Welcome to Tails of Seattle!

With this blog, we hope to create a community for pet owners and other friends of animals by sharing information on such topics as health, obedience, consumer issues and recreation.

We'll bring you news and tips and let you know about fun events you can enjoy with your pets. We'll share stories about our own animals and invite you to share yours. And we'll give you access to local vets and other professionals through a series of Q&As — where you get to ask the questions.

On the lighter side, look no further than this blog for the latest viral videos starring — who else? — cats and dogs. We'll do our best to post them as they surface. And what self-respecting pets blog would be complete without lots of cute photos? Our own and yours! (Look for details on how to share your pictures in an upcoming post.)

Pets provide an endless supply of inspiration, and we expect there will be no shortage of material here, especially when you, our readers, are part of the mix. We invite you to join the conversation.

For starters, let us know in the comments which subjects you'd especially like us to cover. We welcome your ideas and feedback as the blog evolves. And please let your friends know about us!

Contributors to this blog are members of the Seattle Times newsroom — reporters, producers, page designers, administrative staff, desk editors and photographers — who have one thing in common. We love pets. Click here to learn about our furry companions.