Welcome to Pup Culture!

Let’s face it: in Santa Barbara, dogs aren’t just pets – they’re part of the pack. They join us on morning beach walks, accompany us to café patios, hike our favorite trails, and somehow manage to become the unofficial mayors of every neighborhood they visit.

That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Pup Culture, Montecito Journal’s new celebration of the dogs, people, and places that make our community such a tail-waggingly wonderful place to call home.

Every other week, we’ll be sniffing out the best dog-friendly destinations, highlighting remarkable local pooches, sharing heartwarming rescue stories, and bringing you expert advice from respected trainer Amy Peer in her monthly HOWL column. Along the way, we’ll spotlight local businesses, showcase reader-submitted photos, and feature the occasional good boy (or girl) who deserves a little time in the limelight.

Whether you’re a lifelong dog devotee, a recent rescue parent, or simply someone who can’t resist stopping to say hello to a passing pup, Pup Culture is for you.

So grab a leash, bring a treat, and join us. Welcome to the pack.

And now, a message from our new Howl Host Amy Peer:

Dear Dog-Loving MJ Readers,

Though you may have seen the article in the May issue of the Montecito Journal, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the HOWL column I will be writing.

In February of this year my husband John and I moved up to SB along with our five dogs – Maxine, Mayer, Maude, Uma, and Flo. For the last 30 years I have worked with dogs on LA’s Westside as both a trainer and a behaviorist. Though my plan is to continue my dog business here in Montecito, I want to broaden my focus to doing more work with my expertise for the community.

In conversation with my friends Gwyn and Tim (the MJ’s Executive Editor/CEO and President/COO, respectively) the idea of a dog-centric section of the Montecito Journal was born! We are calling it PUP CULTURE, and here we will look to provide you with important and fun national and local dog information. The anchor section will be my column called HOWL, where I will help you with your dog training and behavior questions. Let’s make your relationship with your best friend even better!

Please send your dog questions for HOWL to [email protected], along with any canine-related ideas or topics you are interested in seeing discussed here.

I look forward to hearing from you! 
Amy

And that’s not all! Read these awesome local dog-centric stories — a few fur the books!

History, Search Dogs, Heroism & Heart

Rescue Relief at La Lieff

Strike a Paw-se: Your Pet Could Be Calendar Famous