Pets Stylish (and Subtle Pet Decor

in the exhibition space,” Chaloupka says. “Not every curator is comfortable working with artists on new works because of the unknown variables involved … but I love to jump into projects like that.”

Looking Ahead

The Whatcom Museum is returning to in-person events in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the public opening celebration for “Many Wests” was the first to occur at the museum in two years. Although the exhibition is set to close at the end of August, Chaloupka is already excited about what’s coming next.

“Un/Natural Selections: Wildlife in Contemporary Art,” a large group exhibition borrowed from the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming, is set to open on Sept. 10. As with “Many Wests,” the show includes a variety of different artists working across diverse mediums, including sculpture installations.

“The representation of nature and the natural history of this region is something that’s at the heart of our mission and will be a connection point to this upcoming exhibition,” Chaloupka says. “I think the artworks commenting on human/animal interactions will be something that the community is really going to enjoy.”

The museum’s website has further information on the show plus a full calendar of events (including docent tours, youth docent tours, and even monthly curator tours led by Chaloupka herself).

Moreover, fine art exhibitions are just the beginning of what you’ll find at the Whatcom Museum. For the price of a 20-ounce coffee, you can bring the kids to the Family Interactive Gallery, learn about regional Coast Salish tribes upstairs in the Lightcatcher Building, immerse yourself in local history at Old City Hall, and much more.

As pandemic restrictions ease, Chaloupka has the sense that people are “looking at things with fresh eyes”— herself included. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge about this community or be challenged by new perspectives and ideas, the Whatcom Museum has something to offer everyone. 250 Flora St., Bellingham, 360.778.8930, whatcommuseum.org  F OR MANY PET owners, it can be pretty obvious to the outside world that you have an animal at home. From the “I love my rescue pup” bumper sticker on your car to the cat hair that refuses to come off your black pants, there are lots of ways our four-legged friends make their presence known to others. However, if you’re looking to trick the eye, here are some recommendations for pet-friendly items that will blend right in with your home decor.

Sneaky Litter Bins

Perhaps the biggest eyesore that comes with being a cat owner is the litter box. Even if you can’t see it, you can probably smell it. Luckily nowadays you can find some pretty inventive ways to hide the box in plain sight. Retailers offer adorable disguised litter boxes in the form of nightstands, tables, and even planters!

Mini Couches

If your pet is a couch hog, this is the purchase for you. You can find tiny loungers, chaises, and sofas that range in style and color—meaning you can coordinate them to match your living space. Your pet will love it and you can sprawl out on the couch whenever you please.

Scratcher Look-Alikes

Constantly yelling at your cat to stop scratching the furniture? Let them have it—scratching posts now come in furniture lookalikes like nightstands, plants, and tiny houses. While this may not completely deter them from using their claws on your loveseat, it’s certainly worth a shot.

Stealthy Staircases

Tiny staircases can be both adorable and helpful to dogs who are older, smaller, and/or have joint pain. There are sets in all sizes; most are plush, but you can find some wood ones to match hardwood/laminate flooring. For something that’s both fun and effective for cleaning, try stairs with washable cover pads. ANELYSE MORRIS-BOHLKE