Starting the year with a bang, we sing the praises of more than 100 people who’ve made a difference for dogs, learn about the canines (and photographs) behind the work of American master Norman Rockwell, relish the increased momentum behind the no-kill movement, and announce our new columnists, Victoria Stilwell and Nick Trout. We then round out this delicious mix with a flourish of interesting and useful articles—a DIY collar, sliding along on a kick-sled pulled by two gorgeous Siberians, the skinny on Paris’s oldest pet cemetery and, as usual, insights from our regulars. Give your dog a head scritch and settle in for a good read.

FEATURES
The Bark’s 100 Best & Brightest—Honoring those who have reshaped the world of dogs.
Talking Training with Victoria Stilwell—It’s Me or the Dog star now answers your questions!
No-Kill Nation—How close are we to achieving this “impossible dream”? By Christie Keith
Norman Rockwell: Behind the Paintings—An American master—and dog lover—used photographs to stage his iconic tableaus. By Corry Kanzenberg
 

DEPARTMENTS
[The Simple Life] Dogsledding—An adventure in the winter woods. By Jenna Woginrich
[Second Opinion] A Vet’s Perspective—Sussing out Rocky’s mysterious malady. By Nick Trout, DVM
[Craft] Martingale Collars—How to make one yourself. By Karen Friesecke
[Working Dogs] Arson Detectives—There’s a new pooch at the firehouse. By Lisa Wogan
[Behavior] Both Ends of the Leash—Learning from a bad example. By Patricia B. McConnell, PhD
[Postcard from Paris] Au Revoir, Mes Chiens—Visiting the world’s oldest dog cemetery. By Claire Horton-Bussey
[Essay] The Reluctant Dog Person—Pass-along dogs change family dynamic. By Lorenzo Carcaterra
[Vet Advice] Pain Patches—What are they and when are they used? By Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
[Training] By the Numbers—8 ways dogs have it better now. By Karen B. London, PhD
[Reviews] Irreconcilable Differences, Separation Distress and Dogs, Rescue Matters, The Safe Dog Handbook, Thereby Hangs a Tail
[Endpiece] How I Found My Dog—Addie. By Emily Freeman