Lisa West
[freelance writer]




Welcome

I've written essays, features, interviews and articles on a number of topics: animals, family life, recreation, sporting events, government, and many more.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

News

June 2004

In the current issue of The Dog Nose News,I have an article on aggression in dogs and how much dog owners can trust their dogs to react predictably. Features interviews with a professional dog behaviorist and a dog trainer who specializes in aggression.You can get the paper here, or subscribe

July 2004

In the July issue of The Dog Nose News, I'll have an article about training and mental conditioning techniques used with large animals, specifically the elephants in the Oregon Zoo. The article discusses how these techniques can be adapted for companion animals. I'll also have a travel article about summer camps for dogs. You can get the paper here, or subscribe
Recently Read

Comments: A beautifully written story of two men who shared a love for tennis, which enabled them to become friends. I highly recommend it.

Recently Heard

Comments: Mary Chapin Carpenter is in fine form on this album. The songwriting is outstanding, and her voice has never sounded better. This is my favorite album of the year so far. Try to catch her tour this summer if you can.

Recently Seen

Comments: The first season of The West Wing was flat-out brilliant. And is it even possible to be cooler than Martin Sheen?




Clips and  Credits 

Articles

Are Light Rail Tracks a Danger to Dogs?
The Dog Nose News
April 2003
A number of guide dogs have been shocked when crossing the MAX (light rail) tracks on Portland's west side. This article tells the stories of people affected by these shocks, including one man whose guide dog had to be retired. The article also reports on what has been done to solve this baffling problem.
Reprint Status: Available

Beat the Blahs
The Dog Nose News
May 2003
A report on summer activities available to kids who might not be interested in sports.
Reprint Status: Not applicable 

What's Next?
The Dog Nose News
June 2003
An interview with Mike Oswald, Multnomah County's (then) new director of Animal Services. Mr. Oswald shared his vision for Animal Services, as well as his thoughts about simple things people can do to help keep so many animals from ending up in shelters.
Reprint Status: Available

Atta Boy!
The Dog Nose News
February 2004
A report on the January 2004 running of the Atta Boy 300 sled dog race in Central Oregon.
Reprint Status: Available

The Truth About Teething
The Dog Nose News
May 2004
An article about puppy teeth: what to expect in terms of teething, and how to care for a dog's teeth.
Reprint Status: Available

How Predictable is Your Dog?
The Dog Nose News
June 2004
An article on aggression in dogs and how much dog owners can trust their dogs to react predictably. Features interviews with a professional dog behaviorist and a dog trainer who specializes in aggression.
Reprint Status: Available

Essays

Reading, Writing, and Role Models
The Christian Science Monitor
October 4, 2002
My sixth grade teacher did more than simply prepare his students for junior high. His innovative and empowering teaching style prepared us for life.
Reprint Status: Available

Charity Begins at Home
Chocolate for a Woman's Courage
Fireside Books, 2002
I learned a thing or two when I attempted to teach my children about giving.
Reprint Status: Available

Letting Go and Holding On
Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul
Health Communications, 2003
For years after my mother died I kept her coat in my closet, until I realized I had so many other things to remember her by.
Reprint Status: Available

Life With Riley
The Dog Nose News
August 2003
When I adopted my dog, Riley, six years ago, I had no idea what I was in for. I guess I should have chosen a dog who couldn't trounce me repeatedly in a battle of wits.
Reprint Status: Available
About Me

I'm a freelance writer living in Portland, Oregon. I was born in Reno, Nevada, and raised in Chico, California, and am a graduate of Portland's Lewis and Clark College.

In addition to writing, my interests include playing tennis, reading, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with my family.

View my Resume


Feature Articles

Top Dogs, Mushers, Return to Central Oregon
The Dog Nose News
March 2003
A center feature reporting on the 2003 Atta Boy sled dog race in Central Oregon.

Variations on a Theme
The Dog Nose News
May 2003
A front-page feature on intentional mixed breeding of dogs to create new breeds such as the Schnoodle and the Labradoodle.
Reprint Status: Available

Pet Theft: An American Epidemic
The Dog Nose News
September 2003
A front-page feature on pet theft and recent legal efforts to stop it.
Reprint Status: Available

The Wildwood Trail: Wind Your Way Through an Urban Forest
The Dog Nose News
January 2004
A center feature on the Wildwood Trail in Portland's Forest Park, the first in a five-part series on Portland's 40-Mile Loop.
Reprint Status: Available

Tryon Creek State Park: A Forest in the City
The Dog Nose News
February 2004
A ffeature on Oregon's first urban state park--its history and its recreational opportunities. The second in a five-part series on Portland's 40-Mile Loop.
Reprint Status: Available

Powell Butte: Not Your Average Park
The Dog Nose News
March 2004
A feature on Portland's Powell Butte Nature Park. The third in a five-part series on Portland's 40-Mile Loop.
Reprint Status: Available

A Tale of Two Parks:
Marquam Nature Park and Kelley Point Park
The Dog Nose News
April 2004
A feature on Portland's Marquam Nature Park and Kelley Point Park. The fourth in a five-part series on Portland's 40-Mile Loop.
Reprint Status: Available 

A Living Legacy, and Plans for its Expansion
The Dog Nose News
May 2004
A feature on Portland's 40-Mile Loop: its history and the city's plans to expand it to keep up with Portland's growth. The fifth in a five-part series on Portland's 40-Mile Loop.
Reprint Status: Available 


©2003-2004 Lisa West
 All Rights Reserved.
Last Updated: Sunday, June 6, 2004