Wordless Wednesday: Our Best of 2015 on Instagram: Cinnamon takes the lead!

Look who got all the likes? It isn't Francesca!

Fireworks are NOT allowed in Vancouver, Washington on New Year's Eve

After I worked so hard on a fireworks ban for the City of Vancouver. And after I celebrated when the Mayor and City Council voted to approve the ban beginning in 2017, I read this disturbing announcement from a nearby city:

The Battle Ground Chamber will have its annual fireworks stand open, and selling pyrotechnics now through Thursday, Dec. 31, at the corner of W Main St. and 12th Ave., across from Fred Meyer and Riverview Community Bank. This is one of the chamber’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and from noon to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (New Year’s Eve).

Now Battle Ground is not all that far from where I live. I wondered if they had dogs there and people who are disturbed by personal fireworks. I wondered how they could sell fireworks knowing how terrified dogs like me are when we hear the pop, bang, roar of fireworks. Is the money worth it?

Now I'm glad I live in Vancouver. In Vancouver you can't shoot off stuff on New Years Eve. It's against the law! So don't go shopping in Battle Ground and bring that horrible stuff into MY city. Why don't you stay inside and have a great little party?

Enough said,

Cinnamon the Coonhound
Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

Cinnamon's Year in Review - 2015

It's getting to be the end of the year. It's a time I reflect on what brought me here... the times alone, on the streets of Santa Fe as the snow fell and it was getting very cold. I was adopted in the winter and so that is what I think about when I am alone in my cushy bed having trouble getting to sleep.

Life has been good since then. I've traveled across the country and had some wonderful experiences. 2015 was another good year. Here are my top memories of 2015:

THE BEACH! I love the beach with smells of dead crabs and drying seaweed. I love getting the sand between my toes. I enjoy going to Long Beach, Washington because they are very dog friendly. I've stayed at several places that accept dogs. My favorite things to do are to walk the Discovery Trail and run on the beach avoiding the waves. I don't even mind when the wind kicks up and I get sand in my eyes.

Here I am at the beach checking out the razor clams.

The Farmers Market Vancouver, my home town (now), has a great Farmer's Market. The best part about the market is that they allow dogs! Of course I am always on my best behavior there. I look longingly at each booth as we pass by in hopes of getting samples. And sometimes I do! My owner's favorite things are the flowers, jams and local produce. I like Olympia Provisions and the salmon people!

Here I am hoping for Salmon samples at the Farmer's Market

Dog Parks! This year I continued to enjoy the Clark County dog parks. Clark Dog Paw, a non-profit, works with Vancouver and Clark County to maintain the best dog parks I have ever seen. I like the Brush Prairie Dog park with green grass, lots of running space and a view of Mt. Hood. It's my happy place!

Here I am looking all gorgeous at the Dog Park.

Francesca I'll bet you are surprised that I would mention Francesca in my list of memories, but I have to. From the day we picked her up from Animal Control, she's been a problem. I've worked hard to train her... to let her know what is mine and what is hers. And to let her know when she has to stop bugging me! But now I call her my buddy. When she goes to Day Care (because she can't be trusted home alone), I actually am happy to see her when she gets home.

Here we are bringing Francesca home.

Christmas Christmas was pretty special this year. We had a visit from our Country Cousins which includes Indy! We also got PRESENTS! Christmas day was spent doing things we enjoy like opening gifts, playing with new toys, going to the dog park and getting some treats. I like Christmas!

Here I am with my Christmas gift.

There was much more going on in 2015, some good and some bad, but all in all it was a very good year. I am hoping that 2016 brings more travel, food testing and more toys!

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon and Francesca's Excellent Christmas

Hi everybody. I sure hope you all had a Feliz Navidad because I sure did. It all began with sleeping in. That's my favorite thing to do! It was chilly outside so I wasn't in a hurry to get up. And, I didn't know that we would have presents! (But we did!)

Sleeping is a very good thing on a chilly day.

So after I woke up, we both went outside and checked for squirrel trails in the yard. We were very surprised when we noticed the scent and sound of a big dog right next door.

Now we are used to the teeny little dog named Cheri. But this was something new.

All of a sudden the dog charged the fence barking at us. Imagine, barking at us in OUR yard! So what did we do? We forgot all our Christmas kindness and charged the fence right back at him barking and baying. Francesca even summoned up her bouncy super powers and jumped at the fence. Soon he was gone. I guess we scared him!

After all that excitement it was time for Christmas breakfast. Well, if kibble can be considered Christmas breakfast. We ate it anyway.

We'd been eyeing these two presents
hoping they would be for us!

Then our owner went to the radio cabinet and picked up two turquoise gifts. We were getting really excited. They were for US!

She gave us the gifts and we tore into the wrappings.  As soon as we saw what was inside, we high-tailed it for our room carrying the gifts.

Francesca took hers to her bed to unwrap and I took mine under the table.

These were really GOOD gifts! And we didn't want to chance it that the big dog next door would see them and steal them!

So we got them totally unwrapped and I had a new moose toy that sqeaked. My old one got torn up because we both played with it all summer. And Francesca got a grey squirrel toy that squeaked. We love those squeaky toys. Also in the present were two new squeaky balls. But we were so excited about the toys, we ignored the balls.

Here's Francesca ripping into her present

Here I am with my new squeaky moose!

After we played with our toys for awhile, we got to go to the dog park! Everyone there said Merry Christmas to us. Francesca went squirrel hunting and I went around saying Merry Christmas to all the people. I was full of Christmas cheer and grateful for the gifts and the outing.

After that we went home to take a nap. The house was nice and warm and we enjoyed our nap and dreamed of Christmas dinner!

And we got just what we dreamed about! We had kibble topped with cut up chicken sausage. We had smelled the sausage earlier when our owner was making her special breakfast and had hoped there would be some for us. And there was!

After dinner we were having such a great time. We went into the TV room and played tug-o-war. We got all our toys out including the new ones. It was a great toy time!

Here we are playing. You'll notice how seriously I take this game.
And, I won!

By then I was getting really tired so I trotted off to bed. That's what I do when I'm sleepy. Francesca stayed up and then fell asleep with her head on our owner's lap. She's a big cuddle bunny. Me? not so much. She was full of Christmas cheer and ended her day just the way she wanted to... cuddling.

Francesca falls asleep after a great Christmas day.

So I think this was one of the best Christmases I have ever had. We got to do DOG THINGS all day. Isn't that the way it should be?

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon's Night Before Christmas

It was the night before Christmas
And all through the house
Not a creature was stirring
Not even a mouse
(or a squirrel!)

I was in my cushy bed

And Francesca in hers

When all of a sudden
I heard such clatter
I rose to see what was the matter

And what to my eyes did appear?
A miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer!

Santa was making his rounds
To see all the good animals
And in his sleigh was something for us hounds!

He left us two presents in our home
One for me and one for Francesca
Christmas morning we'll find out
Whether it's toys, treats or a bone

So back to bed goes the hound
Dreaming of Christmas morn
There is such joy in our home
Where love and treats abound

A Happy Christmas to all and to all a Good Night
Love, Cinnamon and Francesca

Wordless Wednesday: Using Super Photo for a Painting Effect

Francesca cuddles up!

Cinnamon goes shopping!

We made paintings out of photographs using a painting filter from Super Photo! You can do this if you have an iPad or iPhone.

Wordless Wednesday: Dog Park, Chasing Squirrels... then NAP!

Francesca: Hey, don't bother me during my nap!

It’s a day for the dogs at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona

I, Cinnamon, am getting tired of the rain here in Washington state. How about a trip to the desert?

January 23^rd, 2016 is the date set for a special Dogs’ Day in the Garden at the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden. Wander the desert paths with your best friend from 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

I'd love to walk here!
(Photo Credit: Adam Rodriguez/DBG)

This is one special day set aside for dogs and their families. Spend time in the “doghouse” with vendors sampling the best dog food and treats. Sit and listen to special presentation ranging from health dogs treats to keeping dogs safe in the desert environment.

Go for a walk on Garden trails, heel for family photo opportunities, and participate in craft activities for both children and dogs. Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time at the Desert Botanical Garden!

Of course dogs must be on a leash and remain on marked trails. If you’ve ever had an encounter with a cholla like I have, you’ll know how important this is!

The Desert Botanical Garden also asks that dogs be up-to-date on all vaccinations and registrations. Handlers are required to pick up after their dogs and properly dispose of their waste. Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any dog thought to be dangerous to other dogs or visitors. Dogs will only be admitted to the Garden between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

It’s not free. Even dogs are charged $4.00 each. Humans pay the regular admission. Oh yes, the $4.00 is donated to the Arizona Humane Society. That’s a good thing!

More Information
Desert Botanical Garden Website  

Farolitos or Luminarias: My homies discuss

You probably know that I was rescued from the streets of Santa Fe New Mexico. I was taken to this shelter where I was adopted. I speak Spanish. I know the customs of my homeland. No one here in the Pacific Northwest does. What do you call these lights? My homies discuss:



Love, Cinnamon (Canela)

Wordless Wednesday: Cinnamon's Dishes

How do you like my dishes?

Cinnamon Weighs In

Well, today I went over to the vet's office to weigh in. I have been on a diet since November 20th. My meals are smaller and I get less treats. It's tough!

I've been doing a lot of this!

I also committed to exercising more. I planned to go on one 5K volksmarch per week plus frequent trips to the dog park and lots of playing with Francesca.

So, today, after being really sedentary during our rainstorms, I weighed in. What did I weigh? Well, I'll tell you in a bit. First of all I want to tell all about how I did or did not stick to my diet plan and give you the reasons.

1. Food: That went well. I didn't like it.
2. Dog Park: I don't think we made it to the dog park very often. Recently my owner got sick with flu symptoms after she had a flu shot and just laid on the couch alot. Then once she was better it rained and rained so we didn't go outside much.
3. Volksmarches: Well, we didn't go on even one volksmarch. I attribute that to my owner's workload and the weather. Goal not met.

So after reviewing my diet and exercise plan, how much do you think I lost? You'll be surprised....

I GAINED A POUND AND A HALF!

I am so upset! After the weighing in, we went to the dog park and I did two laps to work off my frustration. Grrrrrrrr!

It's Flooding and We Got New Raincoats!

Well, you all know that Cinnamon and I live in Southwest Washington right across the river from Portland, Oregon, right? Well, in case you haven't heard, we've had so much rain that it's flooding in some places, including streets near me. So we've been sticking close to home lately.

I don't mind the rain. I pretty much ask to go outside whenever I'm bored. That can be about 10 times in an hour! So my owner has let me out in the rain and has a pile of wet towels to show for it.

Ding Dong... the doorbell rang. And on our porch a package appeared. It was from Lands' End. We opened up the package and saw two yellow coats. Oh no! Cinnamon had told me about coats. She doesn't like them. But our owner thought having us wear raincoats would save on towels.

I was the first to try the yellow and blue coat on because Cinnamon was sulking in the corner. She knew what was coming. It fit perfectly. It is held on by velcro. Now I wasn't sure I liked it when I first went outside. But when I realized that my whole back was kept dry, I decided to allow the wearing of the raincoat. I posed for a picture in my new coat:

Here I am looking all nautical.

Then Cinnamon tried hers on. She wasn't pleased. Here is her picture (check out her expression!)

"Get this thing offa me", she said

So we walked around the yard trying to get used to the coats. Miracle of miracles, both of us found out that we weren't so wet. We could stay out longer and sniff around for wet squirrels and such!

Here we are all suited up for whatever the storm will bring.
Cinnamon thinks her coat makes her look fat!

When we went back inside, our owner took the jackets off and hung them up to dry. No towels! So that's my rainy day story.

Love, Francesca

I'm so Impressed! - Hounds Working the Scene at San Bernardino Shooting

Look who's leading the way!

Did anyone see this? I was lazing around with my toy when my owner turned on the TV. Terrible news in San Bernardino, California. Another mass shooting. Why humans can't do anything about these crimes is beyond me. After all, they are supposed to be so smart and all powerful.

Anyway, enough human slamming. I looked up from my toy and saw this. A Treeing Walker Coonhound just like Francesca was leading the deputies as they marched to the crime scene. And behind the TWC was a black lab like my cousin, Samson!

And then I found this! The sheriff's department has a Bloodhound Unit, which includes two bloodhounds and two deputies. They assist law enforcement in locating missing children, adults, objects, and suspects who flee.  Bloodhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs that hunt by scent.  Along with the efficiencies a dog can provide, the Bloodhound, in particular, is an adorable sight and they draw the attention and affection of most people.

Well, I suggest they get on it and name a "Coonhound Unit." It's evident they value us!

Love, Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: Rainy Day Means Indoor Play

I'm so bored. Please play with me!

Francesca Eats Anything... And Survives!

Well, last night Francesca did it again. Our owner went to the store and Francesca went hunting. Hunting through the house looking for anything that even resembles food. She does this over and over, eats things she shouldn't and SURVIVES!

Let me tell you about some of her little hunting trips.

Don't worry. She's not dead... YET!

Clean Inside and Out
When Francesca came to live with us she was fascinated with the smell of "scentless" Dove soap that was in the bathroom. She'd lick the soap dish and try to steal the soap. The door was usually closed. But one day, our owner went to.... you've got it... the dog food store. It was just a quick trip so she left us in the house. Francesca checked the bathroom door. It was just slightly ajar. She pushed her nose in. Then her body and made for the soap dish. She took the bar of soap and went to her bed and slurped it and licked it and ate it all. Then she carefully licked every bit of soap from the soap dish.

Well, when our owner got back she was concerned and went to the Internet for advice. She found out that the soap might not be too harmful but might cause vomiting and diarrhea. So she watched Francesca. In one article she read that a dog might get an obstruction if they swallowed a large chunk of soap. Oh no! Here's the full story.

It turned out that Francesca didn't have any ill effects. Well, her poop was kind of white the next day. But that's it!

Caffeinated Hound
This was a scary one. Our owner left us loose in the house and took a bath. She took a long bath. She should know better!

When she came out, she smelled coffee. She really thought it was weird because she doesn't even drink coffee.

Then she spied Francesca, lying on her dog bed, chomping on some coffee beans. There was a small gift bag of coffee torn open and coffee beans were all over the place! The coffee had been sitting on a shelf for at least a month and Francesca never touched it. I was also sitting on my own dog bed watching the whole scene unfold. I had no interest in even tasting one bean!

So, in a panic, knowing caffeine can be poisonous to dogs, our owner scooped up all the beans and the paper sack and checked Francesca's heart rate. Seemed normal. She called the vet and he was concerned because these were dark beans but since she didn't eat too many (or maybe she just chewed them up and spit them out) he suggested we watch Francesca carefully for signs of caffeine poisoning.... or even pacing, being jittery, etc. He also said, if we could, to make Francesca throw up the beans.

The only one pacing was our owner. Francesca went to sleep and was just fine the next morning. Here's more on caffeine poisoning in dogs.

Thanksgiving Leftovers
Francesca's last hunting escapade was this week. After Thanksgiving our owner had a big bag of bread cubes for stuffing left over. It was in a shopping bag and you couldn't smell it. It sat there for several days and no one bothered to even sniff the bag.

So, our owner decided, since we were lazing around, that she could safely run to the grocery store and leave us as we were. WRONG! As soon as the garage door shut, Francesca was on the hunt. She checked the sink. She checked the counter and then she spied the bag. It was a Trader Joe's bag. And they have FOOD at Trader Joe's. So Francesca got up on her tippy toes and pulled the bag down.

And there it was.. a sealed bag of bread cubes. She licked the bag and finally tore it open. She ate about 3/4 of the bread cubes. There were crumbs all over the family room floor. Maybe I tasted just a few of them... but not many.

Our owner came home and told Francesca she was naughty. Francesca drank a whole lot of water and then slinked back to our room and laid down. When it was dinner time, Francesca came out and hopped around excited like usual. But she didn't get any dinner. Her tummy was full of bread cubes. SHE WAS STUFFED!

Well, we didn't worry about poison this time. At least Francesca skipped the seasoning packet and stuck to plain bread. She missed a nutritious dinner. All in the name of illegal hunting!

More Information
Pet Poisoning Hotline: Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. They have the ability to help every poisoned pet, with all types of poisonings, 24 hours a day. They do charge.

I'd recommend calling your vet or your local 24 hour emergency hospital if you are really worried. The Pet Poisoning Hotline Website has some great articles on pet poisoning.

I think Francesca should read some of the articles before she starts hunting!

Love, Cinnamon

Walk Your Dog and See the Christmas Lights 2015 at Portland International Raceway

Head for PIR in Portland, Oregon for a dog gone good time! If I can find my overcoat, I may go to this. If not, I might send Francesca because she has longer fur than I do! I did this walk once with my overcoat on. I actually had a lot of fun seeing the lights and the other dogs.  Here's the details:

Christmas Dog Walk

December 2nd, 2015
Subaru Lights and Leashes Dog Walk Night

Enjoy a casual festive walk, with or without a dog.

5-9pm. Only $6 per person - Children under 13 are free (dogs enter free, too). Last ticket sales of the night end at 8:15pm the night of the event.

No cars allowed on the track (free parking); enjoy the lights as your stroll around the track. Dogs must be on a leash. You do not have to bring a dog to participate.

Meet the K-9’s from the Portland Police Bureau!

Don’t have a dog?  No problem.  Adopt a virtual dog at the OHS tent!

7:00pm -  Don’t miss the pet holiday costume contest with emcee, Mives from Radio 102.3! Dress your dog in their finest holiday costume!

BRING CAT OR DOG FOOD OR KITTY LITTER TO DONATE to the Oregon Humane Society! All pet food donations must be in original sealed (unopened) packages. No expired packages please.

Partnering with the Oregon Humane Society

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon's Diet Thanksgiving Meal

Which is Cinnamon's

We had our thanksgiving dinner. We had canned pumpkin, kibble and turkey from our friend Wendy's dinner. Can you tell which dinner is my diet dinner? My tummy can.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon's Weight Loss Program: Thanksgiving Update

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Arooooo!

Well, Thanksgiving is here and everyone is going to be over-eating today except me! I know better. I am hoping for a bit of low calorie turkey this afternoon. No dressing. No pie. No mashed potatoes. Just some low calorie turkey!

It's really cold out so Francesca and I haven't been too keen on spending time outside. That means that my exercise program is not going well. I have been good about limiting treats, however.

Here we are sunbathing on Thanksgiving morning.
We didn't want to go outside until the sun hit the fence!

I talked to Francesca about what we are thankful for. One thing I'm NOT thankful for is my diet! Oh well. I hope to get weighed soon to see if I have lost weight.

Do I look skinny yet?

So what we are most thankful for is a warm home. It never gets cold inside because we have wall heaters. Yay! We are also thankful that we get fed on a regular schedule. Morning and evening... like clockwork.

And we are thankful for Clark DogPaw, the non-profit organization that ensures that we have beautiful fenced dog parks where we can romp with our friends.

Oh yes, Francesca says she is thankful for A Dog's Best Friend Day Care. I don't get to go there but she does. She said it is one huge playfest. And, they have a BIG jar of treats there. (Maybe that is why I don't get to go!)

So have a good Thanksgiving, everyone. And, I'll just sit here and hope for some turkey!

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon's Weight Loss Program: Day 3

Good times at the dog park

Well, today was a good one. I actually got exercise! We went to the dog park and I trotted around the circle, considered playing with a big black dog and ran up to the entrance gate to greet new dogs. I think I lost about a pound today, don't you think?

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon's Weight Loss Program: Day 2

After a fairly successful start to my weight loss program, it was all ruined yesterday. It was one of those days when my owner takes Francesca to Day Care and then leaves me to fend for myself ALL DAY! She went off to sell at a school bazaar to make money, she said. But I called it a day of NEGLECT!

So when that happens I just spend the day in bed (or, if I get nervy, in the forbidden big green chair!).

So we had to get up extra early for our breakfast. She felt sorry for me and gave me a full helping of kibble for breakfast. Then I went back to bed and she left with Francesca.

While Francesca romped with a five-month old puppy all day at Day Care, the most exercise I got was going out the doggie door to chase a squirrel and to do my business. Aside from that, I just moped around. No one to play with. No one to talk to. No one to bug.

At 4:30 they came home! I got all excited and Francesca and I went outside for about five minutes. Then it was time to eat. Yay! I got some dry food mixed with some canned food. That was pretty good. With my tummy full, my thoughts turned to play and exercise. So what happened? Francesca just turned around and walked to our room and plopped down on her bed to go to sleep. At 5 p.m.? No matter what I did, she just laid there with her eyes half closed. She was really tired.

Here's Francesca lying on her bed
trying to go to sleep while I play in our room.

Here I am with the squeaky ball.
Do I look skinny yet?

After bugging her and squeaking the ball in her ears, I went out to find my owner to play with. I had so much energy I ran, played tug o war and had her throw the ball for me. After about an hour and a half, I wore her out and had no alternative but to go to bed EARLY!

Here I am playing tug-o-war with my owner,
I must have worked off a few calories!

So, I doubt I lost any weight yesterday!

Love, Cinnamon

Cinnamon's Weight Loss Program: Day 1

I'm so hungry I could eat this rug!

Like I said yesterday I, somehow, ended up fat! So I am on a weight loss plan. Now, I don't like it, but maybe it will help me regain my girlish figure.

So today began with less food in my bowl than I would have liked. And Francesca got a BIG BOWL OF FOOD!

Since it was sunny out, the exercise part of the plan was easy. Now I didn't go on a volksmarch but I did go to the dog park. It was still a little foggy out but I took off running as soon as I got there. Then Wes and Nikki showed up. I was so happy to see them. Wes said he was proud of me for all the running I did! Nikki went sniffing with me.

We stayed until Francesca saw the cat in the neighbor's yard. That means our time is up because she won't do anything except fantasize catching that cat!

As far as treats, I got my two treats when we got into the car and two treats when we left the dog park. Of course, Francesca got more. But that's life when you are FAT!

How do I feel? I feel HUNGRY! Now I get as excited as Francesca does about meals. I jump around and act stupid and run out the door to where my bowl is going to be placed. I was really hungry by dinner time today. So hungry, our owner fed us just a little earlier than usual.

I survived Day 1!

Cinnamon is Fat

Here I am in the dog park this summer.

Hi everyone. It's me, Cinnamon. I have to report that fall and winter don't do much for my girlish figure. I went to the veterinarian's office yesterday for a pedicure. On the way into the doggie spa (a.k.a. procedure room), I stepped onto the scales. 49.6 pounds! I weighed 3.6 more pounds than I did in August. I waddled in to have my nails clipped. I was devastated!

I've written articles on dogs with weight problems and special foods for dogs on a diet. A strong message in these articles was sent to dog owners. Owners were killing their dogs with love! They were the ones that were overfeeding them. So was it my owner that was making me fat?

I also learned that exercise is important for us hounds. When Francesca came to live with us I lost several pounds because we started going to the dog park almost every day. And we romped and played at home. In the evenings we played ball in the yard.

But now it's fall and it's raining. They days are short. We head for bed before 6 p.m. Francesca gets up around 7 a.m. but I sleep in until after 8 a.m. I only get up because I hear breakfast being served!

This is what I do most of the time when it's raining.
Please forgive the ragged blanket.
My good one is in the laundry.

And I don't like going outside in the rain. I stay inside as much as possible. Francesca, on the other hand, goes out rain or shine and wants to stay out in the rain squirrel hunting. (Well, the squirrels are not out but she thinks she might see one).

So what to do. What to do? My owner has decided to CUT BACK ON MY FOOD AND TREATS! I am not happy with that. Here's the plan:

I usually get 1 cup of food in the morning and one cup of food in the evening. Now I'm going to be served only a half cup of food in the evening.

Here's Francesca watching for squirrels
in the pouring rain!

I usually get several treats at once when they are doled out. Now, I'm going to be given two treats only while Francesca scarfs up as many as she wants.

Now on to exercise. That's a tough one. It's fine on nice days. We go to the dog park. But when it's raining and my owner goes somewhere, Francesca goes to Day Care and bounces around all day playing. I, on the other hand, mostly sleep when she's gone.

I don't want to go to Day Care because I don't have patience for pushy dogs and ill-mannered dogs. So that is not the answer. So I am not sure what to do about exercise. Maybe I can convince my owner to take me on a volksmarch once a week. The rain has to let up at least once a week, right?

So that's the plan. I'll report back when I get weighed again. If you don't hear from me, it means I have starved to death! :(

Love, Cinnamon

Francesca's Story: From Jail Bird to Upscale Coonhound

Hi it's me, Francesca. Cinnamon said that if I was good, I could eventually tell my story. So here it is.

I've been in my forever home since July of this year. That's less than five months. I can still remember what life was like before I came to live with Cinnamon. Life was difficult.

I was a puppy in Yamhill County, Oregon. I was really cute, but I was really bouncy too. (What's new?). I always wanted to bounce myself out of the yard where I lived. So the people put me on a chain. I didn't like that. Sometimes I ran out of water. I didn't like that. So one day, when the door was open, I ran away. I ran really far and then it hit me. I WAS ALONE. NO ONE WOULD FEED ME.

Here's the DOG CONTROL TRUCK
that came to get me and put me in jail.

So I started to hunt rabbits and squirrels. I never was able to catch them. But I hunted. I got my water out of an irrigation ditch. I got really muddy and my beautiful white fur was brown. I was a real mess. I was starting to get sad.

So one day, someone grabbed me and a Yamhill County Animal Control truck came to pick me up and put me in jail. I guess I was in real trouble. But I was surprised. They actually fed me and gave me a bowl of water. Jail wasn't so bad after all.

There were other "women in orange" at the jail. They actually were nice. They took me out walking. They fed me and even gave me a bath. I was feeling much better. But then things took a turn for the worse. I was taken to a clinic. I WAS DRUGGED. AND I HAD SURGERY AGAINST MY WILL. I didn't even sign a release. Imagine!

After the terrifying trip to the clinic, I was brought back to jail to recover. And, I recovered pretty fast. My friends in orange (you know, orange is the new black) petted me and walked me... slowly at first. But it wasn't too long before I got my voice back and my bounce.

Here's the picture they took when they
put me up for adoption.
I looked so sad no one wanted me!

The next week a lady came and took my picture. I looked kind of sad. They said I was going to be put up for adoption. I guess I should have smiled in my picture because no one came to adopt me for over a month! I was beginning to think that jail was my new home.

One day, the lady in uniform came to see me in my cell. "Frances (that was my name then) a lady called about you. She's coming to see you tomorrow." I perked up. I was getting excited! Maybe I would get adopted. Maybe I would go to a home where I could run and bounce and eat all I wanted and have a big bowl of fresh water.

I could hardly sleep that night. I was so excited. I woke up early. The morning passed and no one showed up to visit me. I was starting to get sad when a grey car pulled up. The staff at the jail were really excited. Someone actually was interested in seeing me, a hound. I was told hounds were not popular in Yamhill County.

The Animal Control people were so excited
that someone was finally coming to see
Frances the unwanted hound

I was taken out of my cell and got to meet the nice lady. And then there was a BIG SURPRISE. Another coonhound had come to see me too. I was told her name was Cinnamon and that she was a famous blogger looking for an intern. We met and sniffed. Cinnamon was kind of stand-offish. I was my usual bouncy self.

Cinnamon said to me, "Well, Frances, can you write?" Of course I said yes. Cinnamon said she'd give me a chance. We played a little and Cinnamon snapped at me to put me in my place. I guess I was a bit too bouncy.

This is the first time I met Cinnamon.
The ladies in orange supervised us in my
outdoor cell.

After about an hour of getting to know each other, the lady told me to wait while she went into the office to do ADOPTION PAPERWORK! The staff gave me a big bag of toys and some food samples to take with me to MY NEW HOME. And, they let me keep my purple collar from jail. (why it was purple I don't know because everyone else wore orange).

The grey car had an open back door. There was a dog crate in it. I jumped right in! FREEDOM RIDE!

Freedom Ride!
(Notice I'm sticking my tongue out at the jail!)

Cinnamon, because she is a famous blogger and knows her travel manners, rode next to me out in the open. She didn't need the crate. We drove and drove. As we went up a hill, Cinnamon and her owner were talking. It was decided that I needed a more upscale name. After all, I wasn't going to be a country bumpkin any more. So they said my new name would be... FRANCESCA. If that isn't upscale nothing is. I thought to myself. Don't call me Frances. Don't call me Franny. Because, I am Francesca the Upscale Coonhound! I puffed out my chest in pride.

After a long long drive we crossed a huge bridge. Cinnamon said it was a bridge over the Mighty Columbia! And, before I could even see what a Mighty Columbia looked like, we were home.

Cinnamon and I played and then she snapped at me.
(She's moody)

We were sure glad to get out of the car. Cinnamon and I played in the BIG back yard and took out a Hosta plant and a fern. We were pretty wild. But then Cinnamon snapped at me and told me to quiet down. I was learning from her and, believe me, that wasn't the first time she'd snap at me!

I was so tired, I feel asleep on the couch.
This was my first night as an upscale coon hound. I was living in the lap of luxury all right!
Check out the leather couch!

So that's my story. I hope you liked it. Since I've been promoted to Feature Writer, you'll be hearing even more from me.

Love, Francesca, the Upscale Coonie