What Map?

Before Mommy left for Colorado yesterday, she was talking to Daddy about going on a vacation - THIS PURRSDAY! It's bad enough that Mommy left and now Daddy thinks he's going to leave too? He started looking for this big paper thingy with lots of lines and dots on it that he said they needed to find where to go.

Well, I don't think he needs to go anywhere and Mommy needs to come back home so I'll just keep hiding the paper thingy from him so they can't go.

I'm ignoring you Daddy and no, I won't get up!

Oh No, It's the Big Red Box on Wheels Again!

The Big Red Box came out again! Mommy is leaving us alone with Daddy again because she is going back to Kansas to see her dad. Daddy was fun when Mommy went to Las Vegas to see her mom last month but we still prefer to have both our beans home. This time we tried getting in the big box together so she couldn't put her stuff in it.

Angel sat on the lid thingy.

Sadie tried another sad face which is hard for her because she's always smiling.

Nothing worked. But, I guess we will just enjoy our time with Daddy. He even bought us a yummy buffet of snacks! Thank you Daddy!

Ode to Summer

Okay, I know the calendar says it's October and officially fall but it didn't really seem that way until the rains started here in the Pacific Northwest today. Hopefully it's just temporary and hasn't settled in until April or May but I'm already longing for summer again! I thought I'd share some of the beautiful places to see here in Oregon year round to remind me of the beauty here despite, and maybe because of, the rain.

I took this photo when we went hiking on the many trails around Multnomah Falls east of Portland. There are multiple waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge area not as majestic as this one but just as beautiful!

I took these pictures in September 2007 at Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago when a volcanic eruption caused the 12,000 ft Mount Mazama to collapse. It is 1,943' deep which makes it the deepest lake in the United States and the 7th deepest in the world. The fresh water is so clear and is a gorgeous shade of bright blue. It is certainly a place that must be visited in Oregon!

Sadie went with us on these day trips around Oregon. She loves to go and loves to have her picture taken - don't you Sadie?

Can you believe she's sticking her tongue out at me?

Weekend Getaway in Oregon

Summers in Oregon are beautiful and I'd thought I would share some pictures I took last weekend of some Oregon coast destinations.


The beach in Manzanita was the perfect place for kite surfers, horseback riders and many others simply enjoying the cool, crisp air off the Pacific ocean.


Oregon is home to many lighthouses and last Sunday we visited Yaquina Head lighthouse in Newport, OR. Yaquina Head is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and is the 2nd oldest in the state and is still in operation today. Visitors are allowed to go inside the lighthouse and the view from inside is breathtaking. While there we saw two bald eagles circling around but unfortunately I didn't get a picture of them.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself on Highway 101 in Newport, OR!

A Visit to Wolf Haven International

Last week we visited Wolf Haven International in Tenino, WA which is just south of Olympia, WA. From information received on the tour as well as from their website, Wolf Haven is a sanctuary for captive-bred wolves as well as coyotes and they also are one of three pre-release facilities involved in the effort to restore the Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest. The captive-bred wolves come from zoos, private owners, animal collectors, research and other facilities. Wolf Haven also fosters red wolves bred for the red wolf recovery in North Carolina.

Blackhawk & Ladyhawk (father & daughter)

The facility consists of large chained in areas (I believe they were 1/3 to 1/2 acre in size) that give the wolves plenty of room to explore and be in the most natural habitat possible. There are just two compatible wolves per each pen. Meals consist of roadkill and other types of meat a couple of times a week. They aren't fed every day since wolves in the wild eat only on successful hunts which is 1 out of 10 times so for them to live as naturally as possibly, the wolves eat about 10 lbs of meat twice a week.



We went on the first tour of the day at 10am and were fortunate enough to get a concert from the wolves and even the coyotes when the animal care workers began checking on the wolves behind the scenes. The first pair we visited went to the back of their large pen and began the howling which of course got every other wolves there going too. It was absolutely incredible to hear them all. Some of them sounded remarkably like our dog Sadie which proves the point that wolves are like dogs in many ways but in no way should a wolf be considered a pet and seeing the beautiful wolves at Wolf Haven that people had attempted to domesticate really illustrated this point.

Diablo

As can be seen from the above picture of Diablo, many of the wolves were in the process of shedding their fur and rubbed up against the chain link fence to help in the process of getting rid of all the fur. Diablo is a Mexican gray wolf and the notch out of his ear is actually from dominance disputes with his siblings when he was a youngster.

If you are ever in the area, I would recommend visiting Wolf Haven and hopefully getting to hear the howling concert! Check out their website for more information and you can even "adopt" one (or more) of their wolves in order to help provide for their support and care.

A Glimpse of Oregon

Yesterday was a very windy day on the Oregon Coast but we went and tidepooled a little at Nye Beach in Newport and also checked out the sights at Seal Rock, OR. The weather was a nippy 60 degrees but it was 95 in the Willamette Valley so the coolness was wonderful! Below are some pictures from the trip:

Nye Beach, Newport, OR

Many tidepools in these rocks on Nye Beach

A guard gull in Seal Rock!

Pets on Board - Traveling via Car with your Pet

If you are like our family, we rarely travel without our dog but without proper preparedness, traveling can be stressful for us and for Sadie. Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading up the car and hitting the road - especially if you will be going a long distance or for a long period of time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.

3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.

4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

5. What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.

8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.

9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Stay safe and enjoy experiencing the country with your pet!

Tidepooling on the Oregon Coast

There are many things to enjoy on the Oregon coast and tidepooling certainly is a favorite since you never know what you'll find. I took these pictures last fall of some sea creatures in tide pools near Newport, OR which is on the central coast of Oregon.

In downtown Newport along the bay, there are always sea creatures to see, like these sea lions who are always on the docks no matter what time of year. You'll hear them barking the entire time you stroll through the quaint shops enjoying a wonderful day!

It's weekend getaway time again!

It has been rainy and dreary here in Oregon this week with temperatures in the 50's so I'm anxiously waiting for summer to officially arrive. Some of the attractions in Oregon, and neighboring Washington, include higher altitude getaways that we usually escape to when it's hot down here in the Willamette Valley. I took these pictures in previous summers when the sky was clear and the temperature warm - oh how I hope those days return soon!

This is Mt Hood here in Oregon taken from Timberline Lodge last July. When we were there, people were still going up on the remaining snow patches to ski even though the official ski season was over. I'm not sure what type of conditions the snow was in but I would imagine it was more like slush skiing!

We went to Mount St Helens in Washington the summer before it erupted again. Steam is noticeable in this picture rising from the crater. The trees in the foreground are what are returning after the huge eruption on May 18, 1980.

Weekend Getaway Time!

The weekend is here and it's time for rest and relaxation! We are going to do that by going to the beautiful Oregon coast. We live an hour away from the ocean but try to get there as often as possible. If you ever find yourself visiting our beautful state, be sure to drive down Highway 101 for as long and as far as possible. There are gorgeous sights the entire way including these photos I took along the coast.


I took this picture from the Sea Lion Caves north of Florence, Oregon which we've visited several times but only once the sea lions were actually in the cave. At least the views were nice!
There are many lighthouses along Hwy 101 along the coast of Oregon. I took this photo of Heceta Head Lighthouse through the ocean mist. Heceta Head Lighthouse is 13 miles north of Florence.

Oregon Getaway time!!

Here's another waterfall in this beautiful state of Oregon. I took this photo of Latourell Falls which is located in the Columbia River Gorge east of Portland, OR. The falls plunge 249 feet over columnar basalt and is most recognized for the bright patch of lichen on the cliff face to the right of the falls. It's one of several waterfalls in the Multnomah Falls area and is well worth a trip to see them all!

I'd also like to tell my cousin Loretta - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hot weather tips for pets

With many parts of this country reaching 100 degrees already this summer, it's a good time for reminders about hot weather care for pets. This list is from the ASPCA's website and is a good thing for everyone to read each summer to keep our fur babies happy and healthy.

- A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

- Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

- The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

- Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

- A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

- Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

- Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

- When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

- Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

- Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

- Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.

- Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

- Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

Weekend Getaway!

I'm continuing the tour of great Oregon sights by including a picture I took of Horsetail Falls which is east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. An earlier post introduced Multnomah Falls and this waterfall is just down the road from those majestic falls. Check back in later weeks for more Oregon sights!

More traveling around Oregon

On this cloudy Saturday morning I'm thinking of the blue skies to come and visiting more beautiful sights in Oregon. This includes the many waterfalls throughout the state. Today's post is a picture I took of Sahalie Falls which is just off Hwy 126 in the Willamette National Forest along the McKenzie River. This waterfall is 140' tall and was formed thousands of years ago when lava flows buried parts of the river. It is certainly worth stopping and exploring when driving through the Cascades of Oregon!

Nature's majesty

I took these pictures last September at Crater Lake here in Oregon. Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago when a volcanic eruption caused the 12,000 ft Mount Mazama to collapse. It is 1,943' deep which makes it the deepest lake in the United States and the 7th deepest in the world. The fresh water is so clear and is a gorgeous shade of bright blue. It is certainly a place that must be visited in Oregon!

Words not necessary!

I took this photo of gorgeous Multnomah Falls located east of Portland, OR. Breathtaking!

Ready for summer!

I can't recall when I last saw the sunshine here in Oregon but boy am I ready for it to return! So are the cats! I think the first day the sun shines through the windows, I'll be laying in the sunbeams right beside Angel and Isabella. Our dog, Sadie, just wants it to stop raining so we can go on our walks in the forest again. It was nice here a couple of weeks ago but it was the day I left for Colorado so I missed it. It's been overcast and rainy ever since I returned a week ago. The weathercasters keep teasing us with sun in the forecast but I've yet to see it.

In the summer when the weather is hot here in the Willamette valley, we love to go to the coast where it's usually at least 10 degrees cooler. Sadie absolutely loves the beach. She runs in the surf then all over the sand and back into the water. She sleeps all the way home that's for sure! A good time is had by all!

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Oregon is a beautiful state and very dog friendly so a great place to vacation for pet owners. There are many trails throughout the state that allow dogs plus the beaches are uncrowded so your furbaby can run all over. There's many lodging choices and plenty of outdoor cafes so everyone can have a good time and not be left at home. We just need summer to arrive quicker! All this rain is going to make this a truly beautiful and very green summer!

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