Love, Dog is for everyone who wants to be their dog's best friend . . . We're a trusted resource to help you make the best choices for your dog's wellbeing . . . NEW PODCAST EPISODE #13: TARA BRACH - Homecoming: Being Present With Our Dogs . . . Listen on your favorite podcast app or click on the podcast button in the menu. . . . We say THANK YOU to season 1's podcast sponsors - Fig & Tyler, Wonder Walker No-Pull Harnesses, Colorado Citizens for Canine Welfare (3CW), and, Jope Hip & Joint Chews.
Love, Dog is for everyone who wants to be their dog's best friend . . . We're a trusted resource to help you make the best choices for your dog's wellbeing . . . NEW PODCAST EPISODE #13: TARA BRACH - Homecoming: Being Present With Our Dogs . . . Listen on your favorite podcast app or click on the podcast button in the menu. . . . We say THANK YOU to season 1's podcast sponsors - Fig & Tyler, Wonder Walker No-Pull Harnesses, Colorado Citizens for Canine Welfare (3CW), and, Jope Hip & Joint Chews.
. . . and now we’ve interviewed Zach for the podcast. Get ready to be moved to tears, to be inspired, and to learn things about life, addiction, dogs, shelters and the people who work in them, prison systems, dogs and prisoners, and more.
"Besides a car, there are two required accessories for survival in L.A. (an acronym for both Los Angeles and Legendary Alienation)—a therapist and a dog. I've had two each in the years I've lived here, and I never questioned the efficacy of the latter.
L. A. itself has an off-leash energy. Ever since its founding, Angelenos have struggled to get it under control while quibbling over who's going to feed and clean up after it. The result: while the city has oodles of charm, it can feel all over the place. Thankfully, our canines help us navigate. Dogs are our mobile comfort zones and portable neighborhoods. Wherever our dogs go, we go with greater enthusiasm, purpose, and sense of adventure. And unlike our agents and editors, they almost always take our calls."
"We love our dogs as much as we love ourselves. Whether it's a rescue Pit Bull or a purse- size Chihuahua (said to be the city's most popular breed), they are MVPs on our wellness teams and we reward them accordingly: Canine Reiki (Japanese energy healing to lower stress, ditch ""emotional blockages"" and ""calm racing minds""), Intuitive Healing Therapy, and Sound Healing (to cleanse those stinky chakras). Welcome to Doggy Lotus Land. I won't tell you how many dog psychics and communicators I've met here, a popular second or third career for aspiring creatives, nor will I share, thanks to canine-client privilege, what we've discussed.
Personally, I would recommend sheep-herding for your working dog's racing mind. It's offered at multiple rural locations throughout the region, but we prefer the secluded ranch in Malibu."
"Our dogs remind us of the need to get out of our cars and onto the sidewalks and trails, where the winds are famously warm and the characters can be cool, but almost everyone melts in the face of our four-pawed friends.
Thank Hollywood for the dogs of our dreams. The film and television industry gave us Rin Tin Tin, Toto, Lassie, Old Yeller, Frasier's Eddie, Marley, and beyond. Human stars have long fallen hard for their furry co-stars, with everyone from Judy Garland to Robert Downey, Jr. wanting to adopt their on-screen canine companions. Few handlers ever agree—even Toto's—no matter how big the star. Dogs have their careers to think of!"
"Angelenos love to name drop, and L.A. dogs provide enough celebrity six degrees to satisfy. My late Tibetan Terrier's groomer cared for Marlon Brando's pup, my HOA had to ask the adult child of a notable name to curb his problematic pooch, my mini-Aussie and I did therapy visits with a prominent elder activist, and when we marched with the Patriotic Pups in our local Fourth of July Parade, I admit that it was as much to see the famous faces sitting curbside as it was about canine pride.
In our suburban city, where it's easy to get used to being uncelebrated, it helps immeasurably if your dog greets you like a rock star just for coming back from a trip to the mailbox. Dog parks here are like AA meetings were in the 90s, a place to network and socialize, and all the country club dog lovers need."
"The homeless here often have dogs as companions. Dogs can be their family, a vital form of emotional shelter, and something they have in common with the housed. It's a reason those of us with roofs over our heads can't look away. Dogs make all of us more visible and more human.
""Disappear Here,"" Brett Easton Ellis taunted with a billboard in his L.A.-based novel Less than Zero. Just try—even if we wanted to, our dogs won't let us."
HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR! Noah - Golden Retriever; Chloe and Bailey - West Highland White Terriers; Carter - Yorkshire Terrier; Lucas - Chihuahua (Brown); Sarah - Chihuahua (Blonde); Nano - Chihuahua (Black).
Chester of Venice Beach. This is Chester, a Cocker mix, walking towards our cameras on Venice Beach. His humans are Rudy and Stephanie.
Bruno of Runyon Canyon. Bruno, the Husky in the foreground, teaches his human, Kima, responsibility; yet he can also keep up with Kima's high energy. Shown here together in Runyon Canyon.
Action Dogs of West Hollywood. It's playtime for these gorgeous dogs in West Hollywood!
Bella of Elysian Park. Bella, a Pit Bull mix, dressed for success, enjoying the morning in Elysian Park. Her human is named Lily.
Chakis of Elysian Park. Chakis, a four-month-old bubbly Poodle mix, was born with a leg injury, but that hasn't stopped her spirit. Shown here, adoringly, with her human, Babiana, in Elysian Park.
Hikers in Runyon Canyon. Out for a walk on a beautiful July day in Runyon Canyon.
Bodie of West Hollywood. Bodie, named after "Bodie" in the TV show The Wire, is a One-year-old Aussie Shepherd who belongs to humans, Adam and Kirsten. He was nice enough to sit for a picture in West Hollywood.
Boom Bap of Venice Beach. Boom Bap, AKA Kevlar, is a French Bulldog pup. He's obviously in love with his human, Octavio, a hip-hop artist who was on his way to Portland when we caught up with them in Venice Beach in July.
Champ of Broad Beach. We caught Champ, the Goldendoodle, playing with his pal on Broad Beach. He has brought a lot of joy to his human family—Chris, his wife, and their four kids. During a period involving some health problems, Chris says that Champ's spirit has brought everyone in the family together.
Dexter and Rory in Venice Beach. Dexter (Border Collie) and Rory (Border Collie Corgi mix) love being outside with their human, Jarret. They've come all the way from New Jersey but seem well adjusted and quite happy in Venice Beach.
Man & Dog on bike in Venice Beach. Dog and human taking in the scenery in Venice Beach.
Kingston & Vienna of Runyon Canyon. Kingston, a Shih Tzu, and Vienna, a Pomeranian mix, with their human, Scott, make a great threesome in Runyon Canyon.
Gabba of Downtown. Gabba, an eleven-month-old Bulldog with his human, Payton, who says, "Gabba is always curious about stuff, and seems a little hyper this afternoon in front of the camera." We're sorry, Gabba!
Echo of West Hollywood. Echo, a two-year-old Siberian Husky with her human, Aly. Apparently, Echo loves to play tag and watch movies. Sooo L.A.!
Gouda of Elysian Park. Gouda, a five-year-old Shar Pei, dressed in neutrals by her human, Jessica, in Elysian Park.
Kiki of Echo Park. Kiki, a Shih Tzu with her human, Joey, in Echo Park. According to Joey, Kiki sometimes thinks she's a cat!
Radio and his mom in Downtown L.A. Radio II, a German Shepherd mix, with her human, Gloria, in downtown L.A. Their loving relationship began on a Los Angeles street, not far from where this photo was taken. When asked about how having Radio around makes her feel, Gloria lit up and said, "She makes me so happy! And, she makes me feel safe: if she doesn't like your smell, she'll growl."
Silas, a Frenchie in West Hollywood. Silas, a two-year-old French Bulldog, posing for us in West Hollywood. His human is Alex.
Silas Plays Hoop in West Hollywood. Silas loves to play basketball with Alex in West Hollywood. Alex says, "Silas loves to play with sticks and jump high. Basketball tryouts are around the corner!"
Stevie & Bear of Broad Beach. Stevie, a French Bulldog, and Bear, an English Chocolate Lab, on Broad Beach. Their humans, Danielle and Lucy say, "Stevie and Bear are best friends who enjoy playing fetch on the beach. Stevie will likely never outrun Bear, but it hasn't stopped them yet."
Bellamy of Runyon Canyon. Bellamy, a four-year-old Golden Retriever in Runyon Canyon. Her human, Danny, says, "She loves to play and has a real taste for attention." Perched above Hollywood on a weekday evening, it is safe to say she got ours.
Otis of High Tower with Dad. Otis, a Great Dane, and his human Andy, at High Tower in The Hollywood Hills.
Otis of High Tower. Otis shown here taking a stroll in High Tower. It looked to us like there should have been a red carpet! His human, Andy, says, "Although he's regal in stature while sitting, his youth will show as soon as he starts walking. He's growing into his paws."
Lincoln of Venice Beach. Lincoln, a Golden-Pit Bull mix, with his human, Andrzej Liguz, in Venice Beach. Andrzej said that getting Lincoln was "easily my best decision in the last five years." As Lincoln sat down beside him, Andrzej said, "It's hard to be in a bad mood with him around. He loves treats and running in the shallows of the ocean."
Token of Runyon Canyon. Token, a very proud Dalmatian-Pit Bull mix, posing proudly in Runyon Canyon.
Token & Mom in Runyon Canyon. Token and his human, Katie Rose Cullen, looking very happy while on a hike together in Runyon Canyon. "He's a textbook Dalmatian: he's crazy (cwazy), energetic, and fun."
Scooby & Scrappy of Venice Beach. Scooby and Scrappy, each a Pit Bull-Lab-Shepherd mix, relaxing with their human, Shaggy, in Venice Beach. Shaggy says, "They'd rather sleep next to me even if they have their own blanket. They're a handful, but I love them."
Wisha of Venice Beach. Very beautiful Wisha, a seventeen-month-old Goldendoodle, on Venice Beach. His human, Phillip, says: "Wisha is the Ethiopian word for dog. He loves the beach and retrieving balls."
Action Dogs of Elysian Park. A man from a distance, walking his dog in Elysian Park.
HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR! Noah - Golden Retriever; Chloe and Bailey - West Highland White Terriers; Carter - Yorkshire Terrier; Lucas - Chihuahua (Brown); Sarah - Chihuahua (Blonde); Nano - Chihuahua (Black).
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The Dogs of L.A.
Photo by Ben Potter
Introduction by Nancy Spiller
"Besides a car, there are two required accessories for survival in L.A. (an acronym for both Los Angeles and Legendary Alienation)—a therapist and a dog. I've had two each in the years I've lived here, and I never questioned the efficacy of the latter.
L. A. itself has an off-leash energy. Ever since its founding, Angelenos have struggled to get it under control while quibbling over who's going to feed and clean up after it. The result: while the city has oodles of charm, it can feel all over the place. Thankfully, our canines help us navigate. Dogs are our mobile comfort zones and portable neighborhoods. Wherever our dogs go, we go with greater enthusiasm, purpose, and sense of adventure. And unlike our agents and editors, they almost always take our calls."
"We love our dogs as much as we love ourselves. Whether it's a rescue Pit Bull or a purse- size Chihuahua (said to be the city's most popular breed), they are MVPs on our wellness teams and we reward them accordingly: Canine Reiki (Japanese energy healing to lower stress, ditch ""emotional blockages"" and ""calm racing minds""), Intuitive Healing Therapy, and Sound Healing (to cleanse those stinky chakras). Welcome to Doggy Lotus Land. I won't tell you how many dog psychics and communicators I've met here, a popular second or third career for aspiring creatives, nor will I share, thanks to canine-client privilege, what we've discussed.
Personally, I would recommend sheep-herding for your working dog's racing mind. It's offered at multiple rural locations throughout the region, but we prefer the secluded ranch in Malibu."
"Our dogs remind us of the need to get out of our cars and onto the sidewalks and trails, where the winds are famously warm and the characters can be cool, but almost everyone melts in the face of our four-pawed friends.
Thank Hollywood for the dogs of our dreams. The film and television industry gave us Rin Tin Tin, Toto, Lassie, Old Yeller, Frasier's Eddie, Marley, and beyond. Human stars have long fallen hard for their furry co-stars, with everyone from Judy Garland to Robert Downey, Jr. wanting to adopt their on-screen canine companions. Few handlers ever agree—even Toto's—no matter how big the star. Dogs have their careers to think of!"
"Angelenos love to name drop, and L.A. dogs provide enough celebrity six degrees to satisfy. My late Tibetan Terrier's groomer cared for Marlon Brando's pup, my HOA had to ask the adult child of a notable name to curb his problematic pooch, my mini-Aussie and I did therapy visits with a prominent elder activist, and when we marched with the Patriotic Pups in our local Fourth of July Parade, I admit that it was as much to see the famous faces sitting curbside as it was about canine pride.
In our suburban city, where it's easy to get used to being uncelebrated, it helps immeasurably if your dog greets you like a rock star just for coming back from a trip to the mailbox. Dog parks here are like AA meetings were in the 90s, a place to network and socialize, and all the country club dog lovers need."
"The homeless here often have dogs as companions. Dogs can be their family, a vital form of emotional shelter, and something they have in common with the housed. It's a reason those of us with roofs over our heads can't look away. Dogs make all of us more visible and more human.
""Disappear Here,"" Brett Easton Ellis taunted with a billboard in his L.A.-based novel Less than Zero. Just try—even if we wanted to, our dogs won't let us."
Sponsored by
Chester of Venice Beach. This is Chester, a Cocker mix, walking towards our cameras on Venice Beach. His humans are Rudy and Stephanie.
Sponsored by
Bruno of Runyon Canyon. Bruno, the Husky in the foreground, teaches his human, Kima, responsibility; yet he can also keep up with Kima's high energy. Shown here together in Runyon Canyon.
Sponsored by
Action Dogs of West Hollywood. It's playtime for these gorgeous dogs in West Hollywood!
Sponsored by
Bella of Elysian Park. Bella, a Pit Bull mix, dressed for success, enjoying the morning in Elysian Park. Her human is named Lily.
Sponsored by
Chakis of Elysian Park. Chakis, a four-month-old bubbly Poodle mix, was born with a leg injury, but that hasn't stopped her spirit. Shown here, adoringly, with her human, Babiana, in Elysian Park.
Sponsored by
Hikers in Runyon Canyon. Out for a walk on a beautiful July day in Runyon Canyon.
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Bodie of West Hollywood. Bodie, named after "Bodie" in the TV show The Wire, is a One-year-old Aussie Shepherd who belongs to humans, Adam and Kirsten. He was nice enough to sit for a picture in West Hollywood.
Sponsored by
Boom Bap of Venice Beach. Boom Bap, AKA Kevlar, is a French Bulldog pup. He's obviously in love with his human, Octavio, a hip-hop artist who was on his way to Portland when we caught up with them in Venice Beach in July.
Sponsored by
Champ of Broad Beach. We caught Champ, the Goldendoodle, playing with his pal on Broad Beach. He has brought a lot of joy to his human family—Chris, his wife, and their four kids. During a period involving some health problems, Chris says that Champ's spirit has brought everyone in the family together.
Sponsored by
Dexter and Rory in Venice Beach. Dexter (Border Collie) and Rory (Border Collie Corgi mix) love being outside with their human, Jarret. They've come all the way from New Jersey but seem well adjusted and quite happy in Venice Beach.
Sponsored by
Man & Dog on bike in Venice Beach. Dog and human taking in the scenery in Venice Beach.
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Kingston & Vienna of Runyon Canyon. Kingston, a Shih Tzu, and Vienna, a Pomeranian mix, with their human, Scott, make a great threesome in Runyon Canyon.
Sponsored by
Gabba of Downtown. Gabba, an eleven-month-old Bulldog with his human, Payton, who says, "Gabba is always curious about stuff, and seems a little hyper this afternoon in front of the camera." We're sorry, Gabba!
Sponsored by
Echo of West Hollywood. Echo, a two-year-old Siberian Husky with her human, Aly. Apparently, Echo loves to play tag and watch movies. Sooo L.A.!
Sponsored by
Gouda of Elysian Park. Gouda, a five-year-old Shar Pei, dressed in neutrals by her human, Jessica, in Elysian Park.
Sponsored by
Kiki of Echo Park. Kiki, a Shih Tzu with her human, Joey, in Echo Park. According to Joey, Kiki sometimes thinks she's a cat!
Sponsored by
Radio and his mom in Downtown L.A. Radio II, a German Shepherd mix, with her human, Gloria, in downtown L.A. Their loving relationship began on a Los Angeles street, not far from where this photo was taken. When asked about how having Radio around makes her feel, Gloria lit up and said, "She makes me so happy! And, she makes me feel safe: if she doesn't like your smell, she'll growl."
Sponsored by
Silas, a Frenchie in West Hollywood. Silas, a two-year-old French Bulldog, posing for us in West Hollywood. His human is Alex.
Sponsored by
Silas Plays Hoop in West Hollywood. Silas loves to play basketball with Alex in West Hollywood. Alex says, "Silas loves to play with sticks and jump high. Basketball tryouts are around the corner!"
Sponsored by
Stevie & Bear of Broad Beach. Stevie, a French Bulldog, and Bear, an English Chocolate Lab, on Broad Beach. Their humans, Danielle and Lucy say, "Stevie and Bear are best friends who enjoy playing fetch on the beach. Stevie will likely never outrun Bear, but it hasn't stopped them yet."
Sponsored by
Bellamy of Runyon Canyon. Bellamy, a four-year-old Golden Retriever in Runyon Canyon. Her human, Danny, says, "She loves to play and has a real taste for attention." Perched above Hollywood on a weekday evening, it is safe to say she got ours.
Sponsored by
Otis of High Tower with Dad. Otis, a Great Dane, and his human Andy, at High Tower in The Hollywood Hills.
Sponsored by
Otis of High Tower. Otis shown here taking a stroll in High Tower. It looked to us like there should have been a red carpet! His human, Andy, says, "Although he's regal in stature while sitting, his youth will show as soon as he starts walking. He's growing into his paws."
Sponsored by
Lincoln of Venice Beach. Lincoln, a Golden-Pit Bull mix, with his human, Andrzej Liguz, in Venice Beach. Andrzej said that getting Lincoln was "easily my best decision in the last five years." As Lincoln sat down beside him, Andrzej said, "It's hard to be in a bad mood with him around. He loves treats and running in the shallows of the ocean."
Sponsored by
Token of Runyon Canyon. Token, a very proud Dalmatian-Pit Bull mix, posing proudly in Runyon Canyon.
Sponsored by
Token & Mom in Runyon Canyon. Token and his human, Katie Rose Cullen, looking very happy while on a hike together in Runyon Canyon. "He's a textbook Dalmatian: he's crazy (cwazy), energetic, and fun."
Sponsored by
Scooby & Scrappy of Venice Beach. Scooby and Scrappy, each a Pit Bull-Lab-Shepherd mix, relaxing with their human, Shaggy, in Venice Beach. Shaggy says, "They'd rather sleep next to me even if they have their own blanket. They're a handful, but I love them."
Sponsored by
Wisha of Venice Beach. Very beautiful Wisha, a seventeen-month-old Goldendoodle, on Venice Beach. His human, Phillip, says: "Wisha is the Ethiopian word for dog. He loves the beach and retrieving balls."
Sponsored by
Action Dogs of Elysian Park. A man from a distance, walking his dog in Elysian Park.