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A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

A person smiles outdoors, wearing a gray coat and patterned blouse, with a grassy field and trees in the background.

Gemma Johnstone

location-pin Courmayeur, Valle d'Aosta, Italy

School: Queen Margaret University

Expertise: pets, gardening, sustainability

Gemma Johnstone

  • Regular contributor to the American Kennel Club, Family Handyman, Better Homes & Gardens and The Spruce
  • Worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and ran her own dog business, Just Dogs, for more than 10 years
  • Volunteers for several local dog-rescue organizations

Experience

Gemma covers pets, home, garden and other lifestyle topics for Reader's Digest. She has written hundreds of how-to guides and regularly contributes to top publications such as the American Kennel Club, Better Homes & Gardens and The Spruce. In her spare time, Gemma hikes with her rescue dog in the Italian Alps, where she's based, and tends to her prized plant collection.

Education

Queen Margaret University BA, Communication and Media Studies

Articles

Dead houseplant in a small terracotta pot

Here’s the No. 1 Reason Your Houseplants Are Dying Right Now—And What You Can Do About It

Changing your plant-care process in winter will help keep your houseplants alive
People walking dogs on leashes in a park, surrounded by grass and bare trees.

A New Study Reveals There Are 3 Types of Dog Owners in the World. Which Are You?

Are you a parent, pal, protector or a mix of them all? A new study examines how dog owners view themselves—and why it matters.
Dog smiling happily, standing outside on grassy background.

14 Black-and-White Dog Breeds That Are Too Cute to Ignore

Want to bring home a black-and-white dog? Top canine experts explain whether these pooches sporting the classic color combo will be a good fit for your family and lifestyle.