Summer Dogcation: Escape to Central Oregon

Sometimes a dog's just gotta get away. That's what I decided last 4th of July when my beautiful wooded neighborhood turned in to a war zone. The noise lasted a good part of the week and came to a rousing crescendo on July 4th. I think humans were celebrating something, but it was hard to be to get into the mood. I was cowering in my bunker in the master bathroom most of the time.

4th of July 2015 was horrible!

So this year was completely different. We had already researched fireworks-free vacation areas. I couldn't go to the beach because they allowed fireworks. I couldn't go to my country cousin's home because they allowed fireworks, and besides, they moved into a tiny place.

So we found just the place. A place that is so dry, they never allow fireworks. It was Sunriver, Oregon. In fact, Sunriver has a company that specializes in dog-friendly vacation home rentals. We got on the Bennington Properties website and found a house that would be perfect for our 4th of July grand exit from Vancouver, WA. Here's a list of their "Dog-loving Vacation Rentals." And here's the house we chose. We did everything online and our Dogcation was all arranged a year before.

Here's our rental house. We rented it on July 5th, 2015

So the day finally came. July 1st, to be exact. I had already heard a few pops so I knew it was time to get going. We packed the car with our beds, food, leashes and toys. We were loaded down so I got to ride shotgun with Francesca in the crate in the back.

Here I am. I'm in charge of the GPS.

It was a long ride... about 3 hours. When we pulled up, the house was all ready for us. We had to stay on a tie-out for a little bit while our owner unpacked. Francesca got in trouble because the tie-out was long enough for her to bust in on the neighbor's deck party while they were having chips and salsa. Needless to say, she didn't get any. Our tie-outs were promptly moved to the back of the house. When we got inside we saw our beds in place in the living room and something very interesting on the kitchen counter.

Welcome treats!

Things were looking up. However, at dinnertime, I wasn't very hungry. All that driving made my tummy a bit queasy. So I just wanted to rest. Francesca was already complaining because it was hotter in Sunriver than it was at home.

Francesca was hot so she laid down next to the A/C vent

Soon it was bedtime. We were both very tired after the trip. We were glad to see our beds and toys.

Here we are on our beds with NO fireworks to bother us!

Before we went to sleep, Francesca and I read the Sunriver magazine and picked out some activities. We thought a boat trip on the Deschutes River sounded nice and cool, and the 4th of July parade, which included dogs, would be worth seeing.

So what did we do on our vacation? Read Part II and find out!

Love, Cinnamon

Good News: Escape from Fireworks

Well, I wouldn’t have known it but I peeked at my owner’s Facebook posts and guess what I saw… we are leaving town for the 4^th of July. Yep, getting out of the ‘Couve. Escaping the horrors of fireworks!

Road Trip to Sunriver!

I’m so excited! Imagine a week without Crackle, Snap, Pop and Boom! And the smoke and the roar in the distance. And the bright lights over our house… just trying to set it on fire.

And, imagine… I don’t have to build a bunker this year. Yay!

So where are we going? We are headed for Sunriver Oregon, a place where they love dogs and don’t allow fireworks. We’ll try to report back but I’m not taking my laptop… just my iPhone. I can post photos on Facebook and Instagram, at least.

I feel kinda bad for the other animals who have to endure the cruel fireworks. And I hope my house doesn't burn down.

Love, Cinnamon

She Went to Central Oregon and FORGOT the Dog Treats!

I have my sources.

This has been quite a week. I attended Spring Camp at Running Pond Acres boarding ranch in Washougal Washington. Why? My owner went to a conference and writing trip in Central Oregon. Now, I didn't mind so much because I got to run free in the play yards and meet new friends, BUT...

My dog contacts in Bend clued me in that she went to Zydeco Kitchen in Bend, enjoyed their Barbeque Shrimp and Filet Au Poivre and even dessert. She had so much fun with her writing friends that she, apparently, forgot all about me.

Here's the shrimp appetizer at Zydeco. Looks good but I'm waiting for the dog treats!

You see, Zydeco Kitchen offers "Lady's Homemade Dog Biscuits." Since the restaurant is held in such high esteem (my Bend friends tell me), I thought that the treats would be extra good. I was looking forward to seeing my owner AND THE ZYDECO DOG TREATS.

But no, she forgot to get some for me. SHE FORGOT!

I guess I will have to talk to the folks down there and arrange a dog trip to the area. After all Bend is one of the most dog-friendly towns in Oregon! It is a well-known legend among Bend locals that they  have one of the highest per capita dog populations anywhere in the world with 49 percent of Central Oregon residents owning a dog.

They love dogs so much they even have a dog mural!

In fact, Dog Fancy magazine claimed Bend as DogTown USA in 2012 and runner up in 2011. With over 40 restaurants ready to accommodate ME for an alfresco dining date, a plethora of dog friendly businesses and events, more than 51 miles of urban trails in town, and over 13 off-leash areas in city parks and National Forests, Bend, Oregon is literally a paradise for man and woman's best friend. (from the Bend Visitor's Guide).

Yep, I'm goin' to this place!

And then there is Sunriver with trails, the Deschutes River, chipmunks and squirrels galore.  (Don't get me started)

After my nap, I'm going to read the Central Oregon Visitors Website and take notes. And when I go, I'll be stopping in to Zydeco Kitchen for sure!

Love, Neglected Cinnamon