A black dog running on a grassy trail in a lush green valley surrounded by pine trees and mountains.
A happy dog running along a dirt trail beside a river in a lush forest, with a snow-capped mountain in the background.

The Rec Report

Welcome to

Your behind-the-scenes pass to all things Barks and Rec. From pup wellness tips to road stories and rescue features, we’re here to bring the outdoors to your home—one tail wag at a time.

Happy dogs running in a grassy field with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Cold Noses, Warm Hearts: Keeping Dogs Healthy & Active Through the Winter in Bend.

Winter in Bend brings snow, beauty, and challenges for keeping dogs active and healthy. From icy sidewalks to shorter days, cold-weather hazards can disrupt normal routines—but dogs still need daily exercise. This guide shares practical winter safety tips, paw protection advice, and why a mobile dog gym like Bend Barks & Rec is the perfect all-weather solution to keep pups moving, balanced, and happy.

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Stefanie Zwegers Stefanie Zwegers

Compassion in Motion — How Bend Barks & Rec Supports Cancer Patients and Their Pets

At Bend Barks & Rec, every run tells a story — one of joy, movement, and community. But some of the most meaningful runs we do aren’t just for fitness. They’re acts of compassion.

Through our Compassion in Motion program, we donate dog running sessions to local cancer patients undergoing active treatment here in Bend. While they focus on healing, we help their pets stay healthy, happy, and cared for — bringing comfort to both ends of the leash.

This mission comes from the heart of our founder, Stefanie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35. She experienced firsthand the emotional lift a happy, exercised dog can bring, even on the hardest days. Today, that experience fuels our passion to give back to others walking a similar path.

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Stefanie Zwegers Stefanie Zwegers

Welcome to Bend Barks & Rec: Your Dog’s New Running Buddy

🐾 It’s always a good day for a walk — even when life’s busy! 🐾

Bend Barks & Rec brings a climate-controlled van to your home or workplace so your pup can safely run on custom slatmills inside. Locally owned and giving back to the Bend community. Run Ready! 🚐🐕✨

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