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.

Dogs and Snowballs

Kids and dogs know how to take advantage of a good snow fall.


Here in Olympia, Washington, we recently experienced well over a foot of snow. It overwhelmed our city which does not have the necessary amount of equipment to handle snow. Many people were without power for days and crews from all over came to help.

Here is a toy for dogs who cannot get enough snowball play. It is a snowball that lasts through the seasons. Dogs can chase it through the snowdrifts and never have it disintegrate in its mouth!

The Orbee Snowball has a fresh minty taste and smell. I wonder if it gets rid of "doggie breath"?

This chew toy is one of the most popular products from Planet Dog. (They donate 2% of every sale to worthy charities.) It is recyclable and durable.

Cheer Up The Lonely

Did you know that July 11th is National Cheer Up The Lonely Day?

Pets bring such joy into people's lives. One of the Comfort Care Therapists on the team at Providence Hospice in Olympia, Washington, Anne Howie takes her trained dogs to various locations to make this connection between dogs and humans.


There is something very special about how the presence of a dog melts the heart and soul of those who come into contact with them.

Today, bring a smile to someone who is lonely.

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!

Dog Meets "Big" Duck

Another glorious, but cold day in Olympia, Washington.

After a picnic lunch soaking up the sunshine and some vitamin D, my friend, Maxine, and I along with my trusty dog, Ebony, decided to walk the beach from Burfoot Park.

I actually put on sunscreen! It is January!

The Olympics were stunning.


Ebony sat while we watched the Blue Heron feed.


But she could not understand what that duck was out in the water and stayed on point until it got closer.


On closer examination.....it spoke.


This is Kitty who made her beautiful kayak and was enjoying our incredible January winter day.

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!

First Taste of Summer

The Pacific Northwest finally experienced sunshine and warm temperatures!

I decided to take the two dogs to Budd Inlet in Olympia, Washington, for some cooling off water play. Look at this beautiful scene with the Olympics in the background!


Ginger is the swimmer, while Ebony plays in the shallow water.




With coaxing and after becoming uncomfortably hot, Ebony will retrieve a stick if not thrown far. I really do not know if she thinks this is fun or if she is trying to please me?


Summertime and the living is easy!

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.

Youngest Veterinarian

Courtney, who lives in Washington, says she has loved animals since “the day I was born.” She decided she wanted to be a vet when she was seven. “I was fascinated when we took our animals to the vet. I would be in the waiting room and I would see the vet take the animal behind the door, and then when he came back he was better. It was like magic. So I started asking lots of questions.”

Her mother said that she had been bothering the Vet since she was about seven, and began volunteering at age ten. According to Washington State law she must be twelve to volunteer without a parent present.

At age ten, Courtney completed an online course and was certified as a veterinary assistant. It is an online course and they mail you all your books. For her 'Field Practices,' she had to work in a sterile environment and practice with the Vet. Once the course studies were done, she had to take tests online and those were graded.

Courtney Oliver has already passed her first exams on her route to becoming a vet and plans to start taking college courses this year.

She is practicing at South Bay Veterinary Hospital in Olympia, Washington, and Dr. Michelle Shoemaker has been Courtney's mentor. This is our Vet and I hope to meet Courtney someday.

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

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