It's Party Time at A Dog's Best Friend Day Care and More!

Hi. It's me, Francesca. I've got an exciting tale to tell. And Cinnamon didn't even get to go!

One Saturday I went for day care to A Dog's Best Friend on Hearthwood in Vancouver. Weekends are different there. There are more boarding dogs than day care dogs and less people. So I don't get as excited about going as I do when I get to go during the week! But this Saturday was different.

They were busy in the office area setting up tables. I was hoping it was a birthday party for one of the dogs and there would be tons of treats! I tried to watch what was going on and sniffed under the door to see if treats were involved.

A party on wheels!

Things got really interesting when a colorful van pulled up. It looked like it was going to be an art party. It said "Wine Fueled Painting Parties." Now I am not above trying to steal a swig of red wine if I see a glass out on the deck. So I'm up for that!

Would I get to do some paw painting? I'm good at putting my paws into something messy. I also am good at nose art. Would I be invited?

I had my lunch and no mention of inviting me to the party. Easels were set up and there was plenty of paints and blank canvasses. And I smelled something good. Mimosas, finger food and human treats. Apparently, much to my disappointment, it was going to be an art party for humans.

The party goers learned how to paint dogs.

So as I hung out with my friends, lots of humans drove up. These were dog-loving humans and they were going to be painting their best friends, the dogs! They were having a great time. Laughing and talking as they learned how to paint dogs. Some young people came to keep us entertained and I like that... very much. I asked one to sneak me some food and he wouldn't. He said the food was people food.

Artists at work painting their best friends.

Soon, the paintings were looking like dogs... all kinds of dogs. And I recognized some of them! When the party was just winding down, my owner showed up to get me. I was excited. Now I could see what all the commotion was about. I was wearing my turquoise Easter collar so figured I'd fit right in. I came rushing out the door (as usual) and stopped. People petted me and said I was cute. And I checked out the paintings as I rushed by.

I recognized some of these dogs!

Here's Alisha. I love the pink background!

Fantastic job!

And just before I went out the door I spied Alisha, my friend from the Riverview Vet Hospital. She and Dr. Kempner helped save me when I had pneumonia. She was painting a portrait of her dog. But then it was over and I hopped into my car to ride home to tell Cinnamon all about my exciting day.

You'll have to watch the Facebook Page for A Dog's Best Friend to see when the next painting party will be held. I already told my owner I want a portrait OF ME! I'll hang it in Cinnamon's and my room.

Love, 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.

Vancouver, WA Recycled Arts Festival: Recycled Pups

Well, I didn't get to go because it was supposed to be too hot today. But with a nice cloud cover, the Recycled Arts Festival was rather comfortable I hear. My owner had a great time and brought home pictures of this doggy mommy (is it Nora?) and her pups on a tractor. I love their floppy ears. They are hounds, certainly! It's a great event and goes on tomorrow too!

Here's one of the puppies

Here's another puppy

Here's the momma dog driving the tractor!

Here comes the hound tractor!

I think I'll name the momma Nora, after Nora the bloodhound who recently had NINE puppies!

Love, Cinnamon (who didn't get to go!)

Art Dog Does the Studio Tour

Hi Guys. It's me, Cinnamon. Since I was born in Santa Fe, NM, I am quite an art aficionado. I used to hang out on Canyon Road before I was adopted and then later on in life, I got to walk with my owner up and down the art-filled road.

So, since my owner has been so BUSY lately, I haven't gotten out much. I was getting restless. So I begged her to take me on the Clark County Open Studio Tour in Vancouver, WA. It was a good time to be out and about. It was kind of misty, so I didn't mind skipping the dog park. I just lazed in the car when we visited the studios, looked around and thought my own thoughts about decorating my new room!

So when we drove down a beautiful street full of fall colors, I paid attention. I thought I might peek in the studio windows and find some art.

The fall leaves were beautiful. You could follow the art trail by looking for these blue signs.

 Our first stop was Rebecca Seymour's studio and home. It was bright and airy and there were a couple of dogs in the studio who invited me in. I didn't even get out of the car. And for doing that, the dogs got put back in the house. Drat!

I rather liked this tree painting. Notice the dog bed in the window. Lucky dog!

I could see some of the art and thought the tree painting might be a great piece for my new room. What do you think?

So after that, my owner walked over to Anne John's studio. This was also a beautiful light-filled space with views of the trees and garden. I stayed in the car but noticed a dog looking down at us. I think the dog was sad that it was Open Studio time and she had to stay locked in an upstairs bedroom.

Poor, sad dog!

Anyway, Anne does a lot of paintings with animals in them. I liked this one because I LOVE TO SCARE CROWS. I had the crows in New Mexico so afraid of me they wouldn't fly over the adobe wall because I would chase them. Once I even barked at the crows up in the trees on my street. Crows are for chasing. Don't  you think I should get this painting for my room?

I love scaring crows. This piece reminds me of that.

So after all the art, I got to get out of the car and walk up the street. I didn't sniff around much but I sure enjoyed all the fall foliage. I am glad I got to go somewhere FINALLY!

Here I am taking a little stroll. I think the trees were art!

So that was my day on the Open Studio Art Tour. I had fun, even though I didn't get out and run or sniff much. Just being somewhere new makes me happy!

I think I'll take a nap now after all that excitement.

Love, Artsy Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: Art Walk and Finding Rosie the Riveter

I made my own art walk the other day.
You'll find this statue along the Columbia River in Vancouver USA
It's really called Wendy the Welder. Her head was stolen once... but it's back now!