July 2025

Hot Dog -
Summer's Here!

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

Welcome to Bay Woof, July 2025

Hot Dog - Summer's Here!

Does anyone really have carefree summer days anymore? Between work and other real life responsibilities it often doesn't seem that way. That's why we could all take a page from our dogs - letting go of cares beyond our control and just enjoying the here and now - even if it's only for a few minutes.

We may not be able to ignore all the trials and tribulations of being a human in these trying times, but we still have our dogs for inspiration. Breathing in the warm summer air; reaching for a treat, a toy, or that squirrel; happy to be in the company of a favorite friend. Is there a better summer plan to be had?

So enjoy these lazy dog days in the company of your best pal - and maybe even a hot dog or two.

Happy summer,

M Rocket
Publisher, Bay Woof

cover photo: © Jody Colley

This Month’s Bones to Chew

July’s Feature Stories

Featured Articles

Trish King

Anticipation… Making It Work for You and Your Dog

Trish King

Have you ever noticed how much fun it is to anticipate something good?

Trish King

Regan Crisp

In Good Hands: Building Compassion for Pets in East Bay Classrooms and Beyond

Regan Crisp

On a Tuesday morning this past February, students set aside their usual routines to welcome two special guests: Heather Franco from East Bay SPCA and Elsa, a petite, white-and-tan dog with bouncy charm and expressive eyebrows.

Regan Crisp

Chelsea Blackburn

Polly’s Purpose: How A Shelter Dog Became a Hero - Twice!

Chelsea Blackburn

Heroes don’t always wear capes. Polly, a senior rescue dog with incredible instincts, has defied the odds with a journey that is anything but ordinary.

Chelsea Blackburn

Karen Jachens

From Rescued to Rescuer: Wyatt Works It Out

Karen Jachens

This isn’t a story about your normal working dog. And maybe not everyone will consider what our boy did to be work, but Wyatt had a job to do and he did it well.

Karen Jachens

Columns from the July Pack

Nose for News

S. Emerson Moffat

Amber's Big Dip, MLB's Newest Bat Dog, Lifeguard Poodle Makes a Splash, and More!

S. Emerson Moffat

Talk about terrifying. A five-year-old Retriever mix named Amber was found frantically swimming in the middle of an English shipping channel last month, after having bolted from her foster home nearly 100 miles away.

S. Emerson Moffat

Shelter Zone

Adrien Abuyen

The Ripple Effect of Giving Thanks

Adrien Abuyen

Gratitude is rarely a straight line. In animal rescue, it moves in ripples, spreading from one kind act to another, widening with every adoption, every volunteer shift, and every small moment of care.

Adrien Abuyen

Good Dog!

Ren Volpe

Say Hi or Walk On By? Teaching Your Dog When to Greet or Move On

Ren Volpe

If your dog becomes overly excited whenever they see another dog - pulling madly, whining, barking, or lunging - you're not alone.

Ren Volpe

Ask Dr. Dog

Katie Evans

Hot Dog! Protecting Your Pet From Summer Heat

Katie Evans

With soaring heat and sudden power outages becoming the new normal, summer safety isn’t just a concern — it’s a responsibility.

Katie Evans

The Monthly Woof

Dan Perdios

Does Your Dog Love the Water? Tips for Safer Summer Swims

Dan Perdios

I used to think all dogs naturally liked to swim, but through the years I’ve learned this isn’t always the case.

Dan Perdios

Commission Tails

Mikaila Garfinkel

Let’s Talk About It: Animal Agriculture and the Climate Crisis

Mikaila Garfinkel

One glimmer of hope in the pending doom of a scorchingly hot summer? Our city is leading by example and showing the world that it’s committed to taking climate change seriously.

Mikaila Garfinkel

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows