Cinnamon's Survey: What Color Bench Should I Have?

Today was a glorious day. I went to the dog park and came home for breakfast. Then, it was so sunny in the back yard I took a snooze on my blue bench. When I hopped on the bench I noticed something.

Here I am sunning myself on my bench. I think I deserve better.

Oh horrors, my bench is so decrepit. I can't be seen on THIS bench. Someone might think I am nothin' but a hound dog!

Exhibit A: And I'm embarrassed

So I am talking to my owner about repainting it for the summer season. Right now it is light blue. That's ok but since "we" are painting it, I decided to get YOUR opinion on what color would work. We can't go too different because it would take too many coats of paint to cover the light blue. So, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Please take my survey.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

I'll let you know how the survey turns out.

Love, Cinnamon

Vancouver USA: After the Storm

This vendor was ready to sell early. But most were closed at 9:15 a.m.!

It's been raining hard lately. The ponds around town are full, the Columbia River is running high and I've been staying inside way too much!

However, at 9 a.m. when my owner called me three times to get out of bed. I ignored her. I couldn't believe there was anything worthwhile happening that early in the morning. I love to sleep in.

So then she came right up to me and said, "Wanna go to the Farmer's Market?" Well, yes, I did. So I jumped up and ran downstairs. Soon we were in the car, driving through the rain soaked streets enjoying the sun radiating down from the sky. It was NOT raining.

Here I am sniffing around the
Captain Vancouver Monument

We got to the Farmer's Market and I was stunned. Half the booths were covered. In the other half of the booths, the people were just setting up. I GOT UP EARLY FOR THIS? It wasn't really open yet. No samples, no smiling vendors, no dogs. And then I saw the sign.... IT OPENS AT 10 AM ON SUNDAYS.... NOT 9 AM. I was dragged out of bed and the market wasn't even open!

So we wandered around a bit. All of a sudden a nice man leaned over to pet me and asked about me. My day was getting good. I WAS GETTING ATTENTION! This is what I go to the farmer's market for (well, aside from the free samples.)

So then we decided to go for a walk along the river. We stopped and looked at the I-5 Bridge and noticed the Columbia River was running high and fast. Now there wasn't any flooding but the river was different.

The blossoms were out and I enjoyed the walk.

See how high the river is?

So then, after that (mis) adventure we went home and had breakfast.

All in all I have to admit that today is much better than yesterday. I love the Farmer's Market (when it's open!).

Love, Cinnamon

A Horse Named Cinnamon

Imagine this... a sweet horse named Cinnamon. It's rainy out so I am hanging out on the Internet. I found this video of a 2 year old girl and a mustang named Cinnamon. Ever since I saw that Budweiser commercial with the draft horses and the puppy I've wondered if I should have a horse? Maybe I can visit horses at Niece Kate's house to see if we get along. Meanwhile I can dream of having my own pet horse, can't I?

Love, Cinnamon (I'm lonely. I need a pet!)

Dog Rescued from Oso Washington Mud Slide (Video)

It was rainy again so I was surfing the Internet. I live in Washington State. There was a huge mudslide that wiped out many homes. It wasn't here in Vancouver. It was way to the north in Oso (it wasn't near my Country Cousins home either, thank goodness!).

Anyway, I try not to read sad news but this article really lifted my spirits. You see, rescuers found a beautiful dog alive in the mud slide. And he was more than alive. He stood up, shook the dust off and was reunited with his family. I'm sure he got a good bath too!  I LOVE THIS VIDEO. (Be sure and click on the link so you can watch it too)

Here is the dog being carried out of the wrecked home.
YAY RESCUERS!

I'm glad I don't live in a mud slide area. I don't even like rain!

Love, Cinnamon

Did the Vet Say Your Pet Needs to Lose Weight? Check out #HillsPet Metabolic Diet ($70 Giveaway Too!)

Here I am playing hard to keep slim and trim

Now, I Cinnamon, don't want to lose weight. It might mean giving up TREATS, right? Well, maybe not. I've been researching a fairly new dog weight loss product that will be sure to perk up the ears of my pleasantly plump friends. (And if I don't quit sleeping so much I might need to lose weight too!)

I see them at the dog park. I see them on Facebook. These are the dogs and cats that have some extra weight. Owners think they are happy. But the pets tell me, secretly, that they aren't. They want to run and play with ease. They want to feel better. So how can that be done without sacrificing FOOD and TREATS?

Here's a cute video that features a pleasantly plump cat (the type that would not be able to out-run me, Cinnamon).

I heard that in the U.S., 53% of dogs and 55% of cats are now overweight. How did this happen? I'll bet it's the people that caused this because we animals love to be lean. (But we also like to beg for extra food and treats) You might be in denial. You might say "I'm not overweight... I just love those treats!" Well, here's how your owner can help you figure it out.

I got this trick from the people at Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution.

To determine  if your pet is the correct weight is right at your fingertips–literally.

Make a fist and feel your knuckles.

If your pet’s ribs feel like the knuckles of your clenched fist, then your pet is underweight.

Now relax your hand. Now with your hand open, feel the knuckles on the back of your open hand.

This is what your pet’s ribs should feel like if he’s the correct weight.

Flip over your hand and feel those same knuckles but on your palm. This is what your pet’s ribs will feel like if he’s overweight.

Oh Oh! What to do?

So did you find out you need to lose weight? Well, you're not alone. So what to do?

Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution may be your answer. I was amazed to find out that in a study 88 percent of pets on this diet lost weight in two months at home as well as 28 percent body fat loss in dogs in two months and 29 percent body fat loss in cats in two months.

Now these results are really good to hear because they were done in tests AT HOME... not in A LAB. That means that everything else was just as it usually is for these pets. You know, sometimes your owner sneaks you a bit of sandwich or a French fry from the Drive-Through (Yum!).  Things during the test were normal and all that changed was the food and treats these pets received. AND THEY LOST WEIGHT! Here's what pet owners have said about the program.

YES! You get TREATS!

Now you'll have to visit the Vet to get authorization. The vet will check for other illnesses and confirm the diet is right for you. 

With the diet you get the special Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution AND TREATS! Hear that? You don't have to give up treats! (In fact I know where the treat jar is at my Vet's office!)

Because this food affects your metabolism, rather than just making you cut back on your food, you'll feel better for sure. And, when I see you at the dog park, you'll probably outrun ME! 

And when you get to your goal weight, you can continue on the food as maintenance. The program and your Vet will tell you how.

Win a $70 Trial Kit for a Dog or Cat
Would you like to sample Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution? I’ve got 10 starter kits to give away to my readers; you can select a Canine or Feline Metabolic Starter Kit.

It’s a $70 value! 

Winners can select a Canine or Feline kit. Here’s what they include:

Canine Metabolic Starter Kit

•             1 Weight Loss Success Tote Bag

•             1 Weight Loss Success Guide

•             1 6lb bag of Metabolic dry dog food

•             2 (13oz) Metabolic cans

•             1 (16oz) Metabolic treats

•             (2) $25 coupons  

Here's what the dogs get.

Feline Metabolic Starter Kit

•             1 Weight Loss Success Tote Bag

•             1 Weight Loss Success Guide

•             1 4lb bag of Metabolic dry cat food

•             2 (5.5oz) Metabolic cans

•             1 (2.5oz) Metabolic treats

Here's what the kitties get.

To enter, there are two steps. First talk to your veterinarian and make sure that this will be right for your pet. Then leave a comment on my blog here that tells me a little about your pet and why you'd like to win the starter kit. Be sure to include all of the required information below:

1.  What is your pet: dog or cat

2.  Pet’s age

3.  Pet’s current weight or close guess

4.  Your name

5.  Your email address

This giveaway is limited to one winner per household and is for U.S. residents only.

I'll be drawing names on April 2nd (that's just a week away) so sign up now.

Remember, just like with humans, before starting your pet on a weight loss program a doctor should be consulted. Your veterinarian’s authorization is required before starting Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution food. (And Hill's won't send it to you without this authorization)

Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I, Cinnamon, am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution, but Coon Hound Tales only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Wordless Wednesday: Coonhound Close-up

I did not give permission for this photo to be taken while I slept in the sunbeam!

Vancouver Washington Humane Society Fundraiser Walk: Join Team Cinnamon!

Since I am such an experienced walker, I have decided to register for the annual Walk/Run for the Animals, a fundraising event organized by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW).  Yes, I am a "great walker," but I am also a shelter dog. I know what it feels like to be homeless. And I appreciate the wonderful humane societies that care for animals and find us homes. So this event is to raise funds for the humane society where I live now... in Vancouver, Washington.

I hope you'll join my team!

The walk is set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Esther Short Park in Vancouver. Advance check-in for the Walk/Run will take place at HSSW, 1100 NE 192nd Ave. on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, or beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Esther Short Park.

Runners and walkers will participate on separate courses. Walkers (dogs and people) will enjoy a 3-mile walk along the Columbia River while runners will participate in a 5-K chip-time run through Ft. Vancouver Park. All participants will return to the Vendor Village at Esther Short Park for canine-friendly festivities, dog demonstrations, games and prizes.

Registration for the event is now available at www.southwesthumane.org/walk-run. The cost is $25 and allows participants to register individually, create or join a team and set up their own fundraising page.

Now here's where I, Cinnamon, come in. I STARTED MY OWN TEAM! IT IS TEAM CINNAMON. If you walk the event, please join my team when you register. We can meet and walk together.

If you can't walk the event, please consider making a donation to help me achieve my fund-raising goal. Donations can be made by going to MY FUNDRAISING PAGE.

For more information, visit www.southwesthumane.org.

Love, Cinnamon the Walker

Cinnamon Receives an Award

Here's the award I just received!

This is a great day in the life of Cinnamon the Coonhound. I RECEIVED AN AWARD FOR JOURNALISM!

Today I received The Sunshine Award. I got the award from Spencer the Goldendoodle.  He's another one of us dog bloggers. According to Spencer, the award is given by bloggers to other bloggers that they admire. 

Here's Spencer who gave me the award. Isn't he cute?

Now, there's more to the award than that but for now I'm just basking in the limelight.

I, Cinnamon, am an award winner!

Cinnamon Goes to the Daffodil Festival

I had a pretty good time yesterday. At least I got to go somewhere! And, somewhere it was... all the way to Amity Oregon!

The draw was the Daffodil Festival and, in particular, the Daffodil Festival Walk. It was put on by the Mossbacks Volkssport Club who are a nice bunch of people.  It was a beautiful day but, by my standards, a little too hot. I've put together a photo essay about the whole experience:

It's only 8 a.m. Why do I have to get up?

Here I am in Amity at the school. After snoozing on the ride down, I am still waking up.

I finally perked up. We saw lots of interesting things on the walk. I liked the railroad trestle.

And then we saw THIS! I thought about barking but decided just to walk on up the road!

Here I am at the destination... the Daffodil Farm. I was pretty hot and tired by the time we got here.

Just when I thought I'd have to walk all the way back to the school,
the little school bus showed up. The nice driver let me ride in front.
It was my first school bus ride. I liked it!

I rested most of the way home but perked up when I saw this
HUGE dog at a stop light. This was in Newberg... almost home!

When I got home I took a relaxing sun bath in the back yard. What a day!

Cinnamon on Strike!

Hi. It's me, Cinnamon. I had a really rough day. It was just beautiful spring weather outside. It would have been a great day to go somewhere but know what? My owner slipped away before I woke up this morning. She was gone at 8:15 a.m. (I had one eye open).

And, let me tell you this.... she came home at 6 p.m. I think that is dog neglect. I, poor Cinnamon, was left with a bowl of dry dog food and two bowls of water. When I woke up round about 10 a.m. I sauntered downstairs hoping to see my owner waiting for me. But noo...... she was nowhere to be found. The car was gone. She was gone. I WAS ALONE!

I looked over at my bowls. I had a full bowl of water and a full bowl of food. It was then that I decided to go on a hunger strike. I WOULD NOT EAT BREAKFAST! I just went outside and moped around a bit, sniffed at my food and went upstairs back to bed. I WAS TICKED!

I was so depressed I spent most of the day in bed. I didn't eat and I didn't play. I missed my owner. Usually she feeds me and talks to me in the morning. Then she pets me and plays with me. But this morning she was off touring organic farms WITHOUT ME!

I curled up in a variety of coonie balls feeling sorry for myself. Then, all of a sudden, at 6 p.m. she showed up. (It was about time). I made her call for me at least 5 times and then I walked downstairs to greet her. I was happy to see her but didn't let on. We played a little bit outside and then I gave in. I was really hungry so I ate my breakfast. It had been sitting there all day.

Then I decided I was ready for DINNER! But no... she thought the breakfast I had at 6 p.m. counted for dinner too! UNFAIR TO CINNAMON.  I wanted dinner. I kept staring at her and it didn't work. She gave me a few treats but I didn't get another meal.

My question to my readers is.... Should she have fed me my second meal? How can I live on one meal in a day? What do YOU think is right?

Meanwhile I'll just slink off to bed... half starving.

Tomorrow has to be a better day!

Spring Break: I like kids!

Today it was just like Spring should be... sunny, warm and full of fun. The grass was green at my favorite dog park. And, the mountain was OUT!

It's a special day at the dog park when we can see Mt. Hood peeking out!

It was all around a good day. But soon, it turned into a GREAT DAY! I didn't realize that it was Spring Break. I didn't realize the kids were out of school.

I grumbled at some playful dogs at the Dog Park. Then I went off to myself and ate grass. Soon I saw some kids playing on the mounds of grass. Now usually that was reserved for us, but the kids were having so much fun I decided to investigate. All of a sudden I had a NEW FRIEND. One of the girls wanted to know my name. And then she wanted to know if I was friendly. Well, I showed her. I went right up to her and got petted. I looked really friendly (because, actually, I am).

Here I am playing with my new friends.

Then we played a game of hide in the drainage pipe. Then we climbed the mounds and had a great time. All the way, the girls called my name. They LIKED ME! I played with them and had a great time. Soon other dogs joined us and it wasn't so much fun. I liked to be their SPECIAL DOG FRIEND.

Now that I know about Spring Break, I think I want to go out to the Brush Prairie Dog Park every day. I love kids and kids LOVE ME!

Naptime: I'm so good!

Sometimes in the afternoon my owner needs to take a nap (she doesn't sleep well at night). While I, Cinnamon, sleep really well at night, I help out by napping too.

I am writing this to let everyone know how well behaved and helpful I am. When my owner wants to take a nap on the big green couch, she doesn't invite me, Cinnamon, to nap on the big green chair... nooooo.

Here I am in the sunbeam and NOT on the chair!

Instead she just tells me "go nite nite." I take that as my cue to curl up in a coonie ball ON THE FLOOR and take a nap so she can sleep.

It is important during nap time (which is usually just about a half hour) that there be no jangling of dog tags, no barking at squirrels, and no requests to go outside. I can't even play with my toys!

On this particular day, I found a sunbeam to sleep in so I was happy. Sometimes nap time is good for both of us!

Love,
Rested Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: The Ball

I love my squeaky, nubby ball.

Coming Soon: A BIG Giveaway for BIG Dogs and Cats

I'll bet that got your attention. By BIG, I really mean pudgy. You know, that condition that happens with you get too many treats and too little exercise. I have quite a few friends like that. Fortunately, for me, I go to the Dog Park  four or five times a week so I keep my weight down.

But I've been studying up. I'm on assignment to write about a new metabolic weight loss product for dogs and cats. I've learned a lot... how to determine if you are overweight, how to lose weight without giving up food or treats, and much more. I'll be posting all of this next week. And the best thing is that I'll be giving away ten starter packages of the product worth lots of money!

One day I was working on my article and the door bell rang. It was the UPS man. And he had a package JUST FOR ME! Of course I was excited. I saw that it was from Hill's, the company that makes the product I am researching. I hoped it wasn't more material to read because I've been reading A LOT!

Here I am opening my SURPRISE!

 Surprisingly it was GIFTS.... THANK YOU GIFTS!

One of the gifts was a blanket for my bed. But I thought it was a TOY
I got it taken away from me. :(

Be sure and check back next week to hear about all of this and to find out how you can sign up for the GIVEAWAY!

Love, Svelt Cinnamon

Cinnamon Loved the St. Paddy's Day Hough Parade in Vancouver USA

Top of the afternoon to ya! It's me Cinnamon, the newly Irish dog. I had a great time at the Hough St. Paddy's Day Parade down on Main Street in Uptown Vancouver (my home town).

Here I am with the nice Irish couple

We got to the parade early and were happy to see that Mon Ami Cafe had put out chairs by the sidewalk. How nice! But then the wind came up and it rained a bit so we hid out by the barber shop. I met a really nice couple with Irish accents (I know that because I once met an Irish Wolfhound).

Turns out they were originally from Dublin and had lived in Vancouver much longer than I. They were nice to me and so I felt welcomed right away to the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Here I am watching the parade. Notice my green bow.

We waited and the rain stopped. All of a sudden we heard pipers. It was the Vancouver Police bagpipe band. I enjoyed that. There were lots of kids.... many, many kids but I kept my eyes peeled for the dogs. And I did see them! (Vancouver is a dog-friendly city).

Here's the older dog I met. He looked bored.

I met this older dog who reminded me of my elderly cousins. He was with his owner and a little boy. He watched the whole parade just like I did.

It seemed like Basset Hounds were the focus of the parade. Are they Irish? Anyway, there was a Basset who got to walk the whole parade route.

I was jealous of this Basset Hound who got to walk the whole route.

After that I saw a wagon with a surfboard and yep.... you guessed it... a Basset Hound. I didn't quite get the connection between surfing, the Basset and St. Patrick's Day but it was all in fun.

Here's the surfer dogs. I still don't get it.

I was starting to get bored but at the end of the parade there was a fun group ROCKING OUT! And they had a little dog with them. But the best part was that my friend Nancy and fan, Anne McEnery-Ogle, were dancing their hearts out. I thought that would be a fun group to join. 

Here's the dancing dog with dancing Anne!

I really liked the parade. I really liked wearing my green ribbons and being part of the celebration. Erin go bragh, y'all. Cinnamon is Irish for a day!

Here are all the photos.

Now it's time for a nap. 

Note: Photos are copyright Elizabeth R. Rose.  If you are in one of the photos help yourself, though!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Cinnamon

I may not be thrilled with the bow but here I am saying "Happy St. Patrick's Day!"

Cinnamon loves the Vancouver Farmer's Market

Today is a day I've been looking forward to. It is the opening of the Vancouver Farmer's Market. Yay! And, dogs are allowed! Double YAY!

Here I am getting ready to enter the market... and look for food samples!

However......... I didn't think the Farmer's Market would start so early. I was snoozing at 9 a.m. on this quiet Saturday morning and all of a sudden I was jolted from my slumber. "Wanna go to the Farmer's Market?" she said. Yes, I wanna go! But let me wake up first, please!

It didn't take long for me to wake up and get my harness and leash on. I was in the car and tried to act all alert and interested but found myself lying down on the seat and snoozing a bit more. We were parked before I knew it and it was time to hit the market!

Here's the sheepdog who greeted me. She was very nice.

We walked past the sign into the market and the first thing I noticed was that it was full of dogs. A huge elderly sheepdog greeted me. She had St. Paddy's Day regalia on. (Now I'll bet she got up earlier than I did to do that!).

We looked at plants, smelled the soaps and stopped to talk to the mushroom guy. Then we were down the next street so see what was there.

Here I am wondering where the "Dog Nip" was.

I was looking for someone, anyone, who would give me samples and I saw a sign for "Cat Nip Take-Out." I didn't see any cats around, thank goodness. I wondered where the dog booths were!

A stop at the Kolache stand was good. Someone dropped a Kolache sample and I snapped it up!

Here's the nice lady from the Washougal Lamb Farm

Then we looked at even more flowers and stopped to ask about local lamp chops. That's when I hit the jackpot! The nice lamb farm lady offered me a bite of their lamb sausage. Let me tell you... it was delicious. We got some lamb chops to take home. I doubt they will be for my dinner, though.

Here I am just before the nice lady gave me a sausage sample!

As we continued enjoying the booths, I saw a HUGE Great Dane puppy. His owners were getting coffee and he was hanging out at the market, his enthusiasm restrained by a muzzle leash. I could tell he wanted to come over and see me, though.

Here's that Gigantic Great Dane. I wonder if he got any samples?

The Farmer's Market was wonderful. So many people stopped to pet me. All the dogs we saw were on leashes and were well-behaved. There were little dogs and big dogs. I said hello to most of them.

I can't wait to go back! The market is held on both Saturday and Sunday.

Vancouver Farmer's Market