Photo of author Stephen Messenger

Stephen Messenger

Senior Writer
Stephen (he/him) has written for The Dodo since 2013. He lives in Northern California, where he enjoys hiking, gardening and communing with local squirrels in his yard who’ve grown tolerant of his gushing adoration.

Latest Posts From Stephen

Watch Nervous Dog Transform As She Realizes 'Stranger' Is Actually Her Dad
By Stephen Messenger

Watch Nervous Dog Transform As She Realizes 'Stranger' Is Actually Her Dad

He never left her heart.

'Terrified' Woman Decides To Make Peace With Giant Spider Living In Her Home
By Stephen Messenger

'Terrified' Woman Decides To Make Peace With Giant Spider Living In Her Home

“As long as this verbal agreement is kept, we can live harmoniously.”

Sportscaster Breaks Down During Heartfelt Tribute To His Beloved Dog
By Stephen Messenger

Sportscaster Breaks Down During Heartfelt Tribute To His Beloved Dog

As a sports broadcaster covering college football for ESPN, Kirk Herbstreit has to travel for work more often than most people.

Woman Comes Home To Find An Adorable Intruder In Her Bedroom
By Stephen Messenger

Woman Comes Home To Find An Adorable Intruder In Her Bedroom

She was not expecting that.

Cat's Reaction To Tasting Soap Memorialized Forever In Hilarious Photos
By Stephen Messenger

Cat's Reaction To Tasting Soap Memorialized Forever In Hilarious Photos

For Kisa, it's a lifestyle.

Mom Catches Wild Visitor In Yard Having Time Of His Life With Kids' Toy
By Stephen Messenger

Mom Catches Wild Visitor In Yard Having Time Of His Life With Kids' Toy

He's a feisty one.

Vacuum-Loving Dog Makes Doing Chores Nearly Impossible
By Stephen Messenger

Vacuum-Loving Dog Makes Doing Chores Nearly Impossible

She can't get enough.

Woman Finds Same Cat Waiting On Top Of Her Car Every Morning
By Stephen Messenger

Woman Finds Same Cat Waiting On Top Of Her Car Every Morning

“I’ve had to learn.”

He Walked In Circles For Hours Until Someone Realized What Was Wrong
By Stephen Messenger

He Walked In Circles For Hours Until Someone Realized What Was Wrong

"He’s the cutest opossum I’ve ever seen.”

Shelter Dog Looks On Sadly As Adopters Pass Her By For Puppies Instead
By Stephen Messenger

Shelter Dog Looks On Sadly As Adopters Pass Her By For Puppies Instead

“Sadly, this is the reality for many adult dogs."

'Miracle' Turtle Walks Away Unscathed After Crashing Through Windshield
By Stephen Messenger

'Miracle' Turtle Walks Away Unscathed After Crashing Through Windshield

“I was absolutely astonished.”

Tears Of Joy As Cancer Survivor Re-Adopts Dog He Was Forced To Surrender
By Stephen Messenger

Tears Of Joy As Cancer Survivor Re-Adopts Dog He Was Forced To Surrender

They never left each other's heart.