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Social trends and changing demographics have forced botanical gardens to widen their appeal beyond flowers and plants.

Defining and Choosing a Great Breeder When making a lifetime commitment choosing a dog and a breeder, I want to choose a “great” not just good breeder. A breeder who goes beyond the norm to ensure every pup in a litter, not just dogs chosen for the show ring are handled and prepared for a [...]

The Lunar New Year is here and the festivities for Chinese New Year are in full swing. While I’m not Chinese nor does my family celebrate Chinese New Year, I can’t help but acknowledge it each year as I have many friends that do celebrate it and the happy occasions and traditions seem to have [...]

One of the Bully Breeds Meet Muffin She is 10mths of sweetness cDiane Rich 2012 The origin of the Staffordshire Bull terrier includes the bulldog and black and tan terrier or some say the Manchester Terrier and old English white terrier. Height: 17 – 19 inches Weight: 30 – 40 lbs. cDiane Rich 2012 They [...]

Dogs Driving you Crazy? Many dogs can entertain themselves in the snow which is enjoyable to watch. Some dogs need more direction. Either way, it’s all good! cDiane Rich 2012 Here are some ideas to entertain your furry friends at home. 1. Get out the snow shoes, grab some trekking poles, fetch the leash and [...]

Airing on NBC Saturday, January 14 14th Annual Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals will be airing on NBC on Saturday, January 14, at 5 pm ET. This one-of-a-kind canine sporting event features top dogs from around the world competing in Olympic-style events such as Dog Diving, Freestyle Flying Disc, 30-Weave Pole Race, Jack Russell [...]

Hiking with Dogs cDiane Rich 2012 Walking dogs on leash in the city can be fun, but can’t compete with what mother nature has to offer and the senses she fills away from urban noises and smells. Whether the trail circles a lake mirroring foliage or mountains, takes you deep into the woods enjoying mammoth, [...]

After years of visiting, purchasing from, and admiring the institution that is Molbak’s Garden and Home in Woodinville, WA, the lovely Karen Chapman helped get my name through the door for me to finally stand on their stage and present a talk! It’s going to be about ORCHIDS! The last talk I ever gave on [...]

A post from my blog, The Next Generation Gardener, a few weeks ago: It was a very sad time for the Filipino community here in Seattle as we mourned with the death of Danny Vega, a 58 year old hairstylist living in the Rainer Valley, who was severely beaten by a group of young teenagers [...]

Happy New Year 1. Get mom or dad off the sofa so I can get more exercise cDiane Rich 2012 2. Eat more high quality fresh food cDiane Rich 2012 3. Keep up the dental hygiene cDiane Rich 2012 4. Try not to take up too much of my parent’s bed unless of course I [...]

Something to think About Asking cDiane Rich 2011 Have you ever had a stranger approach your dog and give your dog a treat without asking permission? Last week, I took Chase shopping with me to a retail store that allows pets. Many employees asked if they could pet him and my response was of course. [...]

Maybe it’s Time to Tweak your Pet Parenting Skills Dogs need to be set up for success and be crystal clear on what is acceptable behavior. Expecting the family dog that has been through minimal training to just “know better” is not fair nor is expecting a puppy or young dog to be an angel [...]

Bedford Garden Club will open 10 local vegetable gardens to the public in an effort to raise awareness about food sustainability and inspire visitors to grown their own food.

Think Transparency There are many worthy animal nonprofits to consider for donations. Some charities worth considering are local and others national or international, do your homework. 1.Transparency A charity should make it easy for donors and potential donors to review the budget. Depending on how much money a nonprofit takes in they may be required [...]

Meet Nala cDiane Rich 2011 Hound This beautiful, muscular dog is listed in the Hound category and uses both scent and sight for hunting. I have always been intrigued by the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Origination This breed originated in Africa and was used to hunt small and large game including lions. When they hunted lions it [...]

Meet Kiska, Beckham and Marina cDiane Rich 2011 A little back story before I post the profile. I am currently working with a lovely new client and her 3 American Eskimos. The elder dog, Kiska on the left was purchased as a pup and is 15. The next in line in the crate adopted about [...]

Animal Related Non Profits I was recently contacted by a Purina representative to post this opportunity to help 3 animal-human related non profits. PURINA® DOG CHOW® BRAND DOG FOOD TO HELP SPREAD HOLIDAY GIVING THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH PARAMOUNT PICTURES’ Purina® Dog Chow® Brand Dog Food will give fans the opportunity to support service and therapy [...]

Is your Dog’s name on the list? cDiane Rich2011 Banfield Pet Hospital has compiled the top 50 pet names of 2011, similar to the BabyCenter list of baby names that was released a few days ago. As the world’s largest veterinary practice, Banfield has a patient database with over 780 hospitals across the country. Due [...]

Apps to turn your smartphone into a digital jack-of-all-trades.

The Shih Tzu Meet Kobe 4 years old cDiane Rich 2011 The Shih Tzu meaning lion, is great for pet parents who have time to be with this affectionate breed. Due to the small size the Shih Tzu is a good breed for apartment or condo living. The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest [...]