OK, So What Happens If I Want to go Home?

Can I find a hole in the fence?

I always thought it was exciting to go visit the Country Cousins. They have a pasture to run in, two old dogs that can be amusing at times and lots of treats.

But this is the second week I have been here. I am feeling a bit trapped. When I'm in the mood to go to one of my dog parks, I can't go. When I want to romp up and down my stairs, I can't do it. No one drives me anywhere. I miss my cushy bed.

So lately I've been looking for holes in the fence. I think I want to TRY AND GO HOME. Maybe I'll find a way out. Now, I don't know how I'd get home but I dream of trying. Maybe home is just around the corner. I am not sure.

When can I go home?

Love, Cinnamon in Poulsbo

If You Shop at Fred Meyer, You Can Help Clark Dog Paw and MY DOG PARKS!

Here's what I like to do at the dog parks!

Hi. It's me, Cinnamon. I love the non-profit, Clark Dog Paw, because they are the ones responsible for the dog parks I love so much. If you shop at Fred Meyer, you can easily get them to donate to Clark Dog Paw!!

Here's the "scoop!"

Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give.
 

Here’s how the program works:

• Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to (DOGPAW) at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number 91863.
• Then, every time you shop and use your RewardsCard, you are helping DOGPAW earn a donation!
• You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.
• If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
• For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.

Happy Shopping! Love, Cinnamon

My Friend Chuy's Pet Weight Loss Success Story #HillsPet

Do I look fat in this picture?

You guys all know how devastated I was to find out that I, Cinnamon, needed to lose 4 -5 pounds. And to top it off, I found this out during a dental appointment!

My goal weight is 50 pounds. I know I can lose the weight. Between you and me, the culprit is the people food that my owner gave to me. She's stopped that now. That should do the trick. 

But in case it doesn't, I have some other ideas. I may have to "walk the talk" and sign on to an effective weight loss plan like Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution. I have written about it but never thought I'd be faced with the need to lose weight.

Here's poor Chuy when he got weighed and found out
he was over-weight. Thanks to his owner for sharing
the photo.

I started reading more about weight loss and I found out about Chuy the Chihuahua who was upset about being declared "overweight" like I was.

It was last January that Chuy's vet officially declared Chuy to be overweight. His owner was devastated. She knew he was looking a little chunky but actually hearing that from a professional made it sting. He weighed in at 11.5 lbs and the vet wanted him down to 8.5 lbs so little Chuy needed to lose three pounds... that's a lot for a little guy.

Here's the Hill's TREATS!
Imagine losing weight while getting some treats.
It's part of the plan!

Chuy's owner was determined to help him get back on track to a healthy lifestyle and has been writing about Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution and reporting on his progress.

It's exciting to read about Chuy. Despite having some back problems, he is progressing on his weight loss plan. He's now down to 10 pounds. So he's lost about 10% of his body weight. That's really an accomplishment for such a cute little guy. It's really cool. He's getting his waistline back! Go Chuy!

You might want to read more about Chuy. Chuy and his owner came up with Five Tips for Dog Weight Loss. I thought it was a good article. They do point out that weight loss is not so easy. But it is much easier with the right food!

Hill’s®Prescription Diet® Canine Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution is a great alternative for chubby pets and their worried owners. If you want to have a good life and a good relationship with your owner both of you should read the information on Hill’s MetabolicAdvanced Weight Solution Website.

Here's Chuy enjoying his food! Thanks to his owner for sharing
the photo.

Remember, you don't have to give up the amount of food you eat or your TREATS! This diet affects an overweight animal’s metabolism.
   

Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution provides clinically proven nutrition that naturally activates metabolism to burn calories and regulate appetite.

Do you have a weight loss success story you would like to share? We would love to read your story.

Here's Chuy today looking much more trim and slim!
Que Guapo Chuy!

Please feel free to share it in the comments below. You can also share your pet’s Hill’s weight loss success stories on the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Facebook page.

I, Cinnamon, hope to report in soon that I have shed a few pounds. Meanwhile, enjoy the success story  of my amigo, Chuy!

 This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about  Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Food, but Coonhound Takes 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: Basking

Here I am basking in the sun on my bench.
Notice how weathered the bench is. IT NEEDS PAINTING!

Competing for food in the dog pack

I'm still up at the Country Cousins house where I am sharing the lair with the two old dogs and a pushy little dog who is visiting (I hope.) This is getting old. While I still have my own bed, I've found that most everything else is shared.

Here I am like a common dog having to beg for my share of treats!

And when you have to share that means there is competition. I am afraid we will run out of food. I brought a whole bag of food with me but now with four dogs in the house, the pickings could get slim.

I've had to work out in the forest and put up with the THREE other dogs. That is tough because I am used to being an only dog with all the food, love and attention for myself. Here, everything is divided by FOUR!

Yes, we get treats, but I'll bet I'd get more if the other dogs weren't there! I MISS MY HOME!

Love, Homesick Cinnamon

Cinnamon is put to work in the woods

Well, I'm up at the Country Cousins house. You know the place in the woods with the elderly dogs. I'm staying there while my owner entertains out of state company. In other words, she's too busy to spend time with me so I am banished to the land in the north.

Well, it's been pretty good here. I took over Uncle Tom's den where my bed is and spend a lot of time there sleeping, taking naps and using the Internet. Once in awhile I let him come in to use his oak roll-top desk for some retirement planning he is doing. Other than that it's MY ROOM!

So yesterday, I was told it was time to GO TO WORK! They took me out in the woods where they were clearing some brush and moving some logs. I thought I was just going to go sniff around and chase rabbits. But noooo... I ended up hauling branches! I suppose it is a good thing. They don't have horses to do the work so I'm being tolerant and helping out.

Here I am helping out in the woods.

The weather's been nice... not too hot and not too cold. And the treats are good. So I'm happy to have some time with cousins Indy and Remi, the old dogs.

I'll write more later. But for now I have to rest up after my work in the woods!

Love, Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: Sniffing around Poulsbo, Washington

Here I am on Liberty Bay in Poulsbo, WA

What do Dogs Experience during a Dental Cleaning? Forever Pet Dental in Vancouver, WA

I recently had my teeth cleaned under anesthesia. Many people wonder what the experience is like for a dog getting their teeth cleaned under anesthesia. And now I can tell you.

I live in Vancouver, Washington and so went to Forever Pet Dental. I chose to go there because they are specialists in pet dentistry and I liked their flat rate fee which seemed more reasonable than even at my regular veterinarian office. What I found out was that they take very personal care of the animals who come to their clinic and have very high standards. Now that my teeth are pearly white and my gums feel really good, I can sit back and tell you the WHOLE STORY.

If you have been following my blog you'll know that I went to Forever Pet Dental a couple days in advance to have my blood drawn so they could check for any conditions that would affect the anesthesia and cleaning. This was not mandatory, but I thought it was a safe thing to do. Turns out I was A1 healthy!

Cleaning Day
It was hard for me to get up early for my 8:30 a.m. arrival. I almost didn't notice that I had to skip breakfast. When I arrived at the clinic I was greeted by Shannon, who directed me to a "circus cage" on the wall across from the door. I just walked in. It was kinda like my crate, no biggee!

Here I am in the cage at the clinic. They had a cushion and blanket in there.

She asked my owner questions about how I was doing, made sure I did not eat anything for breakfast and then had her sign papers for my procedure. She answered ALL her questions while I listened in. They talked about some ear problems I had and they agreed that the doctor would check my ears. And then she sent my owner away until 3:30 p.m.

I really wasn't scared but wasn't sure what was going on, either. At least I knew Shannon and Dr. Myers from when I had my blood drawn.

So I waited a bit and Dr. Myers came in. They took me out of the cage and gave me the most thorough physical I have ever had. They typed a lot into the computer. I was hoping it was all good stuff. They did tell me I had Grade 1 Periodontal Disease. Yuck! They also told me I was a good girl and that I was pretty. That always helps! BUT THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY TREATS!

Here I am getting my physical exam. No treats, afterwards. :(

The Procedure Starts

Soon they gave me a shot. It was given on my backside. I felt like I was one one of those rogue bears that had to be darted and sedated so they could return him to the wild. Wow! I got woozy and kind of sleepy as the sedative shot took effect. I finally laid down. WHAT WAS IN THAT COCKTAIL??

After that I can't remember what was real and what wasn't. I had a dream... or was it? Here's what I remember about that weird time when I was under anesthesia. Remember, it's what I REMEMBER!

````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
I had a shot, fell asleep and awoke to some harp music playing in the background. I was kind of woozy but saw what I think were two huge extra-terrestrial dogs, one an Irish Setter and the other a Golden Retriever. They had landed in Vancouver in their flying saucer, caught me and had beamed me up.

I saw a bright light. The extra-terrestrial dogs were staring down at me talking a language I didn't understand. The prodded me and looked at my mouth, my teeth, my ears. They were using some sort of instruments I had never seen. They were weird looking. I was concerned but they didn't seem to want to hurt me. 

There were all kinds of machines, dials and sounds in the flying saucer. But they kept me on a metal table with a pad. I didn't get to investigate. It smelled weird in there too.

Then I heard music and voices speaking English, and all of a sudden, I wasn't in the space ship any more!

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
"Wake up, Cinnamon, Wake up," they said. It was Dr. Myers and Stephanie checking on how I was feeling. I just wanted to go back to sleep. I felt woozy.... drugged. My mouth and jaw were a little sore, but other than that I was just really sleepy.

They kept checking on me and pretty soon I felt like standing up. I was back in the circus cage in the clinic. I stood up but swayed a little. Whooooo! I was kinda dizzy!

At one point I heard them call my owner on the telephone to tell her I could be picked up early, that I WAS DOING REALLY WELL!

I started to think.... "What about treats?" I was coming out of the fog and getting my land legs back. I still was a little confused. I had been given an antibiotic and something for pain. Did I dream about the extraterrestrial dogs or was that real?

Ready to Go Home
My owner came in and I looked at her, sleepily, from the cage. I guessed I was going to have to walk out on my own power... no wheelchair at this clinic! I was let out of the cage while they went over everything at the desk. I kind of wandered around in a daze and stood by the back door thinking that was a good way out! (actually it just led into the house).

They looked at my exam information, information about everything that had been done during my procedure, and focused on what to do when I went home. I heard that I could eat SOON!

I think the most upsetting thing was that I found out I was 4-5 pounds OVERWEIGHT! I didn't like that one bit!

And, they gave my owner medicine for my ear. It turns out I did have some problems causing itching and redness.

I got x-rays and photos to take home, my "Physical Exam Report Card," Discharge Instructions and recommendations. I was amazed at the invoice... a whole page of things that had been done and drugs that had been given... all for that $169 charge. The ear cleaning and lab test were extra as well as the pre-op blood test. But that was more than fair!

Here's my teeth before the cleaning. They aren't very nice to look at and my gums were sore.

Here's the same teeth after the cleaning - all pearly white!

I found out that brushing and things like Greenies would help keep my teeth clean.
Notice how alert I was at this point! Do you think the bag attracted my attention?

Home Again
I felt like I had missed a good part of the day. It was morning when I got to the dental clinic (early morning) and now it was late afternoon. Weird!

I sat up in the car's back seat and watched outside all the way home. Once I got home I was hungry and my owner gave me half of my kibble, with a little water to soften it. I went outside a couple of times and even checked for squirrels. A little later I was given the other half of my dinner. My tummy felt just fine.

Then I wanted to go upstairs and sleep on my cushy bed... and I did. Ah... home! No more dentist, no more extra-terrestrial dogs. Just home sweet home!

Here I am all fed and getting ready to have a good night's sleep.

The Next Day
The next day I felt absolutely great. I played with my toys, had a regular breakfast and was full of spunk and energy. The dental cleaning was behind me AND I DID VERY WELL! I was surprised when Shannon called to find out how I was doing. And, I was doing marvelously.
 

Here I am the next day. Good as new and sporting my beautiful clean teeth!

Thank you Shannon and Dr. Jacqueline Myers.  I love my new pearly white teeth. You're the greatest!

Love, Beautiful Cinnamon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forever Pet Dental
Jacqueline Myers, DVM
Address: 615 SE Chkalov Drive, Suite 14
Vancouver, WA 98683
360.859.3790
Website

Cinnamon's Dental Experience Update

Hi everyone! I just wanted you to know that I feel very, very much better. I can even write and spell now! I have almost recovered from yesterday's dental cleaning and anesthesia. I am running and playing with my toys and was hungry for a real meal when I woke up this morning.

I have to admit that my mind is still a little "off"sometimes. I've walked into a room and then forgot why I went there. Or maybe, it's just old age creeping up!

I'll write more later. I am off to visit my Country Cousins now and need to finish packing.

Love, Cinnamon (with pearly white teeth)

I'm Back from the Dentist - Sort of.... sort of woozy... sort of sleepy

Heres me a'ter the dental treetmunt.... wherz da door? Wherz da treets?
Where is I?

Hi everyonnneeee. Ith me Cinnamon da Coon Hound. I'm back from the dentust. I cannn't tpe gud. I think I am druggeddd. I had 2 many shots I tink. I tink I need ta sleep dis off cuz I sound like ma fruend Whitely from Texus who cannnn't tlk gud. When I wak up frm this I will tells ya abt the exterterresrial dogs and wht happeneded at da dentust.

I gots ta sleep......................................   zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'll rite mo when I kin. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Summer weather has arrived and I'm staying in the shade

Here I am waiting for the volkswalk to begin.
(notice the Golden Arches in the background?)

Today I went on one of my Wednesday volksmarches. It started out just fine. We registered with Dick at McDonalds. It was overcast and cool. I looked longingly at the Golden Arches in hopes there would be a trip through the drive-through for me. But no.... it was planned that we wait outside in front for all the walkers to gather.

I passed the time by greeting walkers and leaning up against my owner to get even more pats. I suppose I am feeling a bit nervous about my dental appointment tomorrow so I needed reassurance. Once 10 a.m. arrived it was actually getting warm. Walkers shed their jackets. Now, I have no choice. I wear my dark fur wherever I go.

We were off through the Airport Way area. Our leader, Joe, had promised us some woods... soon! We walked some pretty warm sidewalks and then, finally... THE WOODS! I enjoyed that part because it was shady. If I had been given time, I would have sniffed around. Then we were out of the woods and got to walk along the Columbia Slough for awhile. Some of the banks are being allowed to go back to their natural state. I hope that happens. The Slough would be a great place for birds, fish and wildlife.

Here's the Columbia Slough. It is starting to look nice.

So next we walked back on the sidewalks again. I thought I might protest a bit and found a shady grassy area to lie down in. That's right, I just laid down right in the middle of the walk! (Well, I learned after that we were a block away from the finish point!).

I cooled off and then trotted back to the car. That was my BIG PROTEST. Summer weather is here... NO WEDNESDAY WALKS FOR ME! See you in the Fall volkssporter friends!

Love, Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: I thought I heard a squirrel

Up there... isn't that a squirrel?

What to Expect: Pet Dental Cleaning Lab Work

Well, today, like I told you, I had to get up at the crack of dawn to get to somewhere important. And it turned out that it was to the dentist's office for some lab work. My appointment was for 9 a.m., too early for me.

But I managed because I was curious about where we were going. It wasn't the dog park, it wasn't the grocery store and it wasn't my regular vet's office.

The office is to the left. I think it is disguised as a regular house!

We drove through a lovely tree-lined neighborhood with pretty homes and gardens. I was thinking, perhaps, that I was going to a party at a friends' house. But nooooo.... it was actually my dentist's office disguised as a home.

I got out of the car and was welcomed at the door by Dr. Jacqueline Myers herself. She had her hair pulled back and looked like she was all ready for work. So I wagged my tail and went in (I was still hoping for a party).

What a trick! Inside was a veterinary dental office with everything needed to do dental work. On one wall were some heavy duty cages, kind of like circus animal cages. In one of them a Chihuahua peered out at me. Dr. Myers and her assistant told me how pretty I was and then said it was time to draw blood. I knew that wouldn't be fun.

So Dr. Myers held me tight while I made scaredy faces with my eyes. Her assistant drew blood from MY NECK with a HUGE NEEDLE! (Well, it looked huge to me). Soon it was over and they had a good sample of my dark red blood to send to the lab. And I felt much better.

I thought I might feel woozy afterwards but I didn't at all! I was more than ready when they brought out the chewy treat! TREATS! I had my treat and then was weighed. I weigh 54 pounds. I think that's OK.

So then it was time to leave. They said they'd call with the blood test results and that, if everything went as expected, I would be getting my teeth cleaned on Thursday.

I hear they'll just sedate me and put me fully to sleep with gas for the whole thing so I'm not too worried. They are nice at Forever Pet Dental.

You know, even though there was a needle involved, I do recommend you get the blood work done before a cleaning. That way the professionals know if you have something they need to be concerned about such as liver or kidney problems, for example.

I hope that little Chihuahua ended up with sparkling white teeth!

Love, Cinnamon

What to Expect: A Dog's Dental Cleaning

This is the dentist.
She looks nice, right?

This week I have an appointment for a dental cleaning. Since I am adopted and lived a rather rough life before that, I have never had a dental cleaning. And, I am about six years old now. 

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends dental cleanings annually after 1 year of age for cats and small dogs, or 2 years of age for large dogs.  

So I don't quite know what to expect. I've been looking at Internet articles and found a good summary on About.com. So far, I think my experience will be similar, but I'll let you know. 

Tomorrow I am have some blood tests. I've had that before and it goes quickly so I'm not worried. It is good to have blood tests before a dental cleaning because I want to know that it is safe for me to have anesthesia (I certainly wouldn't want to be awake while someone scrapes at my teeth... especially the back ones!) The worst part about the blood test is that my appointment is for 9 a.m. and you know what that means. I'll have to get up early and I don't like that! 

So once I have that appointment, my next appointment will be on Thursday for the cleaning. I'm going to Forever Pet Dental. Why did I choose them? Well dental work is all that Dr. Jacqueline Myers does! So I won't be having dental work done by a general veterinarian, one who does everything else in addition to teeth cleaning. I'll have an expert do my cleaning. 

The other reason is that Forever Pet Dental offers a complete package for $169. Other places may add on more to their basic fee, depending on what happens once they start the procedure. This fee includes everything they need to do. Of course if I need braces or a gold tooth or something, that will be extra! But I think my teeth are straight enough! 

I'll be meeting the people at Forever Pet Dental for the first time tomorrow. I'll let you know what I think. So far the only thing I don't like is that they also see cats there. Ugh! 

Love, Cinnamon

Champoeg State Park: An Oregon Dog Friendly Park

Today I got up early (again!) and we drove to Champoeg State Park south of Portland. It's a beautiful big park on the Willamette River. There is pioneer history, bird-watching, walking and biking and lots of wildlife for me to track. The best part about Champoeg State Park is that it is DOG FRIENDLY!

Here I am on the trail at Champoeg State Park

Today was State Parks Day so we got in FREE! Ordinarily it would have cost us $5.00. They were having some free fishing down by the river too! What a great day to visit.

Dogs can walk most anywhere people can if they are on a leash and you are tidy. There are strategically placed clean up bags on main trails. If you want to camp, you can even stay in one of six yurts (one pet friendly) and one of the six cabins (one pet friendly). 

I enjoyed views of the river from the trail.

But I just went for the day and here's what I did. I signed up for the Volksmarch along marked trails. It was billed as a walk on natural and paved park trails through early Oregon history where in 1843, the pioneers voted to be part of the growing western movement of the United States instead of Canada. Imagine, I could have been living in Canada rather than the U.S. if that vote had been different. Imagine!

So the Mossbacks Walking Club was all set up and there to greet me at 9 a.m. They were really nice to me! I was embarrassed when my owner spent time explaining that we needed a short, shady route because I can't handle the heat. Well, that is true, but she didn't have to tell EVERYONE!

I visited with Martha awhile and then we were on our way following the yellow and pink ribbons. The walk was partially on paved pathways. Since it was early there weren't too many bicycles out there on the trail so I could walk from side to side sniffing things and enjoying the tall grass. Eventually we got to some woods. That was fun. I just knew there were squirrels in those big trees.

Here I am on the boat dock wishing I could go fishing.

Since I was getting hot, we went down the boat ramp onto the dock and enjoyed the river for awhile. One of the people there said some eagles had just flown by. Drat! I missed them!

I met a girl who really liked me!

We walked on enjoying some historical markers all about the Pioneers. At the monument, a nice girl asked to pet and play with me. And we had some fun before it was time to walk through the woods some more. We enjoyed the views of the Willamette River and finished the walk. Some of my friends were at the finish point so I did a bit of socializing before things deteriorated.

I was kinda hungry. When Dar took a Red Vine candy out of a container I just knew it was dog treats for me and bugged and bugged her about it. I really made a fool of myself too. She felt so bad she went to her car and got a dog biscuit for me. Thanks Dar!

After that I nearly jerked my owner's arm out of the socket when I saw another dog getting some food. FOOD! I was nearly starving. I guess, in retrospect, that wasn't very good behavior.

Finally, when we got back to the car, I did get some food and water in the car. But I could tell my owner was not pleased.

I AM SORRY EVERYONE! I'll be better behaved on the next walk. I promise.

Love, Cinnamon the walking hound

The Budweiser Clydesdales and Budweiser Dog Visit Vancouver, Washington

The Budweiser Clydesdales came to Vancouver Washington, my home town, and I was there to see them. I've loved these horses ever since seeing the Super Bowl Budweiser commercial with the puppies! Horses and dogs are made for each other and so I thought I'd go visit them.

Here we are waiting at Mon Ami for the Clydesdales. I was so excited!

We were told they would start at Uptown at 4 p.m. so I went and sat in front of Mon Ami Coffee Shop with my friends. They kept me entertained as we waited and waited.

The word was spreading that they were actually in downtown Vancouver and would be starting from there, so we headed down Main Street.

Here I am waiting for the Clydesdales at the Kiggins Theater Downtown.

Soon after we got to Kiggins Theater THERE THEY WERE. The big red beer wagon was HUGE! The horses, clopping along the street were HUGE! When the horses got close, I was scared for a minute... but then I remembered the puppies. They weren't scared. I stood in awe as the horses passed.

There they were! Look at those HUGE hoofs. I got scared for a moment but then calmed down.

They stopped at the intersection and I got a good look at the lead horses. And then they turned toward me and STARTED TALKING ABOUT ME!

"Look over there! It's Cinnamon the Coonhound!"

As I looked up on the wagon, next to the drivers I SAW.... A DOG! It wasn't a puppy. It was a fully grown beautiful Dalmatian dog. He was riding with his horses. Once I saw the beautiful dog I decided to walk fast and follow the horses and enjoy them some more.

I saw a dog riding high above me on the wagon.
Look at his beautiful harness... just like the Clydesdales have!

I looked at them and they looked at me. The dog had a good look at me but was too involved in being a famous Budweiser Dog to pay much attention to me trotting alongside them.

Here's when the dog noticed me. See? He's looking down.

I learned that the Dalmatian breed has long been associated with horses. Dalmatians were referred to "coach dogs" because they ran between the wheels of coaches or wagons, were known to be good companions to horses once in the barn. Why they have the spots? I don't know. I always thought those were reserved for fire truck dogs... but then that is probably part of the history. Fire equipment used to be pulled by horses and where there is a horse, there is a dog.

Here's the Dalmatian taking a break. Notice he has his blue water bowl up there with him.

In the early days of brewing beer, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The dogs were swift enough to keep up with the wagons, and their light colored bodies and distinctive marking made them easy to see during twilight hours. So that's why Budweiser has a dog and the Clydesdales.

The dog's harness brass is as pretty as the horses wear.

Most people don't know it but on March 30, 1950, in commemoration of the opening of the Newark Brewery, a Dalmatian was introduced as the Budweiser Clydesdales' mascot. A Dalmatian travels with each of the Clydesdale wagon teams (East Coast, West Coast, St. Louis) perched atop the wagon, proudly seated next to the driver.

The one I saw is named Chip. He's the West Coast dog. He had a special brass harness that gleamed in the sun, just like the harness brass the horses had.

I'm jealous. Look what Chip gets to wear!

As I ran alongside the Clydesdales toward Uptown I thought that a hound like me would make a great mascot too. If I was on top of that wagon I would be proud and my ears would flap in the wind. I don't have enough spots to qualify, unfortunately.... but I can dream.

The handlers take good care of the horses. Here one is having his face wiped!

Once we reached Uptown, we had taken tons of pictures and I was really tired. I stopped trotting and tried to pull into a cool (as in temperature) antique store.

At Uptown I said good-bye to Chip and the Clydesdales

The Clydesdales kept on trotting up the street but it was time to say good bye to Chip, the Budweiser Dog, and head home for a nice cold bowl of water. (I'll bet you thought I'd say a nice cool Bud!)

Here I am, afterwards, falling asleep in the car on the way home.
What a Day!

Love, Cinnamon, the horse lover




More Information

All About the Budweiser Clydesdales

Photography copyright: Elizabeth R. Rose 

Wednesday Walking: Overcast and Misty is the Best Weather for Walking

I love to explore and my Wednesday Walking 5K group is the best way to do that. We meet at a different place each Wednesday for a 5K or 10K walk. I choose the 5K group because they walk a little slower and I have a chance, sometimes, to sniff around. Besides, there are other dogs who walk with us.

Here we are milling about the registration area

Yesterday we met at Starbucks to sign in and meet Joe, our leader. There were many walkers there. I saw my friend Dick who always pets me. I didn't get a latte or a scone and I didn't go inside. We got there early so we stood around a long time. It was kind of foggy so I was getting chilly.

At this point I was starting to get chilly.

I passed the time by trying to greet everyone and looking for dogs. I spied this cute Pomeranian with a modern haircut. She wasn't on our walk but was fun to look at, anyway.

Almost too cute to be a dog!

Just when I was beginning to shiver, we started out on the walk. It went through a pretty neighborhood and into a park. I did really good on the walk. It was a good walk except I didn't see any squirrels or cats. Well, I suppose I wouldn't have been allowed to chase them, anyway!

Here's my running log of volkswalking events.

2014

5K Whipple Creek Year Round Walk Vancouver USA Club - Website

5K Washougal - Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail at Steigerwald Lake NWR  - All Weather Walkers
6K Vancouver - Tenny Creek Walk - All Weather Walkers
5K  Portland SE - Reed College-Crystal Springs Garden - Rose City Roamers
5K  Camas Three Lakes Walk
5K  Amity Oregon Daffodil Walk
5K  Vancouver Princess Ilchee Walk
10K Historic Vancouver, Land Bridge and City
5K  New Years Day Walk in Vancouver - Vancouver Volkssporters - Website

2013
10K Vancouver Land Bridge Walk - Vancouver, WA - Vancouver Volkssporters - Website
10K Columbia River Walk - Columbia River Volkssport Club -Website
10K Sherwood - Soup Walk - Sherwood Merrywalkers - Website
10K WSU - Vancouver Cougar Views Walk - All Weather Walkers - Website
10K Halloween Walk in Yachats - Yachats Coastal Gems - Website