August 2024

Wags From
Near and Far

This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.

Welcome to Bay Woof, August 2024

Wags From Near and Far

This month’s issue of Bay Woof is the second of two “open theme” months during which our writers are invited to weigh in on any topic they wish, and they didn’t disappoint!

David Wichman - my dear, departed Stella’s first walker, now a successful adventure travel pro - shares a compelling account of his recent trip to Alaska and introduces us to the cool team of folks at Moon Dog Kennel near Healy. You won’t want to miss his piece about the restorative powers of dog hikes on the tundra.

Nearer to home, you’ll find several members of Bay Woof’s hardy pack, including Ren Volpe, Sara Scott, S. Emerson Moffat, Jane Tobin, Judy Shevelev, Dr. Ian Dunbar, RU Steinberg, Amy Luwis, and Dr. Ken Gorczyca, holding forth on a variety of topics.

Wherever you decide to wag out your last bit of summer, we hope you and your dog(s) have many more happy times ahead of you. See you in September!

Best woofs,

– M Rocket
Publisher, Bay Woof


cover: Handsome Hansel is available for adoption at the East Bay SPCA

This Month’s Bones to Chew

August Feature Stories

Featured Articles
A Trip to the Wilds Proves There’s No Medicine Like Dog Medicine
David Wichman
A Trip to the Wilds Proves There’s No Medicine Like Dog Medicine
David Wichman

On a recent trip to Alaska, a client and I found ourselves stuck. Denali National Park was experiencing its first forest fire in over a century.

David Wichman
From Playful Pup to Selective Adult: How a Dog’s Sociability Changes With Age
Ren Volpe
From Playful Pup to Selective Adult: How a Dog’s Sociability Changes With Age
Ren Volpe

As a trainer, I receive many inquiries from dog guardians when they start to notice their adolescent or adult dog becoming more guarded and selective around unknown dogs. They ask, “What’s happened to my happy-go-lucky puppy?”

Ren Volpe

Columns from the August Pack

Nose for News
Tri-Pawed Picnic Breaks Record, Book Publisher Wants Your Dog Hair, R.I.P. Olympic Therapy Dog, and More!
S. Emerson Moffat
Tri-Pawed Picnic Breaks Record, Book Publisher Wants Your Dog Hair, R.I.P. Olympic Therapy Dog, and More!
S. Emerson Moffat

San Francisco's annual Tri-Pawed Picnic set a new "fun-official" record earlier this summer for the largest gathering of three-legged dogs, with 94 fur-bearing tripods showing up to be counted.

S. Emerson Moffat
Ask Dr. Dog
Time Is On Your Side: Resolving Canine Anxiety, Stress, and Fear
Dr. Ian Dunbar
Time Is On Your Side: Resolving Canine Anxiety, Stress, and Fear
Dr. Ian Dunbar

If our dogs are anxious, stressed, or fearful, it’s our job to actively resolve these problems as soon as possible.

Dr. Ian Dunbar
Commission Tails
All About Coyotes: What We Know and Don’t Know
Jane Tobin
All About Coyotes: What We Know and Don’t Know
Jane Tobin

Coyotes are a hot topic in the Bay Area these days. You may have wondered, is it just me, or do there seem to be more coyotes than usual? Are they a serious danger or has that threat been exaggerated?

Jane Tobin
Good Dog!
Blue-Eyed Resilience: The Transformative Tale of Fernando
Sara Scott
Blue-Eyed Resilience: The Transformative Tale of Fernando
Sara Scott

For anyone who’s ever loved a dog, this story will resonate in the deepest chambers of your heart.

Sara Scott
The Monthly Woof
Still Life With Dog: One Friend’s Story
Judy Shevelev
Still Life With Dog: One Friend’s Story
Judy Shevelev

As a dog trainer, I meet people from all walks of life and I’m always curious about their histories and experiences with their dogs. I recently sat down for a thoughtful conversation with my friend Marco about his dog Luna and how she’s changed his life.

Judy Shevelev
Shelter Zone
New Digs for Muttville: Nonprofit Builds on Bay Area Legacy
Dr. Ken Gorczyca
New Digs for Muttville: Nonprofit Builds on Bay Area Legacy
Dr. Ken Gorczyca

Muttville, San Francisco’s iconic senior dog rescue organization, will reach a significant milestone this month with the opening of its new digs on Florida Street in the Mission District.

Dr. Ken Gorczyca
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
August 2024
R.U. Steinberg
August 2024
R.U. Steinberg

The American Kennel Club says 15 human years are equal to the first year of a medium-sized dog's life. A dog’s second year equals nine human years, and each subsequent year equals roughly five human years.

R.U. Steinberg

SF Bay Area Dog Park Map

adventures await