Our TeamSassafras Patterdale

Sassafras Patterdale

Portland, Oregon

About Me

Sassafras is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and award winning author of fiction and nonfiction books about LGBTQ people and/or dogs living in Portland, Oregon.

Latest Stories

I've Embraced My "Divorced Mom Core" Era, and It's Totally Changed My Life
This trend isn’t just for divorced moms.
Sassafras Patterdale
Mar 17, 2026
I’m a Dog Trainer, and Here’s What I Really Think About Pets Sleeping in Your Bed
There’s a way to do it.
Sassafras Patterdale
Mar 9, 2026
I Fly Pride Flags for Myself, but They've Had a Beautiful Impact on My Neighbors
Life
I wanted my home to be as visibly queer as me.
Sassafras Patterdale
Mar 31, 2024
Pride Isn’t Just a Party—It’s About Resistance and Belonging. Here’s How I’m Celebrating This Year
I checked in with some community members around the world to see how they are honoring Pride month from home.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jun 23, 2020
"Glimmers" Are the Basically Free Gems That Make Any Home a Sanctuary
They’re intentional and joyful.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jun 6, 2025
9 Mistakes I Always See Dog Owners Making, as a Dog Trainer
Living
According to a dog trainer.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jun 14, 2023
The Best Thing I've Ever Bought for My Dog, as an Anxious Pet Parent
It gives me so much peace of mind.
Sassafras Patterdale
Dec 8, 2022
How to Throw Your Dog a Birthday Party, According to a Pro Trainer
From outfits to presents, this paw-ty will be perfect.
Sassafras Patterdale
Oct 27, 2022
7 Little Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe While Entertaining at Home
Here's how to keep them stress-free at your next holiday party.
Sassafras Patterdale
Oct 12, 2022
Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
Good news: Your dog is not possessed.
Sassafras Patterdale
Aug 1, 2022
8 Things You'll Want to Prepare For If You’re Moving with a Dog
With some planning and prep, you can help minimize your dog’s stress and help your pup adjust to your new home.
Sassafras Patterdale
Apr 19, 2022
This Is the Ideal Daily Routine for Dogs, According to Veterinarians
Including a cheat sheet schedule to keep on hand.
Sassafras Patterdale
Apr 15, 2022
This is How to Tell if Your Dog Has Anxiety — and What to Do About It
Here's how you and your pup can both rest easy.
Sassafras Patterdale
Mar 17, 2022
7 Things to Keep in Mind If You’re Moving with a Cat
Here's how to minimize stress for you both.
Sassafras Patterdale
Feb 19, 2022
6 Things Every Pet Owner Should Know Before Bringing a Christmas Tree Home
According to a professional dog trainer.
Sassafras Patterdale
Dec 1, 2021
Read This *Before* You Bring Your Dog Trick-or-Treating With You
The holiday can be spooky for dogs, too — here's what a trainer wants you to know.
Sassafras Patterdale
Oct 26, 2021
How Expensive Is Getting a Dog, Really? A Trainer Weighs In
Here's everything you need to know before welcoming a dog into your family.
Sassafras Patterdale
Oct 16, 2021
5 WFH Rules I Set to Stay Productive and Avoid Burning Out
As someone who's self-employed and works from home, these are key.
Sassafras Patterdale
Aug 31, 2021
6 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained Inside
If the weather just won't let you get out, there are ways to stay occupied.
Sassafras Patterdale
Aug 18, 2021
The Best Puppy Cams, According to a Dog Trainer (One Is Just $4.99!)
LIVING
Peace of mind for you and your pup.
Sassafras Patterdale
Aug 11, 2021
The Biggest Mistake Dog Owners Can Make After More than a Year at Home
Don't return to the office without getting your pup ready, too.
Sassafras Patterdale
Aug 4, 2021
16 LGBTQ+ Movies and TV Shows to Watch All Year Round
The LGBTQ+ community shared what their must-watch recs are for LGBTQ+ representation in film and television.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jul 6, 2021
6 Ways to Make Your Dog's Routine Even Greener and More Eco-Friendly
From recycled leashes to cricket treats.
Sassafras Patterdale
Apr 26, 2021
I Turned a Spare Bedroom into a Dog Gymnasium Using Everyday Household Items
Whether you have a room or a corner, here's what you need to keep your furry friend active and healthy indoors.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jan 21, 2021
5 New Year's Resolutions You Can Make for Your Dog
Now's the perfect time to brush up on canine manners or learn a new trick.
Sassafras Patterdale
Dec 21, 2020
3 Major Ways Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You Something—and Exactly What They Mean
Decoding your feline friend's needs has never been easier.
Sassafras Patterdale
Dec 1, 2020
5 Thanksgiving Foods You Should Never Feed Your Pets
Yes, even turkey can pose a problem.
Sassafras Patterdale
Nov 18, 2020
The 6 Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the U.S., According to a Dog Expert
Here's where you and your pup should move to.
Sassafras Patterdale
Nov 13, 2020
The First Thing You Should Do If Your Pet Accidentally Eats Halloween Candy
Key advice for even the biggest scaredy cat.
Sassafras Patterdale
Oct 8, 2020
5 Safe Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating This Halloween
A health expert weighs in on how to have a fun Halloween while social distancing.
Sassafras Patterdale
Sep 25, 2020
Here’s How to Turn Your Backyard into an Oasis for Your Dog
A few household items is all it takes to keep your dog entertained this summer.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jul 28, 2020
Before and After: $100 and a Weekend Give a Dull Gray Office Some Rainbow Cheer
It might be literally impossible to see this project and not smile.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jul 7, 2020
5 Ways You and Your Dog Can Be Good Neighbors to Everyone Around You
As a dog guardian, there are things that you can do to support your dog being a good neighbor.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jun 26, 2020
Why the First Thing I Installed After Buying My House Was a Rainbow Flag
It's the finishing touch on my dream home.
Sassafras Patterdale
Jun 1, 2020
I Felt Guilty About Being a Homeowner When My Friends Weren’t
Here's how I worked through it.
Sassafras Patterdale
Apr 27, 2020
Why I Regret Buying an Older Home
The problem with old houses, I learned, is that they are never not a project.
Sassafras Patterdale
Dec 4, 2019