2 | Central Oregon Pets
Fall 2026 | 3
y Health ures Advent await!
DOCTORS BYRON MAAS TABITHA JOHNSTON LAUREN THORSON COURTNEY MCLAUGHLAN KELLI SMITH MICHAELA TOSTBERG JANETTE WELLS
4 | Central Oregon Pets
CARING FOR YOUR PETS 7 DAYS URGENT CARE
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360 NE QUIMBY AVE BEND, OR 97701 541-382-0741 3197 N HWY 97 STE A-1 BEND, OR 97701 541-388-0262
Last month, my college-grad daughter came home for a while, and I knew precisely what I needed to do: Get baby chicks! My creative kiddo was needed to help me name the two babies we picked up from the local feed store, and of course, to watch over them during their first tender days under a heat lamp. Just like any infant care, tiny chickens need lots of TLC! While immersed in the care and feeding of those cute cheeps, I've also been working on this latest edition of Central Oregon Pets. Chickens get some love in Richard Sitts' story about how to care for the birds in winter. We're also telling the tale of a rare surgery on a cat at a local vet hospital, highlighting a special program for pet owners with cancer, and sharing where furry friends can come along while you sip wine. It's always a pleasure putting together this special publication — so thanks for reading! —Editor in Chief, Nicole Vulcan
CO Pets Staff EDITOR
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Andrea Stuart, Pheobe Young Fall 2026 | 5 Fall 2026 | 5
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6 | Central Oregon Pets
F
lights ur babies and
Local wineries uncork a dog-friendly tasting experience By Andrea Stuart
I
n Central Oregon, it’s arguably more hip to identify as a dog lover than a cork dork. But for those of us who wear as much fur on our flannel as we do pinot flush in our cheeks, those identities are not mutually exclusive. The area’s wine scene is embracing dogs in a distinctly Central Oregon way by treating them like regulars. Tucked away in the Box Factory across from the Jackstraw apartments, The Winery at Manzanita - Bend welcomes people and their four-legged family members with water bowls and treats in-hand. “I always have dog treats in my pocket,” said tasting room manager Violet Robles as she bent down to greet two dogs.
The Bend location is as renowned for its dogfriendly atmosphere as it is its small-batch artisanal wines. Its unique offerings include white pinot noir and the sparkling blanc de noir— meaning “white from black.” For the dogs, Milk-Bones are served on handmade ceramic plates featuring inlaid Pinot Noir grape leaves from the Black Dog Vineyard, made by Robles in her Violet Oak Studio — the same style of dish used for the winery’s charcuterie and other “nibbles.” The Winery’s name and dog-centered theme were inspired by Manzanita Beach, a favorite haunt of owner and winemaker Mark Proden and his late dog, Pinot, who remains the winery’s mascot, logo and wine-label model. cont. pg 8
Fall 2026 | 7
Photos courtesy Winery at Manazanita
The late dog, Pinot, graces the label of Manzanita wines. Below, embracing community and loving canines are a natural match.
8 | Central Oregon Pets
That spirit carries through to the winery’s three-tiered Woof Pack membership, allowing members to choose Sit (level one), Shake (level two) or Stay (level three) depending on how many bottles they want. “The winery is a love letter to Pinot,” said Robles. “And the winery will continue to hold his legacy. Even as his successor, who Mark is affectionately calling PJ, Pinot Junior, is beginning to step into Pinot’s very large paw prints.” Those paw prints literally hang on the walls of all four of the winery’s Oregon tasting rooms, preserved on “Pinot Was Here” plaques — one paw with four toes and the other with three. Robles had them made before Pinot passed last year. As Halloween approaches, The Winery at Manzanita is gearing up for its annual Howl-o-ween Party, featuring pet pedicures on the patio, a pet costume contest, dog-friendly games and goody bags. Pet pedicures are also offered the last Saturday of each month, while a monthly Paint Your Pet art class rounds out the winery’s dog-centered events. “We create an inviting and comfortable space where everyone is welcome,” Robles said. In the Old Mill District, Evoke Winery shares similar enthusiasm for bringing people and their pets together over wine. The winery began in Hood River in 2005 as Naked Winery with a playful approach to wine. After winemaker Peter and Kristi Steinfeld bought Naked Winery in 2017, they evolved the brand into Evoke, retaining its sense of humor while putting greater emphasis on the way wine can spark connection and memorable experiences. That hospitality has extended to the dogs, and even the occasional ferret.
“We have a dog-friendly patio and we allow well-controlled, friendly dogs in our tasting room,” said Kristi Steinfeld. “They are considered part of the family and enjoy AC and heat just like we do.” The Bend tasting room carries a relaxed spirit, pairing cheeky Pacific Northwest wines, including the winery’s flagship Oh! Orgasmic premium collection, with charcuterie and small bites in a casual setting. Dogs receive an Evokebranded water bowl. “Dogs inspire conversation and happiness,” said Evoke tasting room manager Christiana Estrada. “I actually know a lot of human customers based on who their dogs are.” Estrada, who began as a member before joining the Evoke team, says dogs are welcome in the tasting room providing they have decorum. Barkers and curmudgeons are kindly shown to the patio. “Although, to-date, the only dog who’s ever been banned is mine,” she said with a laugh. Estrada is adamant that members, people and dogs alike, are akin to family. That bond is evident in the way the team remembers Belle, a longtime doggie member who recently passed away. “We miss seeing her come in in her stroller,” she said. “She was so sweet.” That sentiment is consistent with the broader experience Evoke aims to create. That is, a place where everyone belongs and wine doesn't require ceremony or expertise to enjoy. Instead, it’s an invitation to settle in. Evoke member Rachel said she loves the wine and the community. Her Brittany Spaniel, Chance, has even earned the nickname “ghost dog” from Estrada. “The first time I saw him, I thought he was the ghost of his predecessor because I didn’t know Rachel had brought home a new dog.” Ultimately, the tasting experience is about inclusivity and relaxation. “If you want to drink wine in a casual, friendly atmosphere and have a fun time with puppies and kids, this is the place,” Estrada concluded.
While The Winery and Manzanita - Bend and Evoke Winery wear their dog-friendly identities on their sleeves, they’re not alone. VaPiano offers wine, snacks and a riverfront setting for dogs and their people. Ermisch Cellars welcomes dogs on the patio, while Stoller invites a sheltered escape for pups on the patio and at the bar along the Box Factory breezeway. Just outside Bend, doggos and their people can enjoy regional wine, pizza and other noshables among the vineyards at Faith, Hope & Charity, or sip locally made mead and other libations with a variety of food while taking in views of the Three Sisters at Lazy Z Ranch Wines.
“Dogs inspire conversation and happiness. I actually know a lot of human customers based on who their dogs are. ” — Christiana Estrada
Pho to by J
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Fall 2026 | 9
Adoption Story:
Stevie Comes home
A local pup’s adoption journey By Phoebe Young
10 | Central Oregon Pets
I
n December of 2024, a chihuahua, pitbull and collie mix named Stevie was born, joining the world as a tiny ball of black and white fur. Stevie’s mom, Chai, was rescued not long before in the Warm Springs reservation area, pregnant and in need of a safe place to have her puppies. Rescue workers from Bend’s Street Dog Hero found her at the perfect time, taking her in and setting her up with a foster family who could meet the pups’ needs, keeping Stevie and her family happy, fed, and safe from the winter cold. As Stevie and her siblings began to grow, Street Dog Hero worked on finding them forever homes, a journey along which they have helped countless other pets. The team saves pets from situations varying from heartbreaking war-torn pasts to honorable surrenders by owners hoping to give their furry friends a happier home. Stevie’s family was a part of the latter situation, and Street Dog Hero gave them a chance at a better life. After two months, Stevie left the foster system and found a family with her adopted parents Peyton Nicoli, Brenden Galloway and their sweet yellow lab Jameson. Nicoli and Galloway, having fostered for Street Dog Hero in the past, “loved the organization and what they support,” Nicoli says. In December of 2024, they decided it was their turn to take home a puppy permanently. Street Dog Hero introduced them to Stevie, and it was love at first sight. She was originally brought into the family to “keep her older brother, Jamo (Jameson) company,” Nicoli shares, which turned out wonderfully; “They are best friends, and practically inseparable. They love each other!” Since then, she has also stolen the hearts of all who have met her, making fast friends with everyone she encounters. Though she is small in size, Stevie’s energy fills every room she sets paw in. She is known for launching herself into Nicoli’s arms when Nicoli gets home, hurdling over any obstacle that dare separates her from her beloved mom. She loves to go on hikes and backpacking trips, especially if she can stick her head out the window on the drive there. She is a notoriously “terrible swimmer,” as Nicoli shares, “except when she has a stick in her mouth – then she is an amazing swimmer for some reason.” Because of the care, nurturing, and love she received from rescuers and her new family, Stevie’s story is a happy one. Many other fourlegged friends share similar stories, made happier by locals willing to help, foster parents welcoming pets into their homes, and pet parents choosing to adopt their fuzzy friends.
DOGPAC.ORG
Photos courtesy of Petyton Nicoli
Preserving and Caring for Off-leash Spaces in Central Oregon
We are the stewards of Good Dog! We provide dog waste stations & maintenance.
Our volunteers groom the dog-friendly Nordic ski trails at Wanoga Sno-Park.
Baby Stevie, top, grew up, found her forever home and became fast friends with older brother, Jamo.
Photo by: Oceanne Stone
We take responsibility for keeping off-leash areas as clean as possible We need your donations to sustain our work.
Please donate today! P.O. Box 2091, Bend, OR 97709
Dogpac is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Fall 2026 | 11
The Foster Dog Who Cares for Other Fosters
Meet Wyatt,
Central Oregon Pets cover model and good dog 12 | Central Oregon Pets
H
ere at Central Oregon Pets, we can’t get enough of the cuteness that is Wyatt, the adorable cover model for this edition of the magazine. Wyatt’s mom Kimberly Rivers submitted the photo of her pup, adopted through Street Dog Hero. In this Q&A, we learn a bit more about Wyatt and his favorite places to play in Central Oregon. Where I got my name: I was given the name Wyatt by my friends at Street Dog Hero when they brought me up to Oregon from California! My parents decided to keep it when they adopted me because it's cute and because coming up with dog names is hard. Nicknames: I get called everything from Wy Guy to Wy Dawg to Perfect Angel Boy to HEY, STOP THAT! Favorite toy: My favorite toy is a stuffed fox that my parents let me pick out all by myself at Bass Pro Shops when we were on a road trip together last year. I usually like to rip my toys apart, but this one is special to me. Most heartwarming trait: My most heartwarming trait is how well I take care of the dogs that my mom and I foster together. I'm really good at showing puppies the ropes, and I recently helped a foster friend through the amputation of one of his back legs. Least heartwarming trait: My least heartwarming trait is that I believe children should stand still and in formation at all times. Any running, yelling or having fun in general will not be tolerated and I will be forced to herd them. Favorite places to play in Central Oregon: I like to play anywhere I can explore off-leash — from Juniper Trailhead to GoodDog! and lots of other trails in between. I also love to paddle board — maybe you've seen me captaining my ship on one of the many beautiful lakes around Central Oregon. Description of my ideal day: My ideal day starts with a lazy morning of cuddling until breakfast time, followed by a long walk around the neighborhood (I have to stay up to date on all my pee-mail). I enjoy taking a midday nap in the sun on the back porch, followed by a play date in the afternoon with one of my BFFs (Porter or Hazel), and then winding down in the evening with a peanut butter Pupsicle while watching Yellowstone or any other TV show with horses in it. The story behind my cover photo: My cover photo was taken during a camping trip at Sparks Lake last summer. I love to camp and my mom loves to take photos of me out in nature. As usual, the Central Oregon sky showed off and gave us a beautiful sunset (or so I'm told - I'm colorblind). —Keep up with all of Wyatt’s adventures on the Instagram his human mom uses to chronicle their adventures with foster dogs: @mywyandi
Photos courtesy of Kimberly Rivers
Wyatt, with his dad, Jared Stever, on Cline Butte in Redmond.
Wyatt hangs with his mom, Kimberly Rivers, on the ridge at No Name Lake, facing the Three Sisters. Fall 2026 | 13
14 | Central Oregon Pets
RARE BRAIN SURGERY GIVES CAT NEW LEASE ON LIFE
New Jersey feline travels to Bend’s VRCCO for life-saving surgery performed in only a handful of U.S. veterinary hospitals Story by Dallas Finn Calvert, photos by VRCCO
M
ost diabetic cats receive 1-2 units of insulin daily to successfully manage the disease. For Mars, a 10-year-old domestic short-hair cat, 20 units a day wasn’t working. He also couldn’t walk very well and seemed headed for an early death. The cause? A brain tumor on his pituitary gland. The solution? An intricate surgery performed at a Bend veterinary hospital. “It’s done overseas, in other countries, but it’s not common here because of the level of expertise and also the level of equipment you need for it,” said Katie Sedivic, director of brand and marketing for the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon, where a large team practiced on cadavers and with specialized equipment to prepare for the Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy.
“It’s done overseas, in other countries, but it’s not common here because of the level of expertise and also the level of equipment you need for it.” —Katie Sedivic Mars’ brain tumor was causing his pituitary gland to produce excess growth hormone, dramatically increasing his insulin needs, enlarging his heart and causing neurological effects that resulted in him walking on his hocks and unable to jump and or high five his owner, as he’d done all his life. Earlier attempts to shrink the tumor through medication and radiation were unsuccessful. His owner searched for a cure. She found it in Bend.
The orange feline traveled from Hoboken, New Jersey, in May for the surgery performed by VRCCO’s Dr. Annie Chen-Allen, who received her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University and completed her neurology residency at Washington State University, where she then taught and practiced for 17 years. She was assisted by Dr. Dani Madson, VRCCO’s neurology intern, numerous other VRCCO specialists and its criticalcare team. Also on hand were two of Chen-Allen’s longtime mentors and WSU experts, Dr. Tina Owen, a U.S. pioneer in the TSH surgery, and Dr. Linda Martin, a critical-care specialist. Owen, Martin and Chen-Allen have more than a decade of experienceperforming the surgery as part of WSU’s pituitary surgery team. “She brought them both to Bend for this first surgery to optimize success for everybody,” Sedivec said. “As Dr. Chencont. pg 17
Fall 2026 | 15
16 | Central Oregon Pets
Allen likes to say, it was a full orchestra of people to make it go successfully. The surgery itself is very, very complex and has zero margin for error.” The VRCCO team trained for two months on specialized equipment, including a 3D camera and Stryker drill. Additionally, VRCCO’s 3D printing expert, Dr. Mauricio Dujowich, created templates using cadaver CT scans so surgeons could perfect the delicate procedure. The pituitary gland, which is about the size of a green pea, sits at the base of the brain, encased by blood vessels. The two-part surgery involves first drilling a 6-millimeter access hole in the skull, and then the second, longer surgery involves using a small 3D camera that zooms in on the area so surgeons can see the gland and tumors. Post-surgery, patients require continuous monitoring to ensure their body is working correctly without the gland. Some patients can have difficulty regulating sodium postsurgery, Sedivic said, which can cause dangerous, even deadly outcomes. Additionally, patients typically require lifelong steroid supplementation and thyroid management, but the surgery typically significantly reduces insulin needs, as it has in Mars’ case.
Mars chills out, in the capable care of his talented medical team.
“It was nerve wracking to bring Mars in for such a complex procedure, but the entire team at VRCCO made us feel safe and cared for from day one. We are forever grateful to everyone at VRCCO.” —Owner Yisi Mars and his owner also utilized VRCCO’s medical-travel program, which Sedivic said has expanded as they’re seeing “a big increase of cases from outside Central Oregon, because we offer things that you don’t find in other places, and also because our facility is pretty hightech, so you can come to one facility and get all of your needs met.” VRCCO has a dedicated staff member who plans logistics and scheduling for traveling patients, including working with several local partner hotels to provide lodging and crafting plans for pet-friendly food, outings and other necessities pet owners might need while in Bend. “We put a lot of work into making the experience as stress-free as possible,” Sedivic said. Since the surgery, Mars’ insulin use has returned to normal, and he’s now jumping onto stools and high fiving his relieved owner. “It was nerve wracking to bring Mars in for such a complex procedure, but the entire team at VRCCO made us feel safe and cared for from day one,” said Yisi, Mars’ human who declined to give her last name. “Dr. Chen-Allen and her team are remarkably professional, highly experienced, and very organized every step of the way. They went above and beyond, providing us prompt updates multiple times a day and treating Mars with immense patience and gentleness. Despite a very challenging surgery, they never gave up on him and successfully removed the tumor, giving Mars a second chance at life. We came in feeling anxious but left with complete trust in their care — even Mars came home more relaxed and comfortable with his future vet visits than ever before. We are forever grateful to everyone at VRCCO.” Fall 2026 | 17
Keeping chickens
through the
Common sense advice from those who know
By Richard Sitts
I
have nothing but mad respect for those people who raise chickens. It’s a serious commitment that demands attention 365 days a year, rain or shine, snow or smoke. Speaking of snow, some weather prognosticators are saying that we might see a significant amount of snow this year. Yeah, I’ll believe it when I’m shoveling the welcome white stuff. I would venture a guess that most of us know at least one other person or family who raises chickens. It’s hard work, time-consuming and isn’t cheap.
18 | Central Oregon Pets
As any veteran chicken wrangler will tell you, they don’t do it to save money. Nope. They do it for the eggs. “Once you have a fresh egg from a chicken, you won’t like the eggs you get in the grocery store,” says Cathy Shores. She and her husband, Lynn, were both born and raised in Bend. About 49 years ago they built their house on the northeast side of Bend. Growing up, Cathy helped out with the chickens and other animals on her grandfather’s 40-acre farm outside of town, which is now the industrial area that surrounds American Lane in southeast Bend. Lynn never had chickens growing up. When they started keeping chickens in 2013, a move that Lynn initially opposed, Cathy says they knew next to nothing about
raising chickens, so it was “learn as you go.” How many chickens do they have these days? “Too many,” Lynn jokes, though admits he does appreciate fresh eggs. Cathy answers, “22 or 23.” More daylight helps increase egg production, so during the long, dark days of winter, they install a lamp in the coop, not for heat but for the extra light that it affords. And if there’s a stretch of days with sub-freezing temperatures, they will spread out hay over the dirt floor of the coop to provide a little insulation. If there’s a big snow dump, Lynn will bust out the snowblower to clear a path to get to the coop. They will also use a heating element to keep the chickens’ water from freezing. It’s also important to vent the coop to deter moisture buildup. The Shores do not add any extra insulation to the coop itself. With that many chickens
in the coop, “they stay toasty,” Cathy says. “Chickens do better in the cold than they do in the heat.” Lynn adds, “As long as they have food, water and a comfortable place to lay an egg, they’re happy.” Cathy says they’ve never lost a chicken to a predator, due to secure fencing and pens. Oh, and having a rooster (illegal within Bend city limits, but the Shores reside just outside city limits) also helps. Lynn says that if a hawk or other bird of prey flies over, the rooster will let out a squawk and usher the hens into the coop. Cathy adds, “I’d rather hear a rooster crow than a dog bark.” She estimates that they are on their fourth round of chicks, now all fully grown. Lynn says they will succumb to “chicken math,” which means the intention to add eight new chicks and instead come home with 14. They do sell some of their eggs, but what they recoup doesn’t come close to covering the costs of raising chickens. Another veteran chicken keeper offers this common sense advice for wintering with chickens, like putting out extra food, and if there’s snow, clearing a path for the chickens to forage and move around. My Source co-workers, Jennifer and Adrian Galler, have been keeping chickens for three years at their home in southwest Bend. “We keep chickens, of course for eggs, but also for entertainment. We find our hens to be more of pets, rather than just chickens,” Jennifer says. “Seeing your chickens chase down a grasshopper, running like mini raptors, is such a sight to see. They have their own, unique personalities. The more time you spend with them, the more comfortable they become with you and other humans. We like to spoil our hens with fresh fruit, vegetables, starch-grains, and as much free-range foraging as possible. You’ll notice that some hens are very chatty, which after some time, you’ll be able to tell the difference between a happy chirp and an annoyed chirp.”
Coop photos courtesy Jennifer Galler, other chicken photos Adobe Stock
Jennifer adds, “The downside of having chickens is you do need to keep their coop clean, which means scooping up lots of poo-poo. Chickens are very messy. They poop just about everywhere. In their watering can, on the walls, the ceiling and even inside their nesting boxes. “They also molt once a year, which means feathers will take flight into all parts of your property. When you do let them free-range, they will also dig giant holes in your property where they decide is a good spot to dirt bathe. On the plus side, it is very cute seeing a flock of ladies' dirt bathing together. If you enjoy having a green property, you will need to fence off your chickens because they will eat everything and anything green and growing.” My wife's daughter and her family have been raising chickens for about six years over in Salem, where they can have some really wet winters. They currently have six chickens and they put extra straw down on the ground when it gets really wet. Another idea is to hang up a plastic shower curtain
A portion of this coop, at top left, is wrapped in plastic to keep out the cold rain and snow. Dry hens are happy girls!
on the coop, “so that the rain doesn’t blow in sideways.” Once again, keeping the coop as dry as possible is key. Our relative adds, “If they have a place to stay dry, they’re going to find it.” For anyone considering taking up the vocation of raising chickens, they should be aware of the daily commitment it takes. Our relative in Salem laments, “The only thing I miss is travel.” That just might be the most significant sacrifice that one has to make to reap those compact, fresh, delicious, protein bombs. However, able neighbors just might be willing to chicken-sit in exchange for collecting those tasty, fresh orbs.
Fall 2026 | 19
20 | Central Oregon Pets
Mobile Dog Gym Offers Workouts, Cancer-Patient Support in Central Oregon Bend Barks & Rec provides onsite workouts for dogs and offers complimentary weekly sessions for cancer patients’ canines
Stefanie Zwegers, left, and her husband Aaron Pierce, are owners of Bend Barks & Rec. Photos courtesy of Stefanie Zwegers and Bend Parks & Rec
By Dallas Finn Calvert
T
wo years ago, Stefanie Zwegers had a 1-year-old puppy. Her husband was recovering from knee surgery and wildfire smoke blanketed Central Oregon. Between working, helping her husband and dealing with poor air quality, she found it hard to exercise the couple’s puppy, Bodhi, an English Cream Golden Retriever, enough to calm his natural exuberance. Little did she know, however, that this stressful situation would lead to a new business venture and a way for her to support cancer patients. “We got the idea of putting a custombuilt treadmill in one of our guest rooms, and from there, we had friends who’d want to come over with their
dog,” said Zwegers, 40, of those early canine workouts. After she and her husband, Aaron Pierce, built out and customized a 2015 Ram cargo van with two treadmills, rooftop air conditioning and heat and a HEPA filter to maintain climate control, Bend Barks & Rec launched in December 2025. Zwegers has a background in dog training and behavior, and Bend Barks & Rec, a mobile dog gym, provides customized, trainer-guided, 30-minute sessions built around a dog’s individual needs. The sessions happen in the climate-controlled van, in client’s driveways or out front of their residence. The two treadmills ensure the smallest or largest pups can work out, either with their canine family
members or doggie friends from the neighborhood. Zwegers believes the benefits go beyond simply burning off excess energy and, similar to exercise’s benefits for humans, can help dogs feel more calm and confident. “We live in Dog Town, USA, and the dogs here are part of a family,” Zwegers said. “Sometimes our days just become so busy that it's nice to have at least that day during the week where you have a consistent run for your dog, and now you have a happy dog, and you don’t have all of that guilt about leaving your dog at home while trying to live a busy life.” Making life easier for cancer patients is another way in which Zwegers hopes Bend Barks & Rec can help. Zwegers, herself a cancer survivor, is providing cont. pg 23
Fall 2026 | 21
Sunset Veterinary Services In-home Hospice End of Life Care
Dr. Lisa Goldstein
(541)- 640-0558 www.sunsetveterinaryservices.com
22 | Central Oregon Pets
complimentary weekly sessions for the dogs of local cancer patients in active treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation and post-surgical recovery. “You’re going through a hard enough time, so this just gives them one less thing to worry about, so they can focus on healing,” she said. “Unfortunately, cancer is something I've experienced personally. When I was 35, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I found out how much a dog can mean to you when you're going through something so difficult. It’s a way of turning that experience into something more positive for other people and their dogs. When you have a dog, you know how important it is to have your dog with you. This is something we can take off your plate. If you’re going through something already so difficult, we’d love to help. Zwegers says anyone who wants to support the weekly workouts for cancer patients’ pups can donate to Bend Barks & Rec. “People can help if it calls to their heart,” she said. “They can donate money so that we can keep the complimentary runs going. They can even just share that the program is happening to someone who might need it or could use our help, but it’s something that’s we’re always going to do, no matter what.” Jill Crandall is a Bend resident who was one of Zwegers’ first customers. Crandall, 51, and her husband, Jeremy, 54, have two Australian Labradoodles: Zeke, 8, and Ruby, 14. Zeke is a regular runner on the Bend Barks & Rec treadmills, while Ruby, older and more content to be chill, typically just enjoys the pre-workout treat that Zwegers provides all doggies.
“Zeke has a little bit of a weight problem,” Crandall said with a chuckle. “Both my husband and I work full-time jobs. We try and do our best with getting him out, but we don’t always get him out every single day, and since we have a senior in the house (Ruby) who sometimes doesn’t eat right away, Zeke will have two meals. There was a time when he was starting to put on some pounds.” Zeke’s vet cautioned Crandall that the dog needed to drop weight right around the same time she met Zwegers. The dog now gets weekly treadmill workouts, and Zwegers sends photos and videos of the workouts to Crandall if she and her husband aren’t around to watch. “Sometimes, when we’re here, we’ll go out and just watch and he’ll increase his speed. He gets excited to see us and show off,” Crandall said. “It has helped tremendously. When I know that I’m going to be really busy and can’t get him out, I’ll call her, and she’ll come by. Stefanie is a wonderful human being. She’s amazing with pets and with people. She’s so calm. Zeke loves her, and she always greets Ruby and gives her attention as well. She’s super gentle with the dogs and so trustworthy. She’s just an amazing person.” Cancer patients can book complimentary sessions at the Bend Barks & Rec website using the discount code PAWSOFLOVE26.
As evidenced by all these happy smiles, the mobile dog gym really has gone to the dogs.
Bend Barks & Rec: Mobile Dog Gym 541-525-6292 bendbarksandrec.com Fall 2026 | 23
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24 | Central Oregon Pets
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