Anyone who has a furbaby will agree our pets are among the most wonderful treasures in the world (even if they cause mischief every now and then). But getting them to the vet can be stressful for everyone involved–furry family member and owner. Luckily, there are multiple businesses in the Austin area that offer mobile veterinary services! If you’re looking for a less stressful way to fit in annual or routine appointments, read on to learn about five local mobile veterinarians who provide gentle house calls for you and your pets. [Read more…]
How ZilkerBark’s Viral Dog Photography Grew From Nothing
Guest article by Steven Souza
Alex Hopes is living the Austin-American dream. If you’re one of the 138,000 people who follow his Instagram account, ZilkerBark, then you know him as the guy who takes photos of dogs in Austin.
As popular as he’s become in the past few years, the life he has today has only been possible through a lot of hard work. I got to spend an afternoon with Hopes, two of his dogs, and his camera in–where else–Zilker Park.
Here’s a glimpse into how Austin’s most famous dog photographer got to where he is today. [Read more…]
Vote for Strawberry Nutella Toast in the Tèo Gelato Flavor Creation Contest
Want fresh strawberries, swirls of Nutella, and biscotti chunks? Order Strawberry Nutella Toast gelato at Tèo
(Credit: @dollarsaenz)
You scream, I scream, we all scream for…gelato! This popular saying typically ends with “ice cream,” but after you try the award-winning gelato at Tèo Expresso Gelato & Bella Vita, I’m pretty sure you’ll consider the permanent switch like I have.
For the past few months, I’ve been secretly working with Tèo owner, Mathew Lee, in his kitchen to create my own one-of-a-kind flavor for the Tèo Flavor Creation Contest. Strawberry Nutella Toast is the result of my work, and I’m proud to say it’s every bit as good as it looks and sounds.
Eager for a taste and more info on how you can support Austin Pets Alive!? Keep reading.
[Read more…]
Austinites Heal With Kermit the Therapy Dog
Kermit the Therapy Dog
Guest article by Jesselyn Parks
“We were sitting underneath a tree and looking out over the field”, Melissa Unfred said, with a palpable, reflective calm in her voice. She’s telling this story over a speakerphone, with the roar of the highway audible on the line.
Unfred is 1,100 miles into a 1,300-mile journey. She’s returning to Austin from Parkland, Fla., the site of one of America’s most deadly school shootings. The faint panting of her certified Therapy Dog, Kermit, is not far off in the distance, coloring the phone call with a repetitive beat.
Kermit loves car rides. “Kids and parents would come and sit down next to us, and just quietly stroke his fur.” During the trip, Kermit’s working vest displayed in large, bold font: Therapy Dog. Please Pet Me. [Read more…]
Make a Special Connection Doing Yoga With Your Dog at Austin Doga
Austin Doga founder, Nicole Vykoukal (center), poses with her dog, Bonnie, and members of her class
Guest article by Sarah Snyder
For lovers of yoga who are invested in the tradition of keeping Austin weird, Austin Doga invites you and your dog to experience yoga together.
Appropriate for small, medium, and large dogs of all breeds, walking into an Austin Doga session is like walking into a room full of puppy love. Dogs are excited and people chat until founder Nicole Vykoukal begins [Read more…]
A Day in the Life of a Professional Dog Photographer in Austin
It’s 8 a.m. and I’m in South Austin meeting Krista Allenby of Ruff Adventures for an adventure and photo session with Gary, the Brussels Griffon. I’m awake and functioning much earlier than I’m used to, but Allenby explains that mornings are when she goes on most of her adventures. It’s just one of the steps this Austin dog photographer takes to ensure her four-legged subjects are happy, comfortable, and safe.
Krista Allenby is one of the lucky few who are able to turn their passion into a business. For her, being a dog photographer in one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country is both exciting and rewarding.
Ruff Adventures’ clients come in all different shapes, sizes, and temperaments. But years of experience have taught Allenby how to capture their personalities while they adventure to their favorite spots around Austin. [Read more…]
8 of Austin’s Most Dog-Friendly Patios
Prudence lusts after my turkey leg during the 2016 Pecan Street Festival in downtown Austin (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dog-friendly place than Austin, since humanity’s best friends are allowed in the majority of our city’s outdoor spaces. In a place that frequently makes it onto Top 10 lists for dog-friendliness, Austin has no shortage of dog parks, off-leash hiking trails and swimming holes where both you and your pup can cool off. Our Capital City is also home to more than 35 pet photographers, a doggie yoga studio, and Yard Bar–a restaurant/bar and dog park rolled into one.
While most restaurant and bar patios welcome the four-legged variety, there happen to be a few I enjoy more than others when I have my beloved rescue pup, Prudence, in tow. From dive bars to diners, ranch-to-table restaurants to beer gardens, this list has something for every dog (and owner). [Read more…]
BarkHappy App Connects Dog Owners in Austin
Both owners and dogs get to improve their social life through the BarkHappy app
(Credit: Pawstin via BarkHappy)
Austin is home to multiple dog parks and businesses featuring a flurry of pup companions seated or strolling alongside their owners. There is no lack of dog presence, and the city of Austin is positioned at the forefront of the no-kill cause due to the efforts of Austin Pets Alive!
However, dog owners are still left with questions about which Austin venues are accessible to their furry family members. Could an app exist to detail dog-friendly places, and connect dog owners for puppy play dates? Ninis Samuel posed these questions after adopting his dog Kerby and noting how much Kerby enjoyed adventuring with him. He decided to do something about the need for information. [Read more…]
Guide to the Ultimate Dog-Friendly Day in Austin
Meet Mr. Ming. It’s been a long, harsh winter for this pampered Pekingese. The weather has been rainy. The squirrels are all hibernating. He hasn’t had a hair cut in months.
But now that spring has sprung, it’s time for Mr. Ming to head out on the town for a day of fun, sun and luxury. Is your dog feeling the winter blues? Let’s follow in Mr. Ming’s paw prints as he checks out some of Austin’s most dog-friendly spots during his best day ever in the ATX. [Read more…]
Romp Around at These 6 Austin Dog Parks
Grab your best friend and check out these Austin dog parks
Guest article by Ashley Alkek
Austinites and their dogs, am I right? It’s a special bond. There are plenty of ways to spend quality time with your bestie, and dog parks in Austin are easy to find. So whether your pooch is in need of fresh air and exercise, a dip in the water or a little canine socializing, we’ve got you covered.
Check out these six sniff-worthy Austin dog parks, which all offer leash-free fun.