Summer weather has arrived and I'm staying in the shade

Here I am waiting for the volkswalk to begin.
(notice the Golden Arches in the background?)

Today I went on one of my Wednesday volksmarches. It started out just fine. We registered with Dick at McDonalds. It was overcast and cool. I looked longingly at the Golden Arches in hopes there would be a trip through the drive-through for me. But no.... it was planned that we wait outside in front for all the walkers to gather.

I passed the time by greeting walkers and leaning up against my owner to get even more pats. I suppose I am feeling a bit nervous about my dental appointment tomorrow so I needed reassurance. Once 10 a.m. arrived it was actually getting warm. Walkers shed their jackets. Now, I have no choice. I wear my dark fur wherever I go.

We were off through the Airport Way area. Our leader, Joe, had promised us some woods... soon! We walked some pretty warm sidewalks and then, finally... THE WOODS! I enjoyed that part because it was shady. If I had been given time, I would have sniffed around. Then we were out of the woods and got to walk along the Columbia Slough for awhile. Some of the banks are being allowed to go back to their natural state. I hope that happens. The Slough would be a great place for birds, fish and wildlife.

Here's the Columbia Slough. It is starting to look nice.

So next we walked back on the sidewalks again. I thought I might protest a bit and found a shady grassy area to lie down in. That's right, I just laid down right in the middle of the walk! (Well, I learned after that we were a block away from the finish point!).

I cooled off and then trotted back to the car. That was my BIG PROTEST. Summer weather is here... NO WEDNESDAY WALKS FOR ME! See you in the Fall volkssporter friends!

Love, Cinnamon

Wordless Wednesday: I thought I heard a squirrel

Up there... isn't that a squirrel?

What to Expect: Pet Dental Cleaning Lab Work

Well, today, like I told you, I had to get up at the crack of dawn to get to somewhere important. And it turned out that it was to the dentist's office for some lab work. My appointment was for 9 a.m., too early for me.

But I managed because I was curious about where we were going. It wasn't the dog park, it wasn't the grocery store and it wasn't my regular vet's office.

The office is to the left. I think it is disguised as a regular house!

We drove through a lovely tree-lined neighborhood with pretty homes and gardens. I was thinking, perhaps, that I was going to a party at a friends' house. But nooooo.... it was actually my dentist's office disguised as a home.

I got out of the car and was welcomed at the door by Dr. Jacqueline Myers herself. She had her hair pulled back and looked like she was all ready for work. So I wagged my tail and went in (I was still hoping for a party).

What a trick! Inside was a veterinary dental office with everything needed to do dental work. On one wall were some heavy duty cages, kind of like circus animal cages. In one of them a Chihuahua peered out at me. Dr. Myers and her assistant told me how pretty I was and then said it was time to draw blood. I knew that wouldn't be fun.

So Dr. Myers held me tight while I made scaredy faces with my eyes. Her assistant drew blood from MY NECK with a HUGE NEEDLE! (Well, it looked huge to me). Soon it was over and they had a good sample of my dark red blood to send to the lab. And I felt much better.

I thought I might feel woozy afterwards but I didn't at all! I was more than ready when they brought out the chewy treat! TREATS! I had my treat and then was weighed. I weigh 54 pounds. I think that's OK.

So then it was time to leave. They said they'd call with the blood test results and that, if everything went as expected, I would be getting my teeth cleaned on Thursday.

I hear they'll just sedate me and put me fully to sleep with gas for the whole thing so I'm not too worried. They are nice at Forever Pet Dental.

You know, even though there was a needle involved, I do recommend you get the blood work done before a cleaning. That way the professionals know if you have something they need to be concerned about such as liver or kidney problems, for example.

I hope that little Chihuahua ended up with sparkling white teeth!

Love, Cinnamon

What to Expect: A Dog's Dental Cleaning

This is the dentist.
She looks nice, right?

This week I have an appointment for a dental cleaning. Since I am adopted and lived a rather rough life before that, I have never had a dental cleaning. And, I am about six years old now. 

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends dental cleanings annually after 1 year of age for cats and small dogs, or 2 years of age for large dogs.  

So I don't quite know what to expect. I've been looking at Internet articles and found a good summary on About.com. So far, I think my experience will be similar, but I'll let you know. 

Tomorrow I am have some blood tests. I've had that before and it goes quickly so I'm not worried. It is good to have blood tests before a dental cleaning because I want to know that it is safe for me to have anesthesia (I certainly wouldn't want to be awake while someone scrapes at my teeth... especially the back ones!) The worst part about the blood test is that my appointment is for 9 a.m. and you know what that means. I'll have to get up early and I don't like that! 

So once I have that appointment, my next appointment will be on Thursday for the cleaning. I'm going to Forever Pet Dental. Why did I choose them? Well dental work is all that Dr. Jacqueline Myers does! So I won't be having dental work done by a general veterinarian, one who does everything else in addition to teeth cleaning. I'll have an expert do my cleaning. 

The other reason is that Forever Pet Dental offers a complete package for $169. Other places may add on more to their basic fee, depending on what happens once they start the procedure. This fee includes everything they need to do. Of course if I need braces or a gold tooth or something, that will be extra! But I think my teeth are straight enough! 

I'll be meeting the people at Forever Pet Dental for the first time tomorrow. I'll let you know what I think. So far the only thing I don't like is that they also see cats there. Ugh! 

Love, Cinnamon

Champoeg State Park: An Oregon Dog Friendly Park

Today I got up early (again!) and we drove to Champoeg State Park south of Portland. It's a beautiful big park on the Willamette River. There is pioneer history, bird-watching, walking and biking and lots of wildlife for me to track. The best part about Champoeg State Park is that it is DOG FRIENDLY!

Here I am on the trail at Champoeg State Park

Today was State Parks Day so we got in FREE! Ordinarily it would have cost us $5.00. They were having some free fishing down by the river too! What a great day to visit.

Dogs can walk most anywhere people can if they are on a leash and you are tidy. There are strategically placed clean up bags on main trails. If you want to camp, you can even stay in one of six yurts (one pet friendly) and one of the six cabins (one pet friendly). 

I enjoyed views of the river from the trail.

But I just went for the day and here's what I did. I signed up for the Volksmarch along marked trails. It was billed as a walk on natural and paved park trails through early Oregon history where in 1843, the pioneers voted to be part of the growing western movement of the United States instead of Canada. Imagine, I could have been living in Canada rather than the U.S. if that vote had been different. Imagine!

So the Mossbacks Walking Club was all set up and there to greet me at 9 a.m. They were really nice to me! I was embarrassed when my owner spent time explaining that we needed a short, shady route because I can't handle the heat. Well, that is true, but she didn't have to tell EVERYONE!

I visited with Martha awhile and then we were on our way following the yellow and pink ribbons. The walk was partially on paved pathways. Since it was early there weren't too many bicycles out there on the trail so I could walk from side to side sniffing things and enjoying the tall grass. Eventually we got to some woods. That was fun. I just knew there were squirrels in those big trees.

Here I am on the boat dock wishing I could go fishing.

Since I was getting hot, we went down the boat ramp onto the dock and enjoyed the river for awhile. One of the people there said some eagles had just flown by. Drat! I missed them!

I met a girl who really liked me!

We walked on enjoying some historical markers all about the Pioneers. At the monument, a nice girl asked to pet and play with me. And we had some fun before it was time to walk through the woods some more. We enjoyed the views of the Willamette River and finished the walk. Some of my friends were at the finish point so I did a bit of socializing before things deteriorated.

I was kinda hungry. When Dar took a Red Vine candy out of a container I just knew it was dog treats for me and bugged and bugged her about it. I really made a fool of myself too. She felt so bad she went to her car and got a dog biscuit for me. Thanks Dar!

After that I nearly jerked my owner's arm out of the socket when I saw another dog getting some food. FOOD! I was nearly starving. I guess, in retrospect, that wasn't very good behavior.

Finally, when we got back to the car, I did get some food and water in the car. But I could tell my owner was not pleased.

I AM SORRY EVERYONE! I'll be better behaved on the next walk. I promise.

Love, Cinnamon the walking hound

The Budweiser Clydesdales and Budweiser Dog Visit Vancouver, Washington

The Budweiser Clydesdales came to Vancouver Washington, my home town, and I was there to see them. I've loved these horses ever since seeing the Super Bowl Budweiser commercial with the puppies! Horses and dogs are made for each other and so I thought I'd go visit them.

Here we are waiting at Mon Ami for the Clydesdales. I was so excited!

We were told they would start at Uptown at 4 p.m. so I went and sat in front of Mon Ami Coffee Shop with my friends. They kept me entertained as we waited and waited.

The word was spreading that they were actually in downtown Vancouver and would be starting from there, so we headed down Main Street.

Here I am waiting for the Clydesdales at the Kiggins Theater Downtown.

Soon after we got to Kiggins Theater THERE THEY WERE. The big red beer wagon was HUGE! The horses, clopping along the street were HUGE! When the horses got close, I was scared for a minute... but then I remembered the puppies. They weren't scared. I stood in awe as the horses passed.

There they were! Look at those HUGE hoofs. I got scared for a moment but then calmed down.

They stopped at the intersection and I got a good look at the lead horses. And then they turned toward me and STARTED TALKING ABOUT ME!

"Look over there! It's Cinnamon the Coonhound!"

As I looked up on the wagon, next to the drivers I SAW.... A DOG! It wasn't a puppy. It was a fully grown beautiful Dalmatian dog. He was riding with his horses. Once I saw the beautiful dog I decided to walk fast and follow the horses and enjoy them some more.

I saw a dog riding high above me on the wagon.
Look at his beautiful harness... just like the Clydesdales have!

I looked at them and they looked at me. The dog had a good look at me but was too involved in being a famous Budweiser Dog to pay much attention to me trotting alongside them.

Here's when the dog noticed me. See? He's looking down.

I learned that the Dalmatian breed has long been associated with horses. Dalmatians were referred to "coach dogs" because they ran between the wheels of coaches or wagons, were known to be good companions to horses once in the barn. Why they have the spots? I don't know. I always thought those were reserved for fire truck dogs... but then that is probably part of the history. Fire equipment used to be pulled by horses and where there is a horse, there is a dog.

Here's the Dalmatian taking a break. Notice he has his blue water bowl up there with him.

In the early days of brewing beer, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The dogs were swift enough to keep up with the wagons, and their light colored bodies and distinctive marking made them easy to see during twilight hours. So that's why Budweiser has a dog and the Clydesdales.

The dog's harness brass is as pretty as the horses wear.

Most people don't know it but on March 30, 1950, in commemoration of the opening of the Newark Brewery, a Dalmatian was introduced as the Budweiser Clydesdales' mascot. A Dalmatian travels with each of the Clydesdale wagon teams (East Coast, West Coast, St. Louis) perched atop the wagon, proudly seated next to the driver.

The one I saw is named Chip. He's the West Coast dog. He had a special brass harness that gleamed in the sun, just like the harness brass the horses had.

I'm jealous. Look what Chip gets to wear!

As I ran alongside the Clydesdales toward Uptown I thought that a hound like me would make a great mascot too. If I was on top of that wagon I would be proud and my ears would flap in the wind. I don't have enough spots to qualify, unfortunately.... but I can dream.

The handlers take good care of the horses. Here one is having his face wiped!

Once we reached Uptown, we had taken tons of pictures and I was really tired. I stopped trotting and tried to pull into a cool (as in temperature) antique store.

At Uptown I said good-bye to Chip and the Clydesdales

The Clydesdales kept on trotting up the street but it was time to say good bye to Chip, the Budweiser Dog, and head home for a nice cold bowl of water. (I'll bet you thought I'd say a nice cool Bud!)

Here I am, afterwards, falling asleep in the car on the way home.
What a Day!

Love, Cinnamon, the horse lover




More Information

All About the Budweiser Clydesdales

Photography copyright: Elizabeth R. Rose 

Wednesday Walking: Overcast and Misty is the Best Weather for Walking

I love to explore and my Wednesday Walking 5K group is the best way to do that. We meet at a different place each Wednesday for a 5K or 10K walk. I choose the 5K group because they walk a little slower and I have a chance, sometimes, to sniff around. Besides, there are other dogs who walk with us.

Here we are milling about the registration area

Yesterday we met at Starbucks to sign in and meet Joe, our leader. There were many walkers there. I saw my friend Dick who always pets me. I didn't get a latte or a scone and I didn't go inside. We got there early so we stood around a long time. It was kind of foggy so I was getting chilly.

At this point I was starting to get chilly.

I passed the time by trying to greet everyone and looking for dogs. I spied this cute Pomeranian with a modern haircut. She wasn't on our walk but was fun to look at, anyway.

Almost too cute to be a dog!

Just when I was beginning to shiver, we started out on the walk. It went through a pretty neighborhood and into a park. I did really good on the walk. It was a good walk except I didn't see any squirrels or cats. Well, I suppose I wouldn't have been allowed to chase them, anyway!

Here's my running log of volkswalking events.

2014

5K Whipple Creek Year Round Walk Vancouver USA Club - Website

5K Washougal - Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail at Steigerwald Lake NWR  - All Weather Walkers
6K Vancouver - Tenny Creek Walk - All Weather Walkers
5K  Portland SE - Reed College-Crystal Springs Garden - Rose City Roamers
5K  Camas Three Lakes Walk
5K  Amity Oregon Daffodil Walk
5K  Vancouver Princess Ilchee Walk
10K Historic Vancouver, Land Bridge and City
5K  New Years Day Walk in Vancouver - Vancouver Volkssporters - Website

2013
10K Vancouver Land Bridge Walk - Vancouver, WA - Vancouver Volkssporters - Website
10K Columbia River Walk - Columbia River Volkssport Club -Website
10K Sherwood - Soup Walk - Sherwood Merrywalkers - Website
10K WSU - Vancouver Cougar Views Walk - All Weather Walkers - Website
10K Halloween Walk in Yachats - Yachats Coastal Gems - Website