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The long way home

Bell Rock as we started our hike

When Easton and I set off on our day hike, my intention was to walk from the parking area to where the Bell Rock Trail meets the Bell Rock Pathway. Once there, we only need to climb a few hundred feet up Bell Rock to have a spectacular view to the west, take some pictures and do what we came to do; leave a few of Lady's ashes behind. Mission accomplished on this lovely day in Northern Arizona. About 68 degrees, high clouds and no wind.

Looking west from Bell Rock to Sedona

I did not look at the handy, dandy map at the trailhead, because I planned on coming back the way we came. It was such a lovely day, Easton was having a good time, so thinking the Courthouse loop went between the two mountains; "heck, that's not that much farther at all". Not until we were well under way on the loop did I realize this was going to be a long hike. We had water and Easton was as enthusiastic as I've ever seen him - full speed ahead. 3 hours later we were at the car and tuckered out. Easton did great, leading the way on the narrow path around Courthouse Butte. He relished this assignment and was gung-ho the entire hike. Here are a few pictures from our adventure around Courthouse Butte (including a back-country avalanche):

Courthouse Butte - Bell Rock as we started the loop

Courthouse Butte

Dry Beaver creek bed

Needle, name unknown

Bell Rock from the north side

Ouch, Easton decided he needed to taste a Prickly Pear.
Not a good idea, his tongue bled a little. Never even phased him.

This back-country avalanche (OK - a "rock slide") sounded like a crack of thunder.
The picture was taken about 30 seconds after I realized what happened.

Courthouse Butte

I took this after finally linking up with the original trail we started out on.

I It was a beautiful hike and I'm not a bit sorry we did it. Even though it wasn't planned, we had water and saw a few hikers along the way to stop and chat with. Everyone was very nice and talk always got around to what a fine dog Easton is and how lucky we all were to be in beautiful Red Rock country. I never disagreed with anyone!

On the road to Red Rock country

After a slow morning, Easton and I finally hit the road around 10AM. Our first stop was the rest area at Sunset Point. It's not that far from Phoenix these days considering the speed limit is 75MPH, but we use to stop here all the time when I was a kid. Chugging and gasping for air our 51 Chevy needed frequent rest stops after enduring the Black Canyon climb. My Mom, with her walnut sized bladder, required a stop every 50 miles anyway. Sunset Point was always there with dug out toilets and a magnificent view. It's improved a lot with multiple flush toilets, fresh water, vending machines and a special pets only area. I haven't been there in many years, so we stopped just to say we did. Proof below!!

View from Sunset Point - These are the Bradshaw mountains. I spent many summers as a camper and councilor at the YMCA camp tucked up in these mountains. Pine trees, rattle snakes, mountain lions and the best overland hiking anywhere. Those were some great days.

Arrived at the southern entrance to Red Rock country. Stopped for a coffee and to "carb-up" + Easton needed a piddle. Decent place, nice people but no dog cookies!! Oh well, we drove a couple more miles to the trail-head parking lot where Easton struck the pose above. We stretched, gathered our water and headed out to Bell Rock. Tomorrow: Lady, Easton and the long trail back.

Lady

It's been a year!   I sure miss her.

Lady LifeForce

Hottest Day of the Year

 > July 29th, 2009 - 105 degrees in Seattle <

That has never happened before. Had to escape for a few hours to Luther Burbank park on Mercer Island. Here at the park is hundreds of feet of lakefront dedicated to the use of off-leash dogs and their happy owners. Lady had the time of her life. Our friends Joyce and her two Goldens - Cedar and Buddy - met us there for some fun. Can't really say more than that. The pictures say it all.

Joyce, Cedar, Buddy (hypnotized by his frisbee) and Lady getting a head start.

Lady

Buddy with his favorite frisbee

This Bassett Hound was loving the water on this hot day. What a great picture!

Shoreline dog park

Oh what joy. Finally, Shoreline, WA enters the 21st century and creates our first off-leash dog park with money from a multi-million dollar parks bond passed a couple of years ago. The space is roomy, well fenced and drains properly for those soggy Seattle winters. Lady has visited a dozen times since our return. She loves to sniff, mark, meet new doggy friends, paw and crotch dive her new human friends. All in the name of innocent K9 fun. Memorable dogs we've met are:
- a pair of Portuguese water dogs who had very good energy and were as sweet as pie. Lady enjoyed their company very much. Their owner was very nice too and clearly understood how to raise balanced dogs.
- A big goofy Blood Hound who just adored Lady. They became fast friends and running buddies.
A word of thanks to ShoreDog, an informal organization of private citizens who helped drive the progress towards establishing this dog park. Way to go. The lady that helped establish this organization is running for city council. She has my vote for sure (Shari Tracy).
PS: As of Dec. 1st, 2009, Shari is officially declared the winner of her city council race (defeating the incumbent appointed mayor - pretty big deal). Congratulations Shari.

Phoenix to Seattle

1836 miles and perfect weather, Lady was a trooper for the whole trip. Rode in her crate but never complained or acted up. She is truly a special girl. Glad to be home in Seattle. She blasted through her doggy door at least 20 times the first hour after arriving. I think she missed the freedom. Off to explore the new dog park in Shoreline. Will report on that soon.

Lady's springtime update

Many of you have asked how Lady is doing, hanging out in Phoenix, making new friends and enjoying the sunny weather. It took her awhile to adjust to the warm dry weather; her skin and coat made their own adjustment, shedding the majority of her undercoat during November and December. For the first couple of months on our daily off leash walks, I allowed her to flush the many cotton tail bunnies out of the bushes (she just loves it). But there was a serious down side - Oleanders, a shrub that when their branches are trimmed and exposed, can be extremely poisonous to the skin of humans and K9s. Lady broke out with a horrible rash and it took quite awhile to identify the source of the problem and cure it.
We tried several different vets at two clinics; not one of them deviated from their pedestrian views about skin problem: food allergy, low thyroid level, food allergy (followed by a recommended $90 a bag food only THAT vet could provide) and special vet supplied shampoos (one good - with benzoperoxide added , the other was coal tar based, don't EVER use this on you dog). I'm happy to say that with the help of my friends at Kimber Dog Wash and keeping Lady on leash and away from all bushes, she is completely healed. Lesson learned: trust your instincts when it comes to the health of your K9 companions. Vets mean well, I never doubt their sincerity, but trust your own "gut" when choosing your vet and interpreting their diagnoses and course of action. It is a relationship worth exploring deeply and not choosing strictly on emotion or cost.
Lady’s socialization is coming along very nicely. She has made some new friends:
- Ollie the 3 year old English Bull Dog, there was a spark between these two. Playing like they’ve known each other in a past life (or something new age like that). It was very cute. Ollie’s dad says it’s because they share the same energy and are both balanced and happy kids. He may be right!
- Major the big male Golden, they spent an evening together at Major’s house. Lady waltzed in like she owned the place and after getting to know each other they began a male-female Golden courtship. More new moves from Lady. She never ceases to surprise me.
- There are lot’s of unruly, yappy little dogs in our neighborhood in Phoenix. Lady really dislikes them. She must have had a bad experience in her past with a little dog or two. There is a sweet toy poodle who is not afraid of Lady and after a controlled first meeting they get along very nicely whenever their paths cross. Wish I could find more of those.

Lady, taking a rest after a big dog day, playing with Rocky.
New Years Day 2009, Anthem-Arizona

A few recent pictures

Always ready to go.

Lady and her Uncle Chip on "Devo's rock", Oak Creek, AZ

Lady invades Phoenix!

It's been awhile since a posting. I must apologize to all my readers who tune in occasionally to see what's new with Lady. Dad and Lady drove down to Phoenix in mid-October. She rode in her crate for 3 straight days and 1600 miles. It was quite an adventure for both of us. Lady was as good as gold and proved she is a very special Golden. The weather was perfect all the way down and in the 90s for 3 weeks after we arrived. MeMe and PaPa (my parents) were thrilled to meet her and she has taken over the house and their hearts ever since.

Lady is happy, healthy and enjoying the winter weather in Phoenix just like her Dad (Andi was down for two weeks and loved it too). Two walks a day, dog park visit 2 or 3 times a week and lot's of loves and Duck treats.

Rather than go through a long narrative about Lady's adventures, I'll just list the highlights from a few happenings over the last few month.
- Lady loves the dog park. She is learning how to greet and socialize like the balanced K9 I just know she can be. She pretty much takes command of the park. She is curious and confident.
- She now walks off-leash better than when she is tethered!! Never thought I'd see the day.
- Everyone loves Lady. She has many fans at the local dog park, grocery store (she waits outside on her leash and seduces every dog lover that walks by), Starbucks and all our neighbors coo over her at every opportunity.
- She has decided that it's OK to take over my bed if I'm not in it!
- She is the most gregarious, confident dog we've had since Sunny. Nothing phases her (except the chirping of a smoke detector when it's telling you to change the battery). This happened a couple of months ago and she paced, cried and was visibly distressed.
- She has met two family dogs we were concerned about: Buddy, the Green's maniacal 2 year old, black Lab (they got on like old friends) and Rocky, my sister's 2 year old Welsh Terrier (he actually belongs to Jim). Rocky is generally a naughty, rowdy boy who runs roughshod over 2 legged and 4 legged visitors. Lady took no crap from him, protected my 3 year old niece from his terror and took command of their house until she left! Lady and Rocky are now the best of friends.

I have since spent time with Rocky when Lady is not around. On a recent visit he jumped and mouthed me when I arrived, but a firm hand and consistent resistance to his bratty ways quickly turned him into a very well behaved dog during our visit. I LIKE that Rocky!

Lady visits Sky-Y camp, 7 miles south of Prescott, AZ.
She loved the smells, sounds and Chipmunks.
Always the happy, confident girl.

Feeling the love

Lady is bonding very nicely to Andi and I. It is quite obvious....she belongs with us. It's the little things:
- Trying so hard to walk on leash like a good dog should
- Always coming upstairs and sleeping right next to our bed
- Making that sincere eye contact where you just know she means it (Good sit, Good watch)
- Having a sense of property, knowing where she lives
- She is a good watch dog (big, alarm bark), never over-plays it

We were so surprised by her behavior at the picnic. She was totally under control and socialized with everybody (K9 & humans). We could tell that she really likes "her own" (especially the big Golden boys).
We are proud of you Lady.

Another fun swim day

Saturday afternoon at the dog park on Mercer Island. Much less crowded this week and a little easier to get Lady focused on retrieving the tennis ball thrown in the lake. She still gets overly excited when other dogs are retrieving, barking and having a good time. She wants to charge at them; whether they are on land or swimming in the lake. She is not mean about it, just overbearing to the point the other dogs feel they must defend themselves. We moved away from the crowd and found a deserted spot where she could swim and retrieve without encountering other excitable dogs. We just have to find her balanced, socialized dogs to spend time with so she does not feel the need to throw herself rudely into the middle of every "dog situation" she encounters.

Look everybody, I really do love to swim

Another warm and sunny summer weekend in Seattle. A perfect time to introduce Lady to our favorite dog park on Mercer Island. There were about a dozen dogs there, most retrieving on the large grass lawn or in Lake Washington. This is our first adventure with Lady where she is exposed to many other dogs. She handled it as well as can be expected. We've seen that she is awkward with her dog greetings, but warms up quickly if offense is not taken. She immediately hooked up with two very balanced dogs belonging to one of the regulars, Chris. One of his dogs is a rescued Pit/Lab mix and the other is a Golden. They were fetching up tennis balls in the lake. There was an extra ball that we used for Lady. Her first dive in was quite funny. She splashed around with only her front paws as if she had forgotten how to swim. A minute later she righted the ship and swam off slowly but steady to retrieve her ball. After about 20 or so tosses into the lake, it was time to call it a day. I hated to stop, but I did not want to over-do it. I know what it's like being a weekend warrior! Lady was delighted to be swimming, playing and in the company of other dogs. I can't say enough about how socially at ease Chris' two dogs were. They really helped Lady make a smooth transition from "barky-face pain in the butt" to a "dog park diva". Can't wait for the next swimming and/or dog park adventure. Lady really loved this and badly needs the socialization practice. What a joy to be able to give her what she needs to be a complete, balanced girl.

Day at the beach

There have been signs that as a Golden Retriever, Lady may not be an enthusiastic water dog. Now that the weather has turned, it's time to go to the beach and see her in action. Richmond Beach park was our destination on a sunny but cool Saturday. The tide was out and we had to walk awhile to find a suitable spot for Lady to be off-leash. As usual, the minute she is off-leash and given the OK, she is off and running, sniffing and marking. After 15 minutes of exploring, she never even gave the water a second look. I walked down to the waterline and Lady followed. She was quite willing to walk through the lapping waves, but that's about it. She was much more interested in other dogs way off in the distance. A good time was had by all and Lady only got her paws wet the whole time. The following weekend would prove she was just waiting for the right moment to swim.

Finding Lady

Here is where I first saw Lady. This is a copy of her "available Goldens" profile on the Golden Bond web page. Her foster family did a wonderful job of describing Lady and her personality.

- Click on the image below to view -
- Hit the back button to return to this blog -

There were many wonderful Goldens available. I can't explain how I knew she was the one. In the past, I picked Sunny & Cosmo as puppies. Andi picked out Devo when he was a puppy. They were ALL outstanding dogs that we loved as much as children. Some things should just be enjoyed without any explanation. This is one of those times.

Baggage

by Evelyn Colbath

Now that I am home, bathed, settled and fed
all nicely tucked in my warm bed,
Id like to open my baggage lest I forget
there is so much to carry - so much to regret.

Hmm, yes, there it is, right on the top
let's unpack loneliness, heartache and loss.
And there by my leash hides fear and shame
as I look on these I tried so hard to leave,
I still have to unpack my baggage called pain.

I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough, for they don't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things
and take me right back?

Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never re-pack?
I pray that you do, I'm so tired you see,
But, I do come with baggage, will you still want me?


YES my Lady, welcome to your Forever Home.....

Lady 2008

It's been seven months since Devo's passing. We have been talking about getting another Golden or two for several months now. We decided to adopt a rescued dog rather that get a couple of puppies and raise them. After a few false starts with well meaning, but disorganized west coast Golden Retriever rescue groups, we found via a rescue group in Oregon.

Here is where we found Lady. A seven year old sweet bundle of Golden love. She was an owner surrender and I'm sure it broke their hearts as much as it did Lady's. Kim and Wally Coon of Boring, OR fostered Lady for 5 weeks on behalf of Golden Bond. Lady was part of a pack of two other balanced dogs and was happy to be in such a nice home. When Lady jumped into the back of our SUV for the ride home to Seattle, she fell right into step with Andi and I...never looking back.

Today is her fourth day in her forever home and I can honestly say, it's like we have all been together for our whole lives. She is a sweet, well behaved girl with no bad habits to speak of. I look forward to writing about her in the years to come.

Welcome Lady....to our family. We love and adore you already.