Posted March 04, 2026in People & Pets
When Kim Smith took her dogs on hiking trips in nature, she let them run off the leash. After several hikes, she noticed the activity changed their behavior. After a long hike, they seemed more content and better behaved. “It really opened up my eyes about bringing dogs into nature,”
Read More →
Posted February 04, 2026in People & Pets
Ashlee Crawford’s two passions are her four-legged friends. Her dog, Layla, is a 4-year-old black labrador. She rescued her from a breeder who got out of the breeding business. “When I saw her, she was the only female. I liked her personality,” she recalls. Crawford’s love of the labrador breed
Read More →
Posted December 31, 2025in People & Pets
Two friends, who are both dog lovers, took several steps beyond caring for their furry friends. They established a nonprofit foster rescue, host a dog “pawdcast” and installed microchip stations for lost dogs. Kara Berhow and Holly Kilstrom began fostering rescue dogs 13 years ago. The pair established a nonprofit,
Read More →
Posted December 03, 2025in People & Pets
Jennifer Schmit has been a dog-lover her whole life. Fortunately, it didn’t take much to convince her cat-loving boyfriend, Sam, to share in her love of dogs. Today, the now married couple has three dogs. “I had cats, but I liked the idea of a dog. Cody (Jennifer’s dog) was
Read More →
Posted November 05, 2025in People & Pets
Lorelle Jones, a dog owner “her whole life,” became president of the Des Moines Obedience Training Club two years ago. This year, the DMOTC celebrates 75 years in existence. Her journey in the DMOTC began with her first new puppy in 1997. The breeder suggested Jones take the dog
Read More →
Posted October 01, 2025in People & Pets
Sylvie, a miniature goldendoodle, looked longingly into my eyes as she jumped up to sit on my lap during our People and Pets interview. Since I couldn’t pet her and take notes, she settled in by my feet instead. Owner Megan Fjetland says Sylvie is charming and likable. “She loves
Read More →
Posted September 03, 2025in People & Pets
With more than 300 breeds of dogs, pet owners have many options to choose a just-right furry friend. Yet, dog temperaments vary, and, sometimes, a dog breed gets a bad reputation, often due to owner mishandling and other factors. The Doberman Pinscher Club in Des Moines was established to promote
Read More →
Posted August 06, 2025in People & Pets
For 100 years, the Des Moines Kennel Club has hosted dog shows in the Des Mones metro. This year’s event features a celebrity dog, Bing, along with approximately 1,000 other dogs representing 150 breeds. The DMKC show is open to the public and free to attend. The show takes place
Read More →
Posted July 02, 2025in People & Pets
Two of Sarah Ohms’ pets seemed to appear randomly, right at the moment when she wasn’t looking to adopt a pet. Caydence, a redbone coonhound, came into her life seven years ago. Ohms was volunteering at the Animal Lifeline when a litter of six puppies needed homes. With two remaining
Read More →
Posted June 04, 2025in People & Pets
One might imagine greyhounds, known for their speed, want to race day in and day out. Yet Dylan and Catherine Lyons discovered, in the case of their greyhounds, it is not true. After they adopted their greyhounds, Buddy and Han, Dylan thought he would be a runner when he took
Read More →
