and love such as AirBnb and Uber, that safely connect strangers, PawSwap understands that apps for pet sitting aren’t exactly the same. Dogs are like children. Children that can’t talk, or protect themselves. That’s why we aren’t trying to be like these apps. With PawSwap, members create their Pack of trusted dog owners. People that they know and trust. Members grow their Pack by adding Friends, Neighbours, and people they've met at Meet-Ups. Sending a request to everyone you trust whenever a last minute hand is needed has never been easier. The best part, there's no need to run out and grab cash or a bottle of wine to say thanks — members pay the favour forward with Points.

Millennials are single-handedly upending traditional life milestones — we're delaying marriage and house-buying. And now, we're delaying baby-making. Or rather, delaying and replacing kids with dogs. Just call us Generation Rex. As dog-mom Kimberly will tell you, the reasons why she and her husband chose to adopt Bacchus, 4.5 old Cavapoo and heart-breaker to-be, over having a baby (for the time being) are plenty. And, they aren't alone... According to Millennial Marketing (MM), 44% of Millennials remain unsure on if they want to start their own family. For starters, having a dog fits more into the Millennial lifestyle. “My husband and I are both lawyers, so we have full-time practices to attend to. It definitely is easier — for now!” Overall, while dogs need loads of love and attention, dog parents have the luxury (though it pains us) to leave them behind while at work or to make a quick outing. Kind of a no-no (and very illegal) for parents with tiny humans to do. “We’ll head to work and bring Bacchus to doggy daycare once a week. I will work from home twice a week, my husband once a week and then I get to bring Bacchus with me to the office one day of the week!” Another reason, housing prices and living expenses in Vancouver makes adding a dog to the family a no-brainer for most Vancouver couples. “We live in East Vancouver, close to Commercial Drive. Living space and expenses definitely have something to do with our choices.” And when it comes to spending money, the big question we all want to know is: is it cheaper to have dogs or kids? “I mean, we spend a lot of money on Bacchus — he’s our baby! It’s sort of creepy how obsessed we are with him. But it doesn’t compare to how much a child costs. We can save some money for us, too!" Ain’t that the truth. According to a 2013 report, the annual cost of raising a child for a two-parent, middle-income household (depending on the age of the child) averaged anywhere between $12,000 to $14,800 annually. And that doesn't include college or university. A big factor for those price tags includes childcare, which can be hard to find and pricey (not like PawSwap, which literally only costs you $1). Big difference... We won’t be the first to say that raising a dog is expensive (we spend more than we’d like to admit on our doggos). But the average cost of raising a dog, just within the first year, pales in comparison to that hefty price tag — a mere $2,674. Most would agree with Kimberly in saying your entire life changes after a child. “If we had kids, our lifestyle would change a bit. Living space for sure, taking vacations and travelling, that kind of thing. We don’t have a car but I think we would have to get one for convenience if we had kids.” Another nice thing about having a dog — not only are they good for you physically and mentally, but they’re also chill about your lifestyle, providing you with a bit more freedom. “We’re trying to balance giving enough attention to Bacchus along with our jobs. Having several walks throughout the day is always welcomed! Bacchus makes sure we get out plenty.” And finally, the choice in the temperament and type of dog is the owners to make, and most choose based on their lifestyle. "We went with a Cavapoo because they’re known for being hypoallergenic and well-mannered.” “Fur-babies are furry so therefore the cuddling potential is unlimited! Also, Bacchus doesn’t talk back...much. And Bacchus is the cutest little guy! Sure, he has his diablo phases, but overall? A total sweetheart.” "And we’ve made some great memories with him so far. We went to Tofino over August long weekend was a blast. We took Bacchus to the beach for the first time and on his first bike ride.” Throw in their soulful eyes, always-happy-to-see-you-demeanor, and unconditional love, you’ve got yourself the best companion. We think it’s safe to say that we all know that dogs and babies aren’t the same. One comes with two legs, the other comes with four. One has opposable thumbs, the other has opposing views on cats. One grows up, the other stays 5 years old forever. It’s pretty clear why more Vancouver couples are choosing dogs over babies, for now. Not only are they great for your mental and physical health, but they’re also adorable and are incapable of not loving you. Plus, if you are hoping to one day have a baby, they’re perfect baby steps for you and your partner! “I do think we want children in the future, but where we are now in our lives with our busy jobs, having a dog just makes more sense. It’s still challenging since we want to be with Bacchus all the time but we make it work.” So, if you’re in the phase of life there the thought of nurturing a child is, frankly, too much (financially or otherwise), then a dog may be the perfect companion. Especially in a place like Vancouver, where just existing can feel expensive.

It’s the best of times for dog-lovers. It’s the worst of times for our bank accounts. Marketing agencies everywhere have caught on to us — we will literally buy anything that has to do with our dog. But what we love even more than filling our homes with stuff our dog doesn’t need is supporting local dog lovers while filling our homes with stuff our dog does need! Here are four local Vancouver dog companies you seriously need to check out. Dog Bundles Like Fab Fit Fun, but for dogs, this Canadian company delivers your pup personalized bundles of joy right to your doorstep. These subscription boxes include several hand-picked combos toys, treats, chews, and other wonderful things to delight your pup for hours on end. The best part is that all the goodies inside are customized to your pup — no generic themes here. Plus, your pup enjoys full-sized treats that are all-natural treats and cater to those with allergies. Not to mention, everything is made right here in Canada or the US. Photo: Dog Bundles Instagram To get started, pick the frequency of your subscription — 1, 3, or 6 months. Each bundle is filled with 4-6 items based on your dog’s preferences — if they have allergies, chewing habits, an aversion to things that squeak, etc. Your monthly bundle will be delivered to your door Our fave: You can give a bundle to a doggo friend! Blue Paw Co. Blue Paw Co. grew out of frustrated owner, Marian, trying to find a safe harness for her French Bulldog that was also aesthetically appealing. Rather than admit defeat, Marion turned frustration into opportunity and launched the Blue Paw Co. brand, inspired 100% by Zoey, her Frenchie fur-baby. We love the range and functionality of these harnesses. Harnesses include a 4-point lock system for extra security, D-ring leash attachment, and a reflective patch and stripes for night safety. The line has even expanded to include leashes, collars, hoodies, bow ties, and bandanas. Our favourite might be the reversible harness in “Cheat Day” — two delicious looks in one! And don’t go thinking these are just for small dogs — sizes range from XS to L, so there’s no reason why you’re 60 lb black lab can’t be a walking snack. 📷 Photo: Blue Paw Co. Froggy Da Doggy Another Vancouver-grown dog company that is chasing after style and quality is Froggy Da Doggy, a dog accessories brand that inspires elegance in everyday life. Inspired by its namesake, Froggy, a rescue dog from Bali, this Vancouver company grew out of a desire to find durable leashes that could withstand any rambunctious pup while still remaining fashionable. Each of Froggy Da Doggy’s leashes 7 leashes in one (take a peek at their Instagram to see what we mean — there are so many ways to use these leashes) and are designed to withstand thousands of pounds of pull. Each leash can be safely used for large dogs up to any size and weight but is also light enough for small dogs. How? The material. Leashes are made of ultra-strong, double-braided nautical grade rope with nylon that is lightweight. 📷 Photo: Froggy Da Doggy Instagram These stylish leashes don’t just look good — they do good. 15% of the proceeds are put towards the street dogs of Bali so that they too can get the help they need. Good Boy Collective This local boutique is capitalizing on what Vancouverites know deep in their souls — we are a city of dog lovers. We also happen to be sustainability enthusiasts. Put the two together and what do you get? Good Boy Collective, founded in 2017 by Dayandra Elrod and her two doggos, Bowie and Rupert, aiming to bring together an appreciation for design, social responsibility, and love for our fur babies. They opened their first retail location earlier this year, which is a dog-friendly boutique and community space that offers wares for your dog, but also dog training services, seminars, adoption events, and product pop-ups. They also just launched their ZERO WASTE program, which we’re keen on trying out! It’s a common misconception that dog food bags are recyclable. Dog-food bags are lined to maintain freshness. So, even if you put your bag in the blue bin, they end up in the landfill unless the bags are brought to a facility that is willing to separate the lining from the bag. With the ZERO WASTE program, you purchase your container from Good Boy Collective, or bring your own in, and refill the container in their bulk section (they have carefully selected their bulk containers to ensure freshness and contamination-free food). When you come to refill, you get 10% off your purchase, and Good Boy properly dispenses of the bag (note: they only carry Earth’s Option food — here’s why). 📷 Photo: Good Boy Collective Instagram We love that this company also gives back to the community by supporting local rescues via fundraising events and adoption events. Don’t forget to join us at our next Meet-up! This is a great way to meet other dog lovers in your community. Plus, your doggo can make new friends for dog park days! You can find all the details in our app, here.

Did you and your pooch attend the largest outdoor pet festival on Sunday? If so, you were in good company — and likely had a barking good time! The Pet-A-Palooza is a free, pet-friendly festival that brings together pet lovers from all walks of life that have one thing in common: A to-the-moon-and-back love for their pets. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday, TBH. For one day, pet lovers were able to attend events like the running of the bulls (French and English bulldog races), wiener dog races, a puppy stampede, plus food, accessories, toys, and free swag, there were oodles to enjoy! And this year’ was one for the books. Makes sense, given that 1 in every 8 Vancouver residents owns at least 1 dog — and we loved seeing them all! This year the PawShop was open at Pet-A-Palooza with all the dog mom swag you could ask for. Tails were waggin' for our "Puppies and Prosecco" and "Dogs are Cool" tanks which are now available online with our special Pet-A-Palooza pricing for the rest of the week! For those who couldn’t make it this year, don’t fret — you’ll be able to catch the Pet-A-Palooza again next year. Or, if you happen to be in Scottsdale this fall, you can join in on the festivities in November! Speaking of November, don’t forget to join us at our next MeetUp! It’s a great way to meet other dog lovers in the community — and also the perfect way for your doggo to make new friends! You can find all the details in our app, here! To learn more about Pet-A-Palooza visit their website here.

Last week, an international survey named Vancouver the #1 friendliest city in the world. Which, for numerous reasons, prompted the following responses: If you live in Vancouver, are from Vancouver, or recently visited Vancouver, you’ll know why. At it’s best, Vancouver can appear standoffish. At its worst: elusive, and clique-y. Even Vancouverites are quick to admit there is room for improvement. People tend to stick to their own tribes (once they find them), all of which makes meeting new people a tricky past time. But all that goes out the window the second you see a Vancouverite who is a dog owner! Ah, dogs. Can anyone name something they don’t like about them? They make people smile. They have the power to bring people together. Petting them makes you happy — petting them makes them happy (yay, science!). They sneeze and you melt into a puddle of “Ohhhhhhhhh that’s adorable.” Dogs possess actual magical powers: They’re able to bring complete strangers together, facilitate conversations, and create trust and social support. So, whether you’re new to Vancouver or looking to broaden your circle of friends, consider PawSwap your newest social network! More about PawSwap... PawSwap is a platform that lets you create and customize your trusted list of pet sitters and friends. Whether you’re looking for new friends, new friends for your doggo, or someone to look after Fido, PawSwap makes it easy and affordable to connect with dog owners in the city. If you’re new to Vancouver, Meet-ups can help you get to know other dog parents in your community, set up some play dates, and maybe make new friends! When you make new friends at Meet-ups, not only do you help break the un-friendliness curse of Vancouver, but you can add these people to your Pack. Bonus points: Most of our Meet-Ups are in the dog park, so there’s always a ton of pups for your bff to socialize, meet, and play with! Using PawSwap to find people to look after your doggo is also easier! If you’ve ever had to find a friend to look after your pooch in a pinch, you’ll know how daunting the task is (and sometimes awkward!). You’ll send out a bunch of individual texts, maybe blast social media, post it in slack channel at work, put up some smoke signals, etc. — whatever it takes to try and see who, of all your dog-loving colleagues, will come to you in your time of need. Que read and no replies. How much easier it would be if you could broadcast just ONE message to a group of people you knew not only loves dogs, but has the incentive to help you out! That’s how PawSwap works: You can send one message to everyone in your trusted Pack of Friends for a request to look after your doggo. So, ready to try it out? Get started with PawSwap today for easy, affordable, and guilt-free pet care!