Dogs are adorable, photogenic, and a lot of...WORK! Especially at this moment in time when it can seem like being a pet pawrent comes with more responsibilities and expectations than ever.

I mean it's getting so that if your dog doesn't have his or her own page on Instagram or Facebook and a closet full of outfit changes, you're suddenly looked at as dropping the ball in a big way when it comes to your 4-legged BFF living their best life. But don't despair because I have three local places and things to help you navigate the demands of 21st century life with your pup with half the stress and twice the style.

1. Puppy School Is In Session

When Goldendoodle Louie first came into our lives, as a teeny tiny little pup, he was cute and cuddly (awwwwww's all around), but he definitely needed some training. We all struggled with it, especially the teaching him to go outside to do his business part. At one point, he actually got in the habit of pooping in the front room of the house every afternoon at 4pm. You could set your Apple watch by it. And the clean up? Not so cute!

Anywho, once Louie started Puppy Kindergarten at Rumford Pet Center, hello major improvements, which included doing his biz outside (hooray!) and coming back home afterwards exhausted, a sure sign he was getting much needed play time and NOT spending too much time in a cage or confined space. Thanks and all credit to Heidi, the woman behind 'Puppy School' as we called Pooch Pawsitive, and her team. Can't say enough good things about Louie's experience there. He even received regular report cards. Highly recommending if you and your pup need some guidance and help with basic commands, behavior, etc.. 

2. Let's Have A Paw-ty!

For Louie's 2nd and 3rd birthdays, we threw parties. Admitedly, his 2nd party was more elaborate than his 3rd, but both shindigs did have one thing in common - cake from Jack's Snacks in Warwick. They rival any “people cakes” you'd find at your local bakery in terms of appearance (Yes, they look lovely which is super important for Instagram purposes ya know.). They're also treats your dog - or dogs, in case you put together a guest list - can actually dig into. I mean forget about buying a regular cake, throwing some candles on it, and singing HBD. We tried THAT year one with Louie and he tried to jump up on the table to blow out the candles or whatever. There's that, plus the fact that regular chocolate is deadly for dogs. Jack's to the rescue it is then!

3. Pawsitively Stylish

My friends over at Made From RI carry a variety of Rhody themed items, from jewelry and toys to photographs and house warming or hostess gifts. Designed and made right here in the OS. They also make these fantastic dog collars, including ones with anchor and seashell motifs. I mean I LOVE the idea of jazzing up your dog's collar collection (I feel like most dogs nowadays have a whole wardrobe of collars, leashes, and other accessories.) while helping support a local biz. 

Photo Credits: Additional photos for Jack's Snacks and Made In RI, LLC courtesy of their social media and web site respectivelty

 * This post has been revised and updated from the original that appeared on the site earlier this year.