Wordless Wednesday: A Fireworks-free Fourth of July for Cinnamon

I was leaving the Ross Dog Park when I saw
these nice men from Bonneville Power putting up
signs that warmed my little heart. I love you guys!

Bellingham Washington Has a Beer Pub for Dogs!

I convinced them I was of
legal drinking age when we were in
Canada!

The sign said, Paws for a Beer. Now here’s a place I want to go! I wonder if they serve my favorite brand, Budweiser? I grabbed a taste when I was traveling in Canada and thought it was great. Besides, I am a fan of the Budweiser Clydesdales!

Now, I have to be honest here, I haven’t tried any other brands. I hear they have a Tap Trail in Bellingham so you can sample the craft beer scene. Some of the pubs allow dogs. But here’s the one that is just for dogs and their owners.

Paws for a Beer: Fairhaven’s Off-Leash Dog Bar
So my owner was on a writing trip to Bellingham. She took the train into the Fairhaven Station which is part of Bellingham. Just up the walkway from the station, she ran smack dab into a very interesting place.

There was a sign outside “Paws for a Beer.” And the whole place including the large outside yard was fenced. She went up to the gate and was greeted by Amy and Rylan Schoen and their dogs. Mostly she wanted to pet the dogs because she was missing Francesca and me.

So they invited her in and she saw couches and a bar and lots of beer! The dogs were friendly and wanted to play ball. The biggest dog showed her that he could High 5 his owner… now that’s a smart dog!

And then they showed her outside. There were outdoor tables for the owners to have their beer and a fenced area for the dogs to socialize. I don’t think the dogs get to drink beer but there were plenty of water bowls around.

Dog Membership
Paws for a Beer is open to the public and people like my owner can go in any time. Dogs must have membership status. Membership requires certain current vaccinations and dogs must show they socialize well. It’s kind of like Francesca’s Day Care. You have to be a “nice” dog. Owners have to sign a liability release and agree to follow the rules that are posted on the outside of the building.

Paws for a Beer Cares
The owners of Paws for a Beer are active in the community. They support dog adoption and the Whatcom Humane Society. 

But my favorite thing about this place is that THERE ARE NO CATS ALLOWED!

Believe me, if I ever get up to Bellingham, this is the first place I’ll be headed. In fact, I'd like to do a whole article about dog-friendly Bellingham.

Paws for a Beer
The Subdued Dog Bar
501 Harris Ave

Bellingham, Washington

Love, Cinnamon

Francesca's Dog Talks: Dog Park Rule #3

Francesca is on a rampage about Dog Park Rules... Again! Today she saw no less than four dogs outside the dog park without leashes. Now she'd like to be off leash all the time but can't... because she follows the Dog Park Rules.

You might see a trend here. Every time someone breaks a Dog Park Rule, Francesca gets into trouble! No wonder she's so rule conscious!

Francesca's Dog Talks: Dog Park Rule #2

Hi, It's me Francesca. I've been giving talks on the Internet about Dog Park Rules. My first rule was kinda funny. But Rule #2 is very serious. Once a little dog was killed at a dog park near my house. The culprit was a Huskey whose prey instinct kicked in. No one could save the little dog. That was sad. So here's my next talk:

Love, Francesca

Francesca's Dog Talks: Dog Park Rule #1

Hi, it's me, Francesca. I love going to the dog parks most of the time. But there are times when people don't follow the rules and that makes me mad. Mostly it makes me mad because I am the one who gets in trouble! So here's my first talk about Dog Park Rules:

Now don't get me wrong. I know I am lucky to live in Vancouver, WA where they have such nice dog parks, but please, people... follow the rules!

Love, Francesca

I scared a Great Dane!

So here's what he looked like... huge!

I am feeling so proud of myself. Usually I pick on little dogs that bug me at the dog park but yesterday, I encountered a HUGE young Great Dane. This dog had absolutely no sense of personal space and kept bugging me and sniffing me and pawing at me. I turned around and snapped at him. I growled and scared him away.

So then I was trotting around the path minding my own business and here he comes again. Romping around me and bugging me. THAT WAS IT! I snarled, snapped and CHASED HIM. Then for good measure I CHASED HIM AGAIN! I scared him off that time. You should have seen me scaring that huge dog!

My owner was all apologetic with the dog's owners and they surprised me. They said that it was good for their dog to learn that he couldn't do that. He needed to learn to respect personal space or suffer the consequences.

So that was my brave day at the dog park!

Love, Cinnamon

Dog Park Races, Here we come! (video)

Sometimes I appreciate the dog park even more after being holed up in the house during the rainy season. Well, today, I looked outside and saw a bit of blue sky and sunshine. It was a great day for the dog park!

So our owner opened the back of the car and we jumped in... Francesca in her crate and me in the back. Dog park express! Off we went.

When we got there, since it was Sunday and not everyone goes to church, the parking lot was pretty full. As soon as we got out of the car, about five dogs met us at the gate, barking and making annoying aggressive sounds. It's like that at the gate. I hate it! Well, except when I'm the one on the other side annoying the newly arrived dogs!

So we trotted and ran. All of a sudden Francesca spied a friend... it was Suzy! She was in a pack of about four dogs. She high tailed it (easy for her as she has the longest tail in the world) over and started to annoy everyone. Finally Susy took off running. Francesca was in hot pursuit. Now the object of the chase is not to win, but to run like the wind after the first dog. Francesca did a great job, forgetting that she had pneumonia not so long ago!

Here's a video of the chase!

I ran a little bit but stayed out of their way.

Love, Cinnamon

I am NOT Stupid!

Hi. It's me, Francesca. I'm feeling much better now but still have to take antibiotics. I have enough energy to go to the dog park and have fun. We went yesterday and we went today. Today was WILD!

We drove to the dog park at Washougal. I had never been there before so I got really excited. I didn't know what to do first... visit the dogs or find a squirrel tree. Of course, being a mighty hunter, I started with the latter.

At the Washougal dog park there is one huge lone tree. I figured squirrels must be in that tree so I ran like the wind (Cinnamon taught me that saying) over to check it out. As I ran, I imagined what the squirrels would be like. They would be big, furry and grey. And they would be jumping from branch to branch. I visualized one of them falling. I visualized me chasing that squirrel and...

Francesca the mighty hunter.

So by the time I reached the tree, I had worked myself up into a frenzy. I ran all around the tree barking. I looked up into the branches expecting at least 10 squirrels to be frolicking. Then I tried to climb the tree to get a better look.

I barked and jumped and nothing happened. No squirrels! So then I climbed up on a nearby bench figuring I'd be a couple feet closer to seeing a squirrel.... nothing.

At that point I saw some dogs looking at a hole by some berry bushes. So I went over to investigate. I was sure there was something really good in that hole. They gave up but I decided to investigate. I had to go through some berry brambles to get to the hole. My owner said, "Don't do that, Francesca... that's a stupid thing to do!" I listened to her and backed out of the thorny bushes.

All of a sudden I heard a man say, in his booming voice. "If Francesca thinks there are squirrels in that tree she must be STUPID!" Me, stupid? Well, he doesn't know me. I'm very smart. Smarter than Cinnamon, in some ways. I'm manipulative too.

So I decided to go over to the squirrel tree and start barking again to show him how smart of a hunter I was. After that I ran over to a pile of XXXX and rolled in it. I thought I was so smart!

Once we got home, I was invited to take a bath. Now I don't like baths, but after rolling around having such a great time I had earned the bath. I kinda forgot about that when I was rolling around.

I'm not STUPID, but I AM clean! What a day!

I am not sure I want to go back to that dog park. I was called stupid and then earned myself a bath... all in one day.

Love, Smart Francesca

Francesca does the Lure Course at the Brush Prairie Dog Park

Today was a good day. It was sunny, the trees were bright gold, red and brown in their fall finery and we were getting to go back to the dog park! Our owner has been under the weather and so that meant NO FUN FOR US!

So Francesca and I were both very excited about going to the dog park today. But we had no idea how special this day was. You see, Clark DogPaw was having a membership drive and fundraiser. They are the people who make sure that we Clark County dogs have the best dog parks possible. I LOVE CLARK DOGPAW!

Something special was going on at my favorite dog park!

So we pulled up and saw lots of people and dogs. There was a tent and something really exciting was happening in the little dog section of the park. I heard a giant Treeing Walking Coonhound baying excitedly. He was singing my song!

Of course at that point, Francesca got really wound up. We headed in to the park. Francesca immediately went to see what the excitement in the little dog section was all about and I headed toward the tent. Usually there are treats at tents. I've learned that!

Something in the little dog park caught my eye. It was white and it was moving. The big TWC hound was going crazy. And, wouldn't ya know.... Francesca joined him. She saw dogs chasing something white all around the little dog park. It looked like fun. Some dogs and Francesca started running up and down the fence line. She barked. She wanted in so bad! Turns out it was a lure course. And you got your turn by making a small donation to Clark DogPaw.

This is what a lure course looks like although we didn't have
our cameras with us today

Since Francesca is suspended from participating in the blog, I thought she should be suspended from fun too! But my owner is a real softie and soon she was signing Francesca up for her turn at the lure course. I looked at it but thought, "How fun is it to chase a plastic bag on a string?" Not much! But by now Francesca was running up and down the fence line barking her head off. She was going bonkers. I tried to tell her that it was only a plastic bag but she didn't listen. Her prey instinct had kicked in.

So I sniffed around, visiting the people at the tent and met some new dogs. I hung out but didn't lower myself to act like those crazy, plastic bag chasing dogs! I did get something though. No treats... but our 2015 Clark DogPaw tag was there and, since I am so well-behaved, I get to wear it clipped on my collar. I was rather proud to show that I was a member of such a well-respected (and needed) organization. I trotted around the park showing everyone!

Here's my newest tag!

So, even though Francesca was panting from running the fence line she perked up when her name was called... "Francesca... you are next at the lure course... come on in!" I had to go watch. Francesca was chomping at the bit as they say. The plastic bag (aka lure) was attached to a line that was strung in a rectangle around the park. A machine made the line move and with it, the plastic bag. It moved pretty fast. The first time around Francesca did the lure course perfectly. She just followed the bag. She did that a couple of times and then started cutting corners, thinking she'd catch it with less effort. But no, it really didn't work. She was tiring so her turn was over. It was suggested that she go get some water. But she wasn't sure she wanted to miss any of the fun as another dog had his turn.

It was a great day. Francesca went home panting and tired. And I went home sporting a shiny new red Clark DogPaw tag. I am now part of an elite group of dogs... a member of Clark DogPaw. The tag matched the red in my chile design collar.

Here I am proudly wearing my Clark Dog Paw tag.

If you think your dog might like to try a lure course, I am sad to tell you this was the last of the year. But, watch the Clark DogPaw website for dates next year. And follow their Facebook page. You can still become a member to support our dog parks. My membership expires in December. I'll be sure and "re-up!"

Here we are at home. Resting up after our exciting trip to the dog park.

Love, Cinnamon, Official Clark DogPaw Member

So What's a Sheepadoodle?

I was headed toward the gate at the dog park to get in and all of a sudden something fun and black and white bounced out of the car next to us. What was it?

It had curly fur and was black and white and was very bouncy. The owner said it was a "sheepadoodle." Was that a rare interspecies offspring of a sheep and a poodle? Made sense to me.

But no, it was one of those designer dogs. This cute bundle of energy was  the offspring of an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle.

Here's kinda what the puppies look like:

The one we saw was a little bigger than this and raring to go! She had a great personality. I think this is what she will look like when she is bigger:

My friend Nancy said she checked out Sheepadoodles and people change $1200 for them. I think dogs should come from the humane society and not breeders, so I wasn't impressed.

It was fun playing with this doodley puppy though!

Love, Cinnamon

What do you do with a dog who suffers from Obsessive Squirrel Disorder

This is what she thinks she sees

It isn't easy living with a dog who suffers from OSD. Yes folks, that's Obsessive Squirrel Disorder.

Now I understand all about coonhounds and their prey instinct. After all, I have that too. But I know when enough... is enough.

Francesca does not!

First, let me tell you what it's like at home. We go out into the backyard and I, of course, take care of going potty. Francesca, on the other hand, may be crossing her legs and needing to go but the first thing she does is scan the trees. And, if a leaf moves, WATCH OUT! She ASSUMES it is a squirrel and goes nuts!

I, Cinnamon, only get wound up when I actually SEE a squirrel. I use the backyard for sunning, playing ball, digging for things and listening for people who might prove a threat to our peaceful home.

Here's Francesca looking
outside for a squirrel

Francesca is totally and obsessively looking for squirrels 24/7. And if she should see one, it only exacerbates her OSD. Jeesh!

And, at the dog park, the one that has squirrel trees, she has all but given up playing with other dogs. She won't trot around the trail like everyone else does. She heads for the stand of trees in the park and stays there the whole time.

This is what she does. She goes from one tree to the next. If she doesn't find a squirrel she repeats the process all over again. Sometimes she tries climbing on a sapling to see if she might just reach an elusive squirrel. And, if she doesn't find a squirrel she starts looking through the fence at the woods in the distance looking for squirrels. And if she sees one I have no doubt that she could scale the fence and go running after it (although, she'd never be able to catch the squirrel).

Here's the squirrel section of the dog park.
This is where Francesca hangs out.

So now you see what I put up with. Do they have a support group for families of dogs suffering from OSD? I would attend!

Anyone have any advice for me?

Love, frustrated Cinnamon

New Dog Park BFF

Here I am with Francesca

Well,  the drama continues at the dog park. People with little dogs bring them into the big dog section. People complain if dogs play with their dogs. It goes on and on. But there is a silver lining to all of this. There are really nice dogs and really nice people there too!

The other day Francesca found someone that liked to play with her. Her name is Susie and she is a real cutie.

She knows better than to play with me because I am too good to play silly games with pups!  But she's just right for Francesca, who is also silly.

They run like the wind, pretend they are biting each other and then wrestle in the grass. They are pretty tireless! And, the best thing is that they are fairly matched.

Here's a picture of Susie with her ball.
Francesca likes to steal the ball and play keep away!

Dog Park Drama

Hi, it's me, Cinnamon. I've been having some "issues" at the dog park lately and it's not all Francesca's fault, really!

Here I am enjoying a stick with Francesca.
See how innocent we are... minding our own business?

Let me tell you what's going on. There is a man that comes to the park with two dogs... an older doxie and a young rescue dog that is really weird (are there mental health clinics for dogs?). Well, we found out the young dog had problems when Francesca went up to him one day to play. He didn't react like other dogs at all. He put his tail between his legs and ran around trying to protect the doxie who didn't need any protection at all (or want any). Francesca kept trying to play with the young dog just because he was young. And that's the way he reacted time after time. In fact, the poor young dog acted like that with most dogs that approached him... scared and protective at the same time. Weird!

Now we walk around with the nice couple who have a labrador retriever and a greyhound. They act like normal dogs and we like them! In fact Francesca plays a little game with the lab. She takes the dog's frisbee and plays keep away with it.

Here's the greyhound having fun at the dog park.

Here we are walking around with the nice people who have nice dogs.

OK, so here's the next really dramatic thing that goes on. I call it the "little dog problem." You see, there is a special fenced part of the park for little dogs. Do you think their owners would take them there? Nope! When questioned, the owners say, "My little dog can handle the big dogs." Many of them are aggressive and GET IN MY FACE. I can't stand that and so I snap back and put the little dogs in their place (as it is). I really think the little dogs should go in the little dog section so I am not tempted to lay down the law!

Here's a selfie I, Francesca, took at the dog park!

Hi, it's me, Francesca. I have an issue to add. It's the "mean farmer issue." I run around the whole dog park with my friends minding our own business. Then from out of the farm house across the street comes two dogs into their fenced yard. They bark at us and bark at us. The farmer gets so mad he yells at our owners for allowing us to get too close. MIND YOU, WE ARE STILL IN OUR DOG PARK WHEN THIS HAPPENS! I don't like some of the naughty words that are used. I, Francesca, am just a young thing and this upsets me.

Cinnamon, again.... Well, you can see how exciting it is to go to the dog park. Sometimes Francesca and I have to go home early because our owner thinks part of these things are our fault. IMAGINE!

Love, Cinnamon and Francesca

My Dog Parks Deserve a Little Support

Here I am greeting a friend at the Brush Prairie Dog Park

This morning I went to my favorite dog park, the Brush Prairie Park. It is run by Clark Dog Paw in conduction with Clark County Parks. DOGPAW is an all-volunteer non-profit (501c3) organization registered in the State of Washington and it is because of them that I have so many beautiful dog parks to choose from in my town of Vancouver, WA.

Isn't my park beautiful?

Today, the lawn was freshly mowed, bright new informational signs were posted, and the doggie clean-up bag containers were filled. With a view of Mt. Hood and nice dogs and owners walking around the park, it made for a wonderful morning. I was so happy. I ran up to my friends, got petted and sniffed some new dogs. 

I even ran like the wind and played on the mound with the pipe I can run through. I even got water from the spigot with the other dogs. It was like a big party.

Here's the people and dogs having a great time.

So it was a bit of a downer when one of the owners said that Clark Dog Paw needs more money. You see, the membership drive is still on. If everyone who went to the dog park paid their $25 annual membership all would be well. But that, evidently isn't the case. Here is how you can become a member like me!

So, if you live in Vancouver, please join Clark Dog Paw. I'd really appreciate it! And if you love dogs and live anywhere else, you can donate on behalf of our parks. If you donate, please tell them Cinnamon sent you!

Please help my beautiful dog parks. I would really, really appreciate it.

Love, Cinnamon

Long Weekend: Dog Park Adventures and the Dreaded B A T H

Like I said on Facebook, two days of spending hours in the garage was more than this girl could endure. I demanded that the next day I be rewarded with a trip to the Brush Prairie Dog Park and I WAS!

It was a great morning. No scurrying around. No early breakfast. Just a leisurely morning topped off by a chauffeured drive to the Dog Park. That's the way things should be. I was so excited I sat up and watched during the whole trip.

The park was filled with dogs and people. What a great sight!

Even though I like to see the other people and dogs
I always find some alone time. I like the grassy hill.
It is my Happy Place!

When we got there, it was really crowded with people, dogs and even little kids. I was so happy to be there. I sniffed as much as I wanted to, met some new dogs and visited with some people I knew from the park. I even went up to some little kids and gave them a slurpy kiss. I rolled in some great smelling stuff.

Oh how I love rolling in smelly stuff I find in the grass!

Everyone was nice to me and I spent over an hour there.

I was a bit tired when we left so slept in the car when we stopped at Chapman Gardens Nursery. And then it was time to head home. Visions of sleeping in my cushy bed filled my head. I was ready for a nap.

Oh oh.... that's when things took a turn for the worse. I was called inside and knew something bad was going to happen. The water was running in the bathtub and it was too late for my owner to be taking a bath. That meant only one thing. IT WAS BATH TIME FOR ME!

I pretended to put up a fight but knew it wouldn't do any good. I walked into the bathroom and obediently hopped into the lukewarm water. Next it was time for a good soaking with the hand-held shower and some sweet smelling Wen Shampoo for Dogs. I don't like the smell but my owner does.

I had a good scrubbing and then came my favorite part... lots of toweling off and rubbing. It feels really good (but I don't often admit it). Once I was a little bit dry I went outside and WENT WILD! I was so happy to have my bath over, I ran like the wind in circles in the yard and even played ball. It didn't take long for me to get tired. After all, I was tired when I got home from the Dog Park.

My owner put a dry towel down on the rug and I crashed right there. I didn't even get upset when she took a picture of me in the turquoise towel. Usually that would annoy me.

Here I am all bundled up to dry after my bath.
Don't I look abused? Would someone please
call the Humane Society on my behalf?

So finally, I was dry and ready for my long-awaited nap.

What a day!

Love, Cinnamon

Mother's Day - A Doggone Good One!

Well, my heart sank when the doorbell rang and the florist handed a lovely arrangement to my owner. I looked, but there was nothing for me. Doesn't anyone remember that I had a litter or two of puppies before I was adopted? I lovingly cared for those puppies. I don't know where they are now and obviously they don't know where I am. :(

I looked so disappointed that my owner went into her garden and picked a special bouquet just for me. And she put it in a special blue vase just like the one her mother used to have. I brightened up a little. But it still wasn't enough.

My special bouquet

Later my owner, seeing that I was still sulking, suggested a visit to the Dog Park for Mother's Day morning. I hadn't been for a long time and I got very happy about going. Yay!

The next morning I got up very early and even jumped on my owner's bed (she was resting, but was awake). She petted me and then said she'd get up and we'd go to the dog park right away. I followed her around expectantly. Soon I was getting my harness and leash on and we were on our way to the Brush Prairie Dog park, my favorite.

Sniffing is part of the fun at the dog park!

We got there and saw lots of dogs! They were chasing balls, chasing each other and, in general, nosing around. I couldn't wait to join them. Once I got inside, I started sniffing everything because that is my favorite thing to do. I trotted around and greeted the owners (sometimes the dogs annoy me) and made it 3 times around having a great time! On the fourth time around I spied some friends who are regulars at the park. I went up to them and was very happy to see them. I even hung out with their dogs for awhile.

The sun was coming out so I got hot and tired. It was time to leave. But I have to say I had a marvelous time!

After that we stopped at Chapman's Greenhouse to purchase a couple of plants for my backyard. I stayed in the car and rested because I was tired. I never care what type of plants she puts out there as long as she keeps my squirrel chasing path free of plantings. And she does!

We got home, planted the plants, had breakfast and then I took a nap. It was a perfect Mother's Day!

Love, Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: Woo Hoo! My Dog Park is Re-opening Sunday!

Here I am running free at my favorite dog park in Brush Prairie, WA
It has been closed all too long.

When a Treat is not Food

Here I am at the Washougal Dog Park

Yeah, really. Sometimes treats are not food and I, Cinnamon, love ALL KINDS OF TREATS!

I have to start by telling you that I was naughty last night. My owner was away and I slinked into the living room and hopped up on the couch to sleep. I know I'm not supposed to do that. I would never do that when she is looking. But, heck, she was gone! So I didn't expect much today. I thought I'd still be in trouble.

Turns out that she read somewhere that dogs have a short memory when it comes to behavior. So she saw no reason why I should still be in trouble when I woke up this morning. SCORE! I was off the hook for my inappropriate behavior last night.

So I knew today would be a good one... full of treats, I hoped. So I was pretty excited when I got my harness and leash on and was invited to go for a ride.

We headed out Hwy 14 to Washougal. That is always a good sign. I've walked the Dike there. I've gone to my Country Club there. And... I found a new dog park there. So I soon noticed that our destination was the latter... THE DOG PARK!

I was so excited. WHAT A WONDERFUL TREAT! I got to sniff around, meet some dogs (including 5, count them, Golden Retrievers). It's not the most scenic dog park but it will do while I wait for Lucky Dog Park to be open again.

Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy!

We did about four laps when the sun came out. ANOTHER TREAT! I couldn't wait to get home so I could sun myself in the back yard.

So far, it's been a great day!

Love, Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: New Year and a New Dog Park

Washougal Dog Park - Sniffing Around

House Hunting Cinnamon Style - And Rose Cottage is the Winner!

The last time I blogged, we were house-hunting ala HGTV. There was House #1, House #2 and House #3. It turns out none of those would work out.

So what did we do? We looked at HOUSE NUMBER 4! And, #4 is the big winner.

Here it is.... Rose Cottage!

It is right down the street from Ross Dog Park. I love Ross (well, next to the Brush Prairie park with the Mt. Hood view). Yesterday we went to Ross Dog Park and it was like old home week. I ran in, ran up the hill and greeted each and every dog and owner.

Here's me running at Ross Dog Park (I am the one in front, of course!)

I noticed something about Ross Dog Park. There were new gates and new bark chips on the paths. It was really spiffed up. I hadn't been there for awhile so there was lots of sniffing to do. But know what? My squirrel trees were still there. I've missed them.

I had a great time and didn't want to come home. But finally I gave in and what did we do? We drove by MY NEW HOUSE. If everything works out ok, I'll be moving in to House #4 which we call Rose Cottage.

Let me tell you the pros and cons of House #4.

PRO
It is right down the street from Ross Dog Park.
It is right up the street from the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail
There are big trees across the street
There is plenty of room in the kitchen cabinets for treats.
There is a big covered porch and deck for me to relax on.

CONS
I don't get my own room. I'll still share the office
The yard is small.

I'm kinda excited because I might get to go to the dog park more often. There isn't anyone on my street now that I will miss. All we have are pesky cats and coyotes!

So that's the end of house-hunting (we hope!)

Love, Cinnamon