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…]

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…]

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…]