Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

Side-by-side images show a dog wrestling with a cougar on the ground and a woman running into the yard in blurred security footage.

Woman Risks Her Life To Save Tiny Goat From Cougar’s Jaws

A peaceful farm morning turned into a nightmare when a cougar lunged at a baby goat in British Columbia. But one woman refused to stand by. Security footage captured her...

Woman Risks Her Life To Save Tiny Goat From Cougar’s Jaws

A peaceful farm morning turned into a nightmare when a cougar lunged at a baby goat in British Columbia. But one woman refused to stand by. Security footage captured her...

Split image showing a brown dog resting by a window and a woman gently petting a sleeping dog on a couch.

Breed Blacklists Can Tear Dogs From Loving Families

Some families are denied homeowners or renters insurance because of a dog’s breed, even when that dog has no bite history or record of aggression. Breed blacklists can tear pets...

Breed Blacklists Can Tear Dogs From Loving Families

Some families are denied homeowners or renters insurance because of a dog’s breed, even when that dog has no bite history or record of aggression. Breed blacklists can tear pets...

Split image showing a woman comparing pet food in a store while holding a dog and a veterinarian examining a golden retriever.

Pet Parents Finally Catch a Break as Food Prices Show Signs of Relief

Pet owners have spent years watching prices climb every trip to the store. Now, new data suggests a surprising shift may be underway. Is the era of relentless pet food...

Pet Parents Finally Catch a Break as Food Prices Show Signs of Relief

Pet owners have spent years watching prices climb every trip to the store. Now, new data suggests a surprising shift may be underway. Is the era of relentless pet food...

Split image showing outdoor shelter kennels beside a young woman cuddling a calico cat.

Cities Across America Push To End Preventable Shelter Deaths

More than 1,500 mayors just backed a nationwide effort to save more dogs and cats in shelters. As no-kill communities continue to grow, local leaders are taking a larger role...

Cities Across America Push To End Preventable Shelter Deaths

More than 1,500 mayors just backed a nationwide effort to save more dogs and cats in shelters. As no-kill communities continue to grow, local leaders are taking a larger role...

Split image of a brown dog behind wire fencing beside four brown dogs pressed together behind white kennel bars.

Spay And Neuter Access Can Save Shelter Pets

A city review found that a no- and low-cost spay/neuter program performed thousands fewer surgeries than expected, even as shelters took in tens of thousands of dogs and cats. Affordable...

Spay And Neuter Access Can Save Shelter Pets

A city review found that a no- and low-cost spay/neuter program performed thousands fewer surgeries than expected, even as shelters took in tens of thousands of dogs and cats. Affordable...

Split image showing a dog looking out from a cracked car window beside a yellow Labrador panting inside a parked red car.

More States Let Good Samaritans Save Pets From Deadly Hot Cars

A parked car can turn deadly for a pet in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Now, more states are changing the law to help ordinary people step in before tragedy...

More States Let Good Samaritans Save Pets From Deadly Hot Cars

A parked car can turn deadly for a pet in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Now, more states are changing the law to help ordinary people step in before tragedy...