Employees are allowed to bring their dogs to work at Zoot. We stopped by just in time for a fire drill, and made lots of new friends.
Big Bed
The girls are getting used to the camper, even with the shaky feeling that comes from not putting the stabilizers down. Now I just need a dog blanket big enough for this king sized bed!
Stroller
Sadie experienced a bout of severe lameness in her hind quarters, making it difficult for her to walk. She would hobble across the lawn - away from the door - struggling to find the right spot to potty. I'd end up carrying her back home. To save my aching back, I invested in a stroller for my little princess. Now I can take her out when I walk Maddox, and she can recline in comfort while being fawned over by the ladies at the garden center.
Sadie wasn't too sure about the stroller at first. After realizing she could get outside despite her injury, she worked it like a little princess.
K9K8 Year in Review: 2012
Jake and Mathilda wonder who this frosty friend is.
Maddox, Sadie, Rex, and Dakota wait patiently for treats
Get this handsome black man a smoking jacket!
Pooped Maddox sunbathes at the dog park
Does your mom know we’re in here?
Sadie and Mom nap after a long day of play.
Maddox soaks in the sun
Sadie shares her favorite digging spot with Erika at a ShoreDOG work party.
Jake and Sadie ask for cookies at the Starbucks drive-through.
Sadie, Maddox, Rex, and Dakota enjoy frozen treats on a hot day.
Fourth annual DogFest
Sadie and Maddox get treats from Robyn
Sadie sits watch while Maddox patrols the perimeter at Skip & Betty’s house in Sequim. Having a fenced yard is a nice vacation from the 720-sqft condo in the city.
Maddox has turned the back of my couch into a hammock.
Crazy Maddox
I love watching this little girl run like a spastic freak.
K9K8 Year in Review: 2011
Lots of snuggles and romping through the woods with furry friends Shep, Della, and Edgar.
Maddox slips into her little pink nightie for a snuggle with Shep.
As it turns out, I’m being parodied by Pemco’s “A Lot Like You” advertising campaign. (Okay, of course it’s not really about me… but how funny is this?) In Northwest Profile #23, the Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Lady is armed with treats and a latte, and coos at her best friends as they frolic at the park. Yep, sounds all too familiar.
Maddox in the cocoon bed
Sadie is queen of the queen… she loves to claim the prime spot on top of all the pillows.
Girls take turns digging in the soft dirt at the Shoreview Dog Park
Maddox, Della, and Sadie hiking at Rattlesnake Ledge
HOLY @#%@ THOSE ARE SOME BIG DOGS! Sadie encountered these llamas during our hike and frantically raced back down the trail to warn me.
Rainy Day Dogs
ShoreDOG’s third annual DogFest
Shep struts the red carpet in the fashion show
Pie eating contest
FlyDogs
Sadie & Kate in the lookalike contest
Maddox, Sadie, and Della are pooped puppies after a long day at DogFest
Babies enjoy treat balls
About two weeks after I had hardwood floors put in, Maddox decided to become afraid of them. For about 7 minutes.
Edgar, Maddox, and Sadie out for a snowshoe at Stevens Pass
Mixed Breed Guessing Game
One wonderful thing about mutts is the guessing game for what breeds they might be. Based on the physical characteristics and personalities of my girls, I made some guesses. Here are some descriptions from PetMD:
Border Collie
If you are looking for the perfect companion to play beach Frisbee with, the Border Collie is for you! The Border Collie is characterized by its incredible agility, high level of energy, intelligence, obedience, and incredible sense of loyalty to his master. Its training ability and responsiveness to praise, meanwhile, are due to its eagerness to please.
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a body that is a bit longer than it is tall. Always alert and aware of its surrounding, the Border Collie has an intelligent expression. When a Border Collie has short hair, its coat remains smooth; as it grows longer, however, the texture of the coat becomes to slightly wavy to rough.
The Border Collie dog appears in many different colors and color combinations, including solid color, bi-color, tri-color, merle, and sable. Random white patches are occasionally found scattered on the dog's body or head, but are usually clear white or ticked. Because of its strong bones, the dog is able to run gracefully and have a tireless gait, changing direction and covering ground almost effortlessly. The Border Collie's stamina and agility also allows it to remain active for long periods of time. - PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT. Highly energetic and enthusiastic, the Border Collie is intelligent, obedient, and loyal towards its master(s). Eager to learn, the Border Collie is most in its element when challenged with difficult tricks and tasks. A lack of activity, conversely, may lead to frustration in the breed. The Border Collie often keeps its distance from strangers, displaying a guarding instinct. It also has a tendency to stare at other animals and chase them.
- CARE. Although the Border Collie can live outside, it prefers be indoors, spending time with its family. The breed is generally not suited for apartment living and should be given regular access to the outdoors. To avoid having a frustrated or ill-mannered Border Collie, provide it plenty of physical and mental exercise daily. An occasional brushing of the hair is recommended, as the Border Collie's coat may become tangled with dead hair.
Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers are sleek, short-coated dogs with a black and mahogany coat. Compact and muscular, they are bred to kill vermin and course small game.
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. This breed combines agility and power to track and kill vermin and small game. It is said that the raciest and the sleekest of terriers is the Manchester Terrier, with its compact, smooth, slightly long, and muscular body and an arched topline. The dog’s gait is effortless and free, while its expression is alert and keen. It has a very glossy and smooth coat.
- PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT. The Manchester Terrier shows a more responsive nature than other terriers and is a very well-mannered house dog (although some have been known to dig incessantly). As it is reserved with strangers, independent, impeccably clean, and sensitive, this terrier is often described as "catlike." It shows utmost devotion to its family, and loves to sleep beside its favorite person. On other occasions, it is rambunctious, looking for a game or adventure
- CARE. Minimal coat care is required for the Machester Terrier. It is an active and alert breed that should be led on moderate on-leash walks, off-lead outings in safe areas, or fun romp in the garden. Although it likes to spend the day in the yard, it should not be allowed to live outdoors and it needs a soft, warm bed.
So, of course, it was entertaining to do the cheek-swab DNA test. These results make me wonder what they were smoking in the lab.
Sadie: Bichon Golden Boxer
I suppose with the brindle and fluff, I can see the overlap with Boxer and Golden. But the Bichon? I'm not buying it.
Maddox: BostRottPyrChiDalstiff
Um, really? Also known as 'coconut retriever', 'heinz 57', and 'fabulous mutt'!
K9K8 Year in Review: 2010
Sadie watches whales on San Juan Island. Maddox naps in the soft salt breeze.
Whidbey Island ice cream break
Furry 5k at Seward Park
Maddox, Rayna, and Pat look out over Rattlesnake Lake.
Sadie is pooped after a hike up Rattlesnake Ledge. We soon learned that a thyroid deficiency was to blame for her energy loss.
Sadie leads the pack up Poo Poo Point after starting thyroid meds
Maddox, Sadie, and Kate watch paragliders take off at Poo Poo Point.
Girls at Blanca Lake
Alpine meadows on the way to Blanca Lake
Are you coming, Mom?
ShoreDOG’s second annual DogFest
My girls show off their good manners.
Two girls on a log
Muppet, Cobi, Sadie, & Maddox sporting their Halloween finery
Sadie on Cobi’s bed: “Does this make my butt look big?”
Basking in the glow of the fire after a day of playing in the snow.
Sadie and I getting our snuggles in.
Happy Maddox
Maddox claims the spot in front of the forced-air heater… regardless of if i have to sit awkwardly to work at my desk.
Poo Poo Point, Issaquah, WA
Looking out over the paragliders
Sadie gets her roll going.
Wheeee!
Option 1: From Issaquah High School
7.2 mile out-and-back trail
Option 2: Chirico Trail
3.8 mile out-and-back trail
Maddox has a Type
Maddox has a lot of boyfriends.
Does your mom know we're in here?
Maddox slipped into a cozy pink nightie for a romantic evening with boyfriend.
I can't help but notice how much Rex looks like Hugh Hefner surrounded by lovely ladies. Get this black lab a smoking jacket!
K9K8 Year in Review: 2009
Snuggling
Maddox, Cobi and Sadie snuggle with Kate on the couch.
Sadie holds hands
Maddox, Kate, Sonja, Jeremy, and Sadie at Double Bluff on Whidbey Island, Washington.
Maddox the mountain goat climbs the bluff
Sadie and Maddox explore the beach on a foggy morning.
ShoreDOG
I became involved with the non-profit organization vested in creating and maintaining off-leash dog areas in the city of Shoreline. We worked with city officials to identify good candidate locations and launch pilot programs. We hosted work parties and a big summer festival.
Getting the border ready for fencing
Kate and Erika bundled up for cold-weather brush pulling
Clearing brush, picking up poop, and spreading mulch is a common assignment at work parties.
Official Leash-cutting on April 25, 2009
First Annual Dog Fest
2009 DogFest Poster by Sonya Reasor
Bumblebee Maddox
Mom, are you coming?
Herding Shep
Kissing Shep
LOW LOW TIDE at Edmonds Dog Park
I kept a close eye on the tide charts, and wrangled everyone I knew to come with me to enjoy LOW LOW TIDE.
The pier has been removed since this photo was taken, but it gives you a sense of where the dog park ends and the humans-only park begins. Also, I usually made a point of being out at the end of the sand spit when tide was lowest, so it's just starting to appear when I took the photo.
Important to know before you go:
- Most critical: Know where the railroad tracks are. Know how close you can trust your dog to stay to you. There will be shallow-ish water separating the spit from the shore, so that helps create a natural barrier.
- Know what time the low low tide peaks. (2b: Bring something to tell time with.)
- Wear stuff - including shoes - that can get wet. There will be a swath of shore that is both prickly and slimy (barnacles and seaweed) at the same time. Sandals with good grip are the best.
- Get there early... parking will be a nightmare if you don't. I always tried to get there 90 mins before the lowest tide point.
- Bring lots of fresh water and a dog bowl. Thirsty dogs + saltwater drinking = diarrhea.
- If you're luck enough to get there on a sunny day, bring sunscreen.
Here you can see the muck you need to traverse before you get to the spit. Tide is just starting to go out, and there are already people (and Sadie) out on the sand spit. The water is probably knee-deep, and Maddox needs some convincing to cross it.
Okay, so... how do you know the best times to go? Well... SCIENCE.
Pick a tide chart... the interweb has about a million. The NOAA site offers a monthly graphic chart that makes it easy to pick out the best days. Find the lowest low tides... anything negative will do, but -2' (read: minus-two-feet) and lower is best. If the only low-tide day with a nice weather forecast is a workday, manage to take it off. IT'S WORTH IT. Plan your day around it. Hell, plan your month around it.
In the example below (June 2018), there's a super low tide (-3.308') that hits its peak at around 1:30 in the afternoon on a Saturday. Start walking out in your water sandals and capri pants so you're already way out on the spit by the time the low tide is at its lowest. You'll want to keep an eye on the time, and notice when the sand spit starts to shrink on you... that's when to start making your way back to shore. The out-and-back usually takes us about 2 hours, since we sniff and play and swim and chase.
K9K8 Year in Review: 2008
Our second year together has been fabulous, and I have gathered some pics from my favorite memories to share.
First Anniversary
My ladies show off their dainty table manners at our one year anniversary celebration at the Dining Dog Cafe in Edmonds, Washington. See the full post here.
Playing
Girls in their new winter coats
It's Wild Kingdom day at the beach
Day on the Ranch
See the full post here.
Maddox got to meet a horse!
Riding together in the truck through the back forty(fish) of Juliann's ranch.
Tired after a day on Julann's ranch in Marysville.
Camping at Lake Wenatchee, Memorial Day 2008
Camping with Jeremy and Pat at Lake Wenatchee. When the rain and the mosquitos drove us inside for most of the evening, I decided that the girls and I needed a bigger tent. Sadie and Maddox claimed the majority of the floor space in my 2-person backpacking tent, leaving me to squeeze myself into the corner.
A perfectly peaceful morning in the woods... except for the bored puppies anxious to escape the tent. We went for a hike at dawn to avoid annoying the entire campground.
Our array of tents
Maddox shows off now nimble and agile she is.
SHIT! This log rolls! Sadie goes for a dunk.
Jeremy, Kate, Pat, Sadie, Maddox
Furry 5k, June 2008
My Subaru fit five dogs and three people. These tired pups slept on the ride home after a very exciting morning.
July 2008: Auntie Bec brought fun floppy frisbees for the girls, and came to the beach with us at low tide. Want details on the best time to hit the beach? Check out low low tide at Edmonds Dog Park.
Heading back to shore after getting nice and tired running through the sand and water.
August 2008: Mom's visit brought snuggly custom-knit sweaters and trips to Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA. The video quality is atrocious, but i guess that's what you get from a PocketPC-circa-2008 phone. The important thing is that you can tell how much fun the girls are having.
Sweaters knitted with love by Grandma
Sept 14, 2008: Island Dog Reunion Day at Magnussen Park
September 2008: Visit with Dad.
We explore the dock at ELWC each morning.
Snuggling in the grass at Gas Works Park in Seattle.
Golden Gardens
Snuggling on the big bed
Playing and Playing and Playing
Abby practices "Check In" with all the fur babies.
Best. Mulch. Ever.
Friends on a log at Magnussen Park
Snuggly ride home after a fun day
Cobi, Maddox, Kate, and Sadie top the mulch pile at Marymoor Park.
Day on the Ranch
The girls and I drove up to visit Julann at her ranch in Marysville, WA. We met her horse, practiced the lasso, and rode together in the back of the pickup.
First Adoptiversary Party
Party goers enjoy treats at the Dining Dog Cafe in Edmonds, WA. We started with appetizers, cocktails, and ended with a specially-made pet-safe cake.
K9K8 Year in Review: 2007
My girls were born on the streets of Saint Martin (or Sint Maarten, depending on where they chose to roam) in the Caribbean. A group named the Animal Rescue League partnered with SXM PAWS to rescue and find loving homes for feral island dogs.
My neighbor at Echo Lake was in the process of adopting Maddox in December 2006. As she watched me fawn over the little black puppy, she convinced me to reach out to Mary Kate McDermott, who had another dog who had been flown to Seattle along with Maddox in an attempt to find them loving forever homes.
Welcome Home Sadie!
Sadie playing at the doggie daycare owned by her foster mom.
Despite consistent meals since her rescue in November 2006, Sadie was still underweight. (Shown here in January 2007 at about 25 lbs.) We overcame her food aggression with lots of practice and consistency.
Shy and nervous at our first introduction. We visited for about 2 hours, and I knew I'd see her again the following weekend.
First morning at her new home.
She picked out this giant bone at our first trip to Petco.
My Caribbean mutt doesn't know what to make of this snowy Seattle morning. (Neither do most Seattleites, for that matter.) I adore this little muppet-fuzz bed head.
Our very first outing... meeting my friend Jeremy at the Seattle Arboretum after a dusting of snow. This MLK weekend was a 'trial' period... but who was I kidding? I was in love. We even had matching hair.
Cold bum.
Playing with our first new toy: shaggy stuffed squeaky moose, which was a gift from my neighbor Meredeth.
An upgraded bed.
Sadie prances around Magnussen dog park in Seattle, WA.
WELCOME HOME MADDOX!
When I met Maddox, she had already been adopted (almost?) by my neighbor. She was quick and clever, and not a great match for my neighbor and her 102-pound dumb-as-a-box-of-hammers bulldog. When the bulldog needed knee surgery and bed rest, Maddox went back to the rescue organization. While I respected the decision, there was no way I could let Maddox become a stranger's pet. I immediately called Mary Kate and told her I wanted to adopt Maddox.
Baby Maddox in her little pink sweatshirt.
Mange had caused hair loss around Maddox's eyes and lips.
Sadie: You must recognize my dominance and surrender that delicious treat.
Maddox: Huh? I can't hear you... I was too busy chewing on this delicious treat.
The origin of our "out of the kitchen" routine.
PLAYDATES
The track at Shoreline Community College was never used, except by local off-leash dogs.
Reading the daily news
Are you standing on the log? I want to stand on the log too.
Zoom ZOOM ZOOOOOM!
Flying through the woods at Shoreview Park, in Shoreline WA.
Muddy paws
Baywatch Sadie
Edmonds Dog Park
Girls after a summer walk around Green Lake.
Sunbathing on the deck of the Echo Lake Condo.
Maddox suffered through 10-minute sudsing to combat her mange. The first time I didn't realize how chilly she would get... and I felt TERRIBLE keeping her there shivering.
After that, I used a space heater to roast the bathroom up to a toasty 85 degrees prior to kicking off her bath.
Kate & girls at the Furry 5k
Laura and Mathilda
Laura doles out treats to Sadie, Chas, Maddox, Mathilda, and Buster.
Girls bask in the afternoon sun shining on the stairwell landing
Maddox is cozy... Sadie seems unimpressed.
Girls at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon
In theory, backpacks would give my girls a job and tire them out more on walks. As it turns out, Sadie is so well mannered that when the backpack touched the chair on her way past, she stopped and woulnd’t go any further. My goofy girl.
Waiting patiently to be invited up on the bed.
Sadie and Maddox play chase at the Island Dog Reunion
Happy reunion with Mary Kate
Stockings for my girls on our first Christmas
Sadie has a conversation with Uncle Skip during our visit to Sequim.
BFF Mathilda
Ladies at the Beach
Running through the Woods
My girls love to gallop through the woods.
Sadie cools her paws in the stream. Don't worry... she's clever enough to go around.
Running Leaping Chasing Romping
SO. MUCH. FUN.
