More Healthy Dogs

Wouldn't it be great if our beloved dogs could add a few more years to their lives?

Ted Kerasote has written another inspiring book which addresses the issue of how to give our dog the longest life possible. The book is a combination of anecdotes about the author's dog, Pukka, and research about the factors that may effect the lifespan of our pooches: genetics, inbreeding, lifestyle, diet, vaccinations and other traditional veterinary practices, environmental toxins, and more.

A MUST READ for all dog owners!



Ebbie and I get outdoors everyday for a walk or skate on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington. Exercise and socializing her with other dogs are healthy options for a long life. And for us too!

Too Old To Walk

What do you do for your favorite dog who cannot walk the miles with you anymore due to age and physical challenges?

I met a woman on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington, who has the answer.

Her 11 year old Airedale dog suffers from arthritis, but she figured out how to enjoy their time together on the Trail. Her family thinks she is "nuts," but I think she has a heart of gold.

Wish I got her name and dog's name.

Spring on the Trail

The Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia is a favorite place to be on the occasional sunny day in Washington.

Ebony and I were caught on camera enjoying the day by Ed Anderson.

He likes to photography the dogs he encounters on the trail.



You can see more photos of his dog friends.

Missed It!

Glancing at my 2011 dog calendar I noticed that yesterday was National Dress Up Your Pet Day. I did not notice any dogs on the Chehalis Western Trail here in Olympia, Washington wearing costumes. Did you see any costumed pets?

There are important things to consider before you dress up your pet.

For example:
1. Make sure your pet is comfortable. If he/she is "fighting" the costume or sweater -this can be very stressful.
2. Make sure he is not TOO hot. Pets can overheat.
3. Make sure there are no restrictive bands that can injure your pet.

Some pets like being dressed up and others HATE it. One great alternative that is also very cool is a bandanna. This is a fun way to dress up a pet that does not like to be dressed. Most dogs tolerate and even enjoy bandannas.


Ebony's bandanna says, "trouble" and was a gift from my son to her when she was a pup. She has not outgrown it!

Light on The Trail

The Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington is one of my favorite places to take my dog for a walk. It was especially stunning this evening.

After a few days of rain, today the sun kept trying to pop out. Ebony and I were on the Trail late afternoon. The smell of the woods after a rain is very intoxicating and wonderful. The low sun was highlighting the yellow leaves and the plethora of colorful leaves on the ground. I was wishing I had my camera, but I did have my cell phone.

Here is a glimpse of the beauty I discovered today.....

I love the arches formed by these trees.



And the light across the path.


The yellow leaves of the popular trees against the dark sky is absolutely brilliant.


What a beautiful place to visit.

"Run Like A Dog"

This morning on the Chehalis Western Trail, Ebony and I were surprised by all the people and dogs we encountered.

It was the 5th Annual "Run Like A Dog" Event at the South Bay Veterinary Hospital with proceeds benefiting the Thurston County Humane Society.

Trail running athletes and dog lovers from around the Northwest convene for this opportunity to compete with their dogs or just for their love of dogs. "Run Like a Dog" is a 5k run/walk with all proceeds benefiting the Thurston County Humane Society. Competitors, participants and spectators are encouraged to bring their well behaved and physically fit dogs on a leash for either the race or just to visit the several sponsor booths and support this community event.

Here is the website for more information

Looks like fun......





Next year, Ebony and I will participate. Wonder if I can skate?

Too Much Fun!

Up early to enjoy another summer-like day, I decided to take both doggies with me skating on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington.

Being on the trail early usually guaranties fewer, if any, people so I could test out the logistics of skating with two dogs. What I learned was that Ginger has a trotting pace equal to my skating pace.......we were a perfect match! Ginger skated at my side and Ebony did her scouting ahead. Because Ebony is part Border Collie she seems to like to run ahead of the pack.

Ginger new to the sport, found swimming in the ponds along the way revitalized her energy. I would say, they are both happy dogs!


I believe I am learning how to juggle two dogs.

Weather says more sunshine this week; the three of us will definitely be hitting the Trail!

Dog Shoes

As Ebony and I were walking down the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington, a dog an his masters were walking towards us. I heard this clopping sound similar to a horse walking on pavement and noticed the dog's feet.

Kataro was in red hiking boots complete with vibram soles!

Kataro styling on the Trail

Krista, his master, explained to me that Kataro severely cut his foot pad while chasing a rabbit into the bushes on the Chehalis Western Trail. She had research several dog shoes and found these to be the "best".

Kataro and James

Please, if you use this trail or similar ones, be a responsible citizen and do not litter even in the bushes. Thank You!

Ebony Meets the Emu

Today I managed to take advantage of the last bit of nice weather before the rains slated for the next few days come to Olympia, Washington.

In order to get more exercise than walking for both my dog, Ebony, and myself, I use my "out of line" skates. There is seldom a day that I do not get asked about these skates.

They are called Landrollers

Today, with our friend, Maxine, we traveled a different section of the Chehalis Western Trail. To my surprise, and Ebony's, there was an emu!

Very slowly, Ebony came to the fence to see what it was. After all, last week when we walked the Capitol neighborhood (my friend still cannot quit laughing), Ebony pointed a large lawn statue of a deer. Ebony was not sure of this creature.



Interesting emu facts:

The Emu is the largest bird native to Australia. It is also the second-largest bird in the world by height, after its ratite (flightless bird) relative, the ostrich. The soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds reach up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height. The Emu is common over most of mainland Australia, although it avoids heavily populated areas, dense forest, and arid areas. Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (31 mph) for some distance at a time. They are opportunistically nomadic and may travel long distances to find food; they feed on a variety of plants and insects, but have been known to go weeks without food. Emus will sit in water and are also able to swim.

Ebony and the UPS Truck

My dog Ebony was first introduced to the UPS Truck by our neighbor's border collie, Emma, who thought the truck was an object to be chased. Ebony is part border collie and part black lab, so the two of them were seized with excitement to have the job of chasing the UPS Truck down the driveway. Unless I was home, they fulfilled their job.

Moving away, I was glad this job no longer fell to Ebony. She now resides behind an in-ground fence and does not have access to the driveway. Recently, the UPS Truck arrived and I found my dog sitting patiently, tail swishing the ground, next to the garage in anticipation of the truck. When the gentleman handed me my package, he also tossed Ebony a treat. He told me that she use to bark at the truck. Now, she eats out of his hand.



This morning as Ebony and I walked the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington, the UPS Truck was traveling alongside the trail to an adjacent house. Ebony noticed! She went to the fence that separated the trail from the neighboring property and did her patient sit, tail wagging. As the UPS driver passed by Ebony on his way out, he stopped to give Ebony a treat!

Now I ask you, who is trained?

Only In Washington!

Ebony and I were on the Chehalis Western Trail this morning. It was one of those gray, drizzly, Washington days.

McKai was styling....attired in his yellow slicker staying dry. I noticed his raincoat had a hood. My guess is that dogs probably will not put up with the hood option.


Dave and McKai

We passed a woman who raved about what a beautiful day for a walk. I chucked. She must be a native for who else would call a drizzly, gray day beautiful? My beautiful day is no rain and a bonus if the sun shines.

Not only is the Chehalis Western Trail a lovely place to walk your dog, but also provides entertainment for those of us who enjoy meeting other unique travelers and their pets.

"You Are Not The Boss!"

This beautiful evening I was walking with my dog, Ebony, on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington.

I meet the most interesting people on the Trail. Tonight I met Chris who was jogging with her Australian Shepard, Bug.

When I first past her she told me her dog was being naughty and to not allow my dog to meet her dog. As Ebony and I walked away I heard Chris say,

"You are not the boss!"

I could not help but chuckle.


"You are not the boss!"

When we passed again on our return trip, Chris asked if our dogs could meet. I guess Bug had improved his behavior over the course of the hour.

My Dog Picks Blackberries

Who said dogs do not see color?

Apparently Ebony, my dog, knows the ripe blackberries from those not ripe.

This evening a friend and I with our dogs walked the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington, with the goal to bring home blackberries. We scored big time!

I sometimes do not know best when to stop eating the blackberries. Ebony hung in there with the champs!

Small Traveler

Ebony and I enjoy morning walks, or sometimes I skate, on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia Washington.

It is one of Washington's "rail-trails," public-access trails built on abandoned railroad rights-of-way. They provide recreational opportunities for a wide range of nonmotorized uses, more than any other kind of trail. They preserve unique greenspace, contributing to the green aesthetic that is so much a part of the natural beauty of Washington State. They also keep alive the last vestiges of railroad history in a more visible and active way than the few remaining steam engines displayed at local parks. Rail-trails provide a connection between public parks and open space in a way roads can never achieve.

Besides, they are fabulous places to skate, and meet interesting people!

Meet Jim and his dog Brandy. Brandy is seven years old and one of those cute, little shaggy dogs whose name I can never remember. Help me out here, someone.... Jim told me that he purchased the basket that Brandy rides in when he was in Holland. They have been riding together for several years.


Ebony, Jim, and Brandy

Lightning & Thunder

I manage to stay oblivious to the weather except when I am traveling. This morning I noticed it was cloudy as oppose to yesterday's sunny start.

The Chehalis Western Trail was very quiet and I only passed a few regular walkers with their dogs. I thought about us die-hards.

I heard a rumble off in the distance and wondered if this were why very few were out on the trail considering it was a weekend. A few raindrops fell, but it felt warm and I love the smells.

Next thing I know there is lightning and thunder not far away. Ebony and I increased our speed as I was determined to do our seven miles. I am glad that Ebony is not the kind of dog that reacts to noises in phobic ways. As the rain began, the next thing I knew there was a lightning strike in the trees on our left side and a LOUD boom to our right. Ebony looked to me for comfort and reassurance. I could not believe I was out skating in the lightning and thunder! There were a couple more strikes and booms as we high tailed it down the trail. As I past the other travelers in the storm we exchanged "Oh my gosh, I can't believe....." expressions and comments on how close the lightning was as we hurried down the trail.

Soaking wet and at the car, I thought what an incredible experience! Not many venture out in a lightning and thunder storm, but a few of us have stories to tell!

Senior Dog Out For A Walk

This morning I was skating with Ebony on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia Washington. Not only is this a great trail, but I meet all kinds of interesting people.

Today I came upon two ladies who were wheeling a bicycle cart down the trail. It was much too big to be a stroller. As I skated by, I noticed inside the cart was a Springer Spaniel watching everything going on along the trail.

When I inquired about the dog, I was informed that Pete is 15 years old. The two women had figured out a way to make daily walks enjoyable for their senior dog.

Ebony and Pete touched noses, but I missed that sweet photo.


Clever Women and Happy Dog

Clever Dog

This morning as I was skating along the Chehalis Western Train with my dog, I learned how clever dogs can be.

Each morning I pass a group of three people with their three dogs none of which are on a leash. I find that people on the trail seem to be very respectful of others when their dog is not on a leash.

My dog, Ebony, is intimidated by any dog larger that herself; fifty pounds. She use to like all dogs until the day she was attacked by a large dog. That changed her dog preference. All three dogs on the trail were a bit bigger than Ebony and running the gauntlet has been a challenge for her. Appearing scared with her tail between her legs, she tries to creep by them and relies on her speed to remove herself from the pack.

As I approached the group this morning, I noticed Ebony was not at my side or following behind me. Then, I saw this black streak running the horse trail in the woods which parallels the trail. She dropped back on to the trail ahead of the group of people and dogs.

Amazing.....what a clever dog to figure this out!

Chehalis Western TrailOlympia, Washington

I have been talking about the Chehalis Western Trail in my previous blogs. It is there where I meet interesting people and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

My favorite spot sit for a break.



This is the scenic view sitting on the bench.



Ooddles of yellow water lilies this time of year.



Here is a fun picture where I caught a red-wing black bird in flight.
It looks like two red headlights!



What a treat when the sun shines in our gorgeous green state of Washington. Ebony and I take to the Chehalis Western Trail for our daily outings.

Observations on the Trail

This morning my dog, Ebony, and I went on the Chehalis Western Trail; I was on skates and Ebony ran beside me. It was a gorgeous morning and we saw and met an array of people.

Here are some of my observations:

Firstly, people are very friendly; everyone I passed said "hello" or "good morning" to me. I met two little girls about 5 and 7 years old on bicycles who each greeted me with "good morning!" Dad was riding behind them with his ear to the cell phone.

I passed a gentleman who was riding his bicycle and in the front basket of his bike was his dog. Dr. Jon would probably not approve of this combination. He believes skating or biking with a dog is too dangerous for both pet and pet owner.

I received several comments about my weird skates as well as my method of exercise which is typical when I skate with my dog. One lady commented, "That's the easy way!" I have no idea how she believed that what I was doing was easy or that my dog was not working hard to keep pace.

I was sitting on the bench near the pond observing the wildlife and Ebony was lying at my feet. A husband and wife each walking a daschund passed by. The woman complained she had the wrong breed. I think she really meant that she wished her dogs would behave.

People say the strangest things!



Ebony on the Chehalis Western Trail, Olympia Washington

Earth Day

In honor of Mother Earth, I decided to spend as much time possible in her company absorbed in all her beauty.

This morning Ebony and I took a walk in our beautifully wooded area listening to the birds. I was feeling grateful and appreciative.

In the afternoon having completed a watercolor painting I had been working on for several days, I returned outdoors to reconvene with Mother Nature. I traveled via skates (Landrollers) along the Chehalis Western Trail with Ebony at my side. Along this trail are several ponds and plenty of wildlife, so once again I was enraptured by the beauty of my surroundings. Unfortunately, a gray squirrel crossed our path and I forgot to let go of Ebony's lead. CRASH. Good thing I wear padding.

When I was tutoring this evening, I asked my student what they did in school for Earth Day. To my astonishment she said they did nothing and asked if it were a day to recycle. Schools have dropped the ball; how disappointing. Where else will the younger generation learn to care for our planet?