Cinnamon the Coonhound and the 2017 Eclipse

Hi, it's me, Cinnamon, the party animal. I had a great day on Monday the 21st of August because it was SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY! And, I got to attend the party. It all began the weekend prior. Francesca noticed that our owner was spending time doing things like putting dishes and glasses on the dining room table and washing our dog bedding (she thinks it stinks). When things like that happen, it usually means .... PARTY!

This is why our dog bedding stinks.... Francesca!

So, after a weekend of activity, Monday finally rolled around. I knew things were happening when Francesca got up a O Dark Early to go to her favorite day care, A Dog's Best Friend down the street. It turns out it wasn't a fun morning to go because they were so afraid of the impending eclipse that they kept the dogs inside. But not ME! I was free to roam and PARTY!

So after that, I got dressed for the party in my prettiest turquoise party scarf. It was given to me as a finisher at a Southwest Washington Humane Society walkathon. I always know good things will happen when I get my scarf on.

In my party scarf!

So then I laid down by the front door so nothing could happen without me. My owner saw that and opened the door so I could watch for our guests. I sat there for a half hour and then they started coming. It was so exciting! They brought food!

Watching for our guests

So they were all excited and went outside to eat brunch and watch the sky.

Yum!

They had special glasses so that they could watch the solar eclipse. I didn't look at the sun. I'm not dumb. I just milled about hoping for handouts. I got lots of attention and they petted me. I was having a great time!

I got plenty of attention!

All of a sudden there was a drop in the temperature around us. We were sitting in the sun and it felt like God had turned on the A/C! In fact the sun was shining and it was getting colder. Usually that doesn't happen unless the clouds come in.

I didn't look at the sky

So on TV they were saying that that was the highpoint of the eclipse. We were not in the area of Totality, but we could feel the eclipse and those with glasses could see the eclipse. It was pretty exciting.

Total Eclipse of the Sun!

But I was getting cold, and fortunately the eclipse started going away and it got warmer so I could go out and sunbathe some more.

Back to sunbathing!

 At about noon, they all left. I was sad about that and moped around and napped all afternoon.

Nap time!

My tummy was full of brunch treats and I had experienced the 2017 SOLAR ECLIPSE in my party scarf. (Francesca will tell her story on another day. Right now she's still recovering from the "Solar Eclipse Non-Party at the Doggie Day Care.)

Love, Cinnamon

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

Cinnamon goes to the Fiesta and pays the price!

If this is what it's like being a party animal, I'm not sure I am cut out for it!

Here I am in the back of the car. I could hardly hold my head up.

Yesterday I got woken up at the early hour of 8 a.m. so we could drive three hours north to the home of my Country Cousins. You know, the old ones who live in the woods and sleep a lot. Our reason for this trip was not more dog-sitting, but to attend the couple's shower for Samson's owners who are getting married very, soon. I figured Samson wouldn't be there but secretly I was hoping that my romping-mate would show up at the party.

So as you can see I slept most of the way. I just couldn't keep my eyes open. We drove past the outlet malls, past the State Capitol and then across the big green bridge. Soon we were there!

Everyone was welcome including dogs!

I perked up when I got to the door. SAMSON WAS THERE! And so were Remi and Indy. The whole gang was there except for Kate and Derek's hunting dogs, whom I've never met (I'd love to tell them the story of my recent rabbit hunt!).

Here's my buddy Samson. We like to get in trouble together

I went in and had fun greeting everyone. I played in the pasture and sniffed around. It sure looked like a fiesta there with papel picado banners and tissue flowers. 

Oh oh, I should have ignored the tissue flowers. Soon Kate was affixing two of them to my collar. I DIDN'T LIKE THAT ONE BIT! If I was going to dress up, I wanted to select my own neckwear, thank you.

OMG. What is this on my collar?

Soon the food started coming out, but nothing for the dogs. More family arrived and I was getting really excited! I was hoping that there would be a huge cat pinata for us to break... with tons of dog treats cascading down on the grass. (I have an active fantasy life).

Here's what was going on when we were locked in the garage.

But oh nooooo! This was yet another people party. Despite my fancy flowers, I was shuttled off to the garage like the other dogs. Didn't they know I ALWAYS WANT TO BE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY?

I howled, I bayed and I barked. Samson helped me because he was really ticked. It was his family that was the center of attention and HE WASN'T INVITED!

We quieted down. Soon some nice people (there are always a few dog lovers in the crowd), suggested that we could be let out to have a little fun. AND WE WERE!  We headed for the pasture and ran, played ball and communed with the people. But we still were behind the fence. We weren't allowed in for margaritas, guacamole, enchiladas or pasteles. It was clear it wasn't our party.

We ran free in the pasture. I did a little hunting.

Here I am making a sad face behind the pasture gate.

We made sad faces and finally we got to visit with the people. I politely went to each person and got admired and petted. I didn't jump on anyone. I didn't steal any chips. I was the epitome of cultured behavior.

Here I am getting lots of attention.

Here I am getting more attention!

I even jumped in and played a throwing game with the guests. I am not sure how the game is scored but I should have racked up a few points for grabbing the balls!

I played this game. I think I won, because I wouldn't let the people have the balls back.

I ended the night by running and playing with Samson. I was having fun and finally, it was MY party!

I don't know why the dogs have to be shut away during the beginning of the party. I just don't understand it.

It was past my bedtime when I turned in. Remi and Indy had already gone to sleep. I was tired. I could hardly keep my eyes open while the people talked about all the good times they had and nice gifts that were received.

So I slept hard. But on no..... soon it was 5 a.m. The birds were chirping and it was starting to get light. I was told we were leaving to go home. My owner likes driving at the crack of dawn before anyone else is on the road. I did as I was told and got into the car. Of course I slept most of the way home. I didn't get to say good-bye to Samson. I felt badly about that.

As we left, we noticed the mailbox was still decorated.

Soon we were home. Home, sweet home! I had breakfast and immediately went up to my cushy, cozy bed. I love my bed! And, I slept most of the day.

Don't bother me. I'm recovering from the Fiesta!

I feel more rested now and just wanted to say thank you to everyone for letting us dogs out to party a little with you. Viva Cristina y Jace! Felicidades!

And now, I'm going to take another little nap. 

Cristina and Jace enjoying the gifts.

Love, Cinnamon the party animal

Hound Dog Sandwiches

These are for real and I want them for my next party! I was checking out the Internet, since it is so grey outside this morning, and look what I found:

This looks really yummy... and, of course, cute!

If you want to make the sandwiches, here is the website that explains how to do it.  Be sure and read all the comments to learn enough to make these. I don't really see an accurate recipe on the Internet so you are on your own. Be creative!

Now, I think I will take my mid-morning nap.

Love, Cinnamon, the party hound

It's Party Time in Tempe Arizona: Pop Up Pooch Parks

I think I'd like to be a snowbird type of dog. Should I? This winter the dogs in Arizona are having a great time in dog-welcoming Tempe. Tempe is the home of Arizona State University and is not far from PHX airport (not that I'd want to fly.)

So what they are doing in Tempe is having a concert series in the fun Mill Avenue District. Not that outdoor concerts are that unusual. But what makes my ears perk up is that they have a dog theme for each concert (How about a "Pugly Sweater Contest?) and during the concert they have a Pop Up Dog Park just for fun loving social pooches and their owners.

Imagine, walking down to Hayden Square Amphitheater on Thursdays to socialize and listen to music. I'd love this!

To top it off, Tempe lists all the restaurants in the area that are dog friendly. And, there are quite a few.

I could wear my turquoise!

Here's what they say on the website. "The popular Pop-Up Pooch Parks are located in the Mill Avenue District! Bring your furry canine friends down to Hayden Square Amphitheater every Third Thursday at 5:00pm for fun and socialization while listening to live music and taking photos in the FREE photo booth. Dress your pups in fun and crazy outfits to add to the entertainment."

It's PARTY TIME in Arizona! Here's where you can get the scoop (pun intended).

Photos courtesy: Mill Avenue District - Tempe