Snow Angels

Saturday, December 13 we woke up to snow. A bit unusual for the central Willamette Valley. For the first 2 days, we were all excited. Gracie more than most. She loves the snow. She loves to run through it, scoop it up with her nose and roll around in it.

The snow and ice persisted through the week. Definitely unusual for Salem. This past Sunday, we had an ice storm, while our neighbor 45 miles north, Portland, had more snow than it had seen in many years.

Late Sunday evening the temperature finally pushed passed freezing and the ice began to melt. Large chunks of ice broke from the fir trees surrounding my house and landed on the roof or ground with loud WHOMPS! I was afraid to let Gracie out back for her nightly rituals for fear one my clunk on her head. She was a bit worried too, so decided to play it safe and peed on the deck instead. Smart girl. But I did tell her not to get use to that.

This morning, we awoke at our usual time for a work day. By 6 a.m. the snow was falling very heavy. Wait...didn't the weatherman say Salem was the cut off for the cold weather? We were suppose to be a balmy 40 degrees today. Nope. All snow...all day.

Gracie and I enjoyed a snow day from work. We took two walks around the neighborhood. The damage from the ice storm was great. Many down trees and large limbs. Gracie was more interested in making snow angels, though.

Just keep swimming

Today Gracie and I visited Corvallis. A bit dicey for us in our bright yellow Escape with Unversity of Oregon license plates. (I did check - there was no OSU home game, so I felt relatively safe in the Beaver Nation.)

The reason for our visit was the annual dog swim at the Corvallis Aquatic Center. This is the day the outdoor pools are open for dogs to swim. Gracie and I have been to the Western Oregon University dog swim each August, but this was our first venture to the Corvallis pool. And what a set up! There were two outdoor swim areas. For $5, Gracie swam for an hour. Her favorite activity was waiting for me to toss her bright orange float into the pool. Then she would leap from the side of the pool and swim at top speed to retrieve the float. Sometimes she would find the stairs, other times she would paddle to the side where I would help her out of the water.

Just like our visits to the dog park, I can tell this is something she really enjoys. And I enjoy watching her have so much fun.

There were probably 30 dogs or more in the pool area. The set up included a traditional lap pool as well as a pool you might see at water park. Most of the dogs were enjoying that pool because it was much more shallow and most dogs could easily touch bottom.

I watched one golden retriever attempt to retrieve his ball by standing tip-toe on the edge of the pool and then reaching one tentative paw into the water. He wanted that ball, but not bad enough to get all the way in.

What a great fund raiser for the pool and what a fun day for Gracie and for me.

O'Possum, Where art thou?

September typically brings a wonderful Indian Summer to Oregon and this year is no different. The mornings start off cool. Then the days warm up (sometimes too warm! we're back in the 90s again) and the evening breeze kicks in around 7 p.m. and makes for a pleasant night. Saturday was just like this. I had all the windows and screen doors open enjoying the cooling breeze through the house. It was a nice change from the AC. Gracie was up to something in one of the back bedrooms - it's hard to know sometimes. And then I heard a slight scratching noise by the front porch. It was a soft noise, but one that Gracie heard from the netherworld of the back of the house. She came charging down the hallyway to the front window and arrived in time to see two opossums crawl out from under the front porch. In a flash, she hit the window screen, which promptly popped out. It was only because I was close by that I got my arms around her waist as she was half way out the window. I'm surprised the opossums didn't keel over right then, but instead they scampered off toward the neighbor's house. Gracie gave them a few parting barks that would make a grown man go weak. I haven't seen the opposum twins lately, so I'm hoping the notion of a dog for an upstairs neighbor was not appealing to them.

I'm reminded of a story from my friend, Steve. He has a golden retriever named Jiggs who has about a million stuffed dog toys. One such toy is a opossum. During Steve's evening ritual of collecting the stuffed toys from the yard, he picked up the stuffed opossum, but if felt a bit different. It wasn't a toy. It was, in fact, a young neighborhood opossum that Jiggs had startled into paralysis. Ugh...

Brother, can you spare a sock?

Just last Tuesday, I was coming out of the bathroom after performing my nightly "get ready for bed" rituals only to find Gracie sitting by the open closet door smacking her lips.

"What have you done?" I inquired. She declined to answer.

I glanced quickly around the closet. My gaze landed on the laundry hamper. The two blue dress socks I had placed in there earlier in the evening were gone. In addition, a lone black sock peeked out from under a white t-shirt.

I spun around and grabbed Gracie on either side of her face. I pressed my nose to hers. "Why?! Why would you eat those socks?" I asked her. Again, she declined to answer.

I've been on sock watch for a week. There's been much pooping and no vomiting (thank goodness!) To be honest, I'm not sure if the socks have completed the process yet. I try not to look too closely.

Sunday at the Parks

It was a lazy Sunday morning. Finally about 9 a.m., Gracie and I made our way to the dog park. There was a crisp hint of fall in the air. Not too surprisingly, the dog park parking lot was almost full. We got one of the last spots. The dogs at the park will feeling the friskiness that comes with the cooler temperatures and the treat of being off leash.

Gracie trotted around the park with her prized tennis ball. I got to throw it once - when we first arrived. I managed to "trade for it" with a favorite treat. But after that, she packed it around. It's almost like a security blanket for her.

Later Sunday, we both were feeling a bit restless and headed down to Bush Park. Leashes are required here, but that's OK. Birthday parties were in full swing at the various picnic tables. There was a great game of Frisbee football underway. Gracie tried to rifle through the players discarded sweatshirts in search of missing morsel of food. She found none.

Rain clouds on the horizon were threaten, but the breeze seem to be pushing the rain anywhere but where we were walking. I know the rain falls on the just and unjust alike, but on Sunday, the showers moved on without dampening our spirits.

The two long strolls at the parks on Sunday gave way to a very restful sleep last night (that, and also not having to go to work today!). Say what you will about Salem, but for parks and spending time with your best pal, it can't be beat.

Lost balls

The April snow and hail showers have stopped and Spring seems desperate to peek through. The dog park is undergoing a transformation. The wet sloppy field is giving way to lush green grass which is growing tall and thick. This is the time of year that the tennis balls go missing.

I try to buy Gracie the bright orange and blue Chuck It or fluorescent green tennis balls so that I can find them when she loses interest and "accidentally" leaves them behind. But even at that we frequently lose a ball this time of year.

One day soon the city will come out and mow the field. Dogs will then discover the eviscerated carcasses of long lost tennis balls lying in the field. It will look like the long shot of the confederate soldiers lying in the train station from the movie Gone With the Wind. Softly, in the background - or your imagination - you'll hear the soft sounds of Taps being played.

What the hail?!

Saturday - April 12 - Salem, Oregon 75 degrees.

Saturday - April 19 - Salem, Oregon 43 degrees, snow and hail.

What a difference a week makes. During the winter months, I got pretty good at judging the rain the clouds on the horizon. I could look out my west facing window at home and determine if Gracie and I had time to get to the dog park and back without getting soaked. I was pretty darn accurate in my assessments. This April has been completely different though. Yesterday, a patch of blue sky finally burst through the gray clouds. I scanned the horizon and it looked like the next ban of rain/snow was stuck on the coast range. So Gracie and I headed for the park. As soon as I pulled into the lot. The dark clouds descended. Uh oh...I said to Gracie. But being the dog park troopers that we are, we went forth. About half way around the path, the hail started. Gracie didn't seem to mind though. She had her ball and plenty of P-Mail to check. I wouldn't have minded as much if the wind hadn't been blowing those tiny missles into my face. On the back side of the loop, the sun once again emerged and shone with so fierceness that steam began to float up from the bark trail. Suddenly my black parka that had been so toasty warm a few minutes ago was unbearably hot. By the time we got back to the car, another ban of ominous clouds was covering the park. New arrivals were trying to guage their chances. But for the most part, I think we dog park goers are a hardy bunch. What's a little hail when your best pal is romping with joy through the spring grass!

R.O.U.S.

Buttercup: Westley, what about the R.O.U.S.'s?

Westley: Rodents Of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist.

-- from The Princess Bride

Tails of neglect?

Gracie and I were at the park a few days ago enjoying the dry spell between spring showers. I was lost in thought as I ambled along the bark dust trail. It finally occurred to me to check on Gracie and when I turned around she was no where to be seen. I brief moment of panic swept through me, but then I saw her, nearly half a field length away sitting in front of someone who was giving her treats. I called to her. "Gracie! Come!" She looked around the person's legs at me, ears up, acknowledging my call. But she turned her attention back to her benefactor. "Gracie! Come!" I shouted. Torn between the desire for food and the desire to obey, she finally opted to obey and came running toward me at top speed. But the rest of our walk was punctuated with her dashing off to get pats, words of affirmation and an occasional treat from other park-goers. At one point I joked with another person about how Gracie gets no attention or love at home.

I've probably said this before, but Gracie knows no stranger at the park. She is willing to see the good - or at least the potential for good - in each person there. She makes no predetermined judgments based on clothing, skin color or gender. Sometimes I worry that her friendly disposition will cause her to go off with just anyone. But them I'm reminded of our close connection. I see evidence of it when she runs at top speed to catch up with me, when she leans into my legs, and when she snuffles my neck after I load her in the back of the truck. I think she knows we have a pretty good life together.

After a hard play at the dog park.

Daylight Savings Time

The loss of one hour last Saturday has provided Gracie and me with extra daylight in the evenings and we have resumed our weekday trips to Minto. The parking lot on Wednesday was almost full and I expect more and more dogs and people will start returning to the park in the evenings, especially as the weather improves.

Whippet Wednesday seems to be back in action again. When Gracie was still young, she fancied herself a Whippet. She would hang out with that pack. It was a silly sight - several thin-legged, almost frail looking Whippets and then thick-bodied, block-headed Gracie in their midst. She would chase one of them and just as she was about to over take him, the Whippet would kick in his jet engine and disappear in a puff of smoke. Gracie would stagger to a stop and look back at me as if to say: "no fair!" As she got older, she realized she was not a Whippet and that they did not enjoy the same games she did (wrestling in the mud). Happily, there are plenty of labs at the park to accommodate her type of play!

While it always takes me a week or so to adjust to the switch in time, I am grateful for the extra daylight (and happily this week the lack of rain in the evening) to spend time with Grace at the dog park.

A Tail of Two Dog Parks

Gracie and I hit the road yesterday for an overnight trip to Roseburg. Before I left, I checked Google for off leash dog parks in the area. Oregon Dog Fun has a great listing of dog parks from Portland to Ashland.

After checking into our dog friendly hotel (Holiday Inn Express) in Roseburg, Gracie and I headed for their dog park. Happy Tails Dog park is a fenced park - probably an acre or two. It has trees, several benches, a covered seating area for humans and two watering stations complete with those plastic kiddy pools - I bet those are well used in the summer months! When we arrived, Gracie and her pal, Hanna, were the only dogs there. Then bit by bit more dogs arrived including a 2 year old great dane who though Hanna (a pint size rat terrier) was a great playmate. Hanna didn't agree, so she headed straight for Gracie and stood underneath her until the great dane was distracted by other new arrivals. Gracie had a brief tussle with a golden retriever who didn't quite understand how Gracie wanted to play wrestle. Gracie has taught her pals at Minto that she can knock them down and then they can knock her down. This golden knocked her down, but wouldn't let her back up. As dogs often do though, there were no hard feelings and the two went on their separate ways to play other games.

On our way back to Salem today, I stopped off in Eugene to visit Trader Joes (will we ever get one in Salem?!). In my prior visits to Eugene, Gracie and I had visited the off leash dog park at Alton Baker Park. We stopped by there again today. This off leash park is also fenced. It is bigger than Happy Tails, but not as big as Minto. It also had two watering stations along with a covered seating area. Lots of dogs were already there. Gracie was pretty warn out from our other adventures, so we did a quick loop around the dog park and headed home.

I really appreciate the wide open space we have at Minto. The fenced parks are nice when the area is smaller, though. The fencing also is helpful for dogs and humans new to off leash areas. I guess if I was envious about anything, it was the watering stations and the covered seating areas. It sure would be nice to have potable water available at Minto - in the summer for hydration and in the winter for washing away the mud.

I think it is wonderful that Oregon has so many off leash areas for the dogs. Gracie and I are going to plan more trips to check these other park areas. Maybe we can bring some ideas back to make Minto even more special.

This I believe

This I Believe is a national media project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. I recently read an essay by David Buetow, an attorney from Chicago. His essay begins: "I believe in my dog." (For more, here's the link to David's essay.)

I thought about his words today while I was at the dog park. It was another sunny day in Salem and the park was full. Despite my previous gripes, I do enjoy seeing the park well used and well enjoyed. Gracie and I met two other Gracies. One was a yellow lab teasing the dogs in her area with a Wubba. The other Gracie was just 4 months old and it was her first visit to the park. You could tell by the way she stood close to her companion that she thought the park was big and loud and she didn't understand why these other Gracies liked to tug on the Wubba. When my Gracie and the yellow lab Gracie collapsed on the ground exhausted from the game, puppy Gracie inched over to the Wubba to check it out. What was this mysterious thing that was so captivating? At the last second my Gracie's big brown paw shot forward to grab the toy. Puppy Gracie scurried back to her companion.

I believe in my dog. I believe in the way she plays - full tilt until she collapses. I admire her ability to make friends with both other dogs and humans. She never waits for an invitation, but just knows that she'll get a pat and a kind word (and maybe, just maybe, a treat) from whoever is close by. I marvel at how gentle she is with puppies (and kids) and then how rough and tumble she is when playing with the big dogs. This once incorrigible puppy, has turned into an amazing dog. My amazing Grace.

Sunday at the park

After doing some yard work this morning, Gracie and I headed to the dog park to catch up on the Sunday action. Since it wasn't raining, I was expecting there to be a lot of people. There were. Cars once again lined up along the road and in the field. Happily a few cars were pulling out of the lot as I arrived so Gracie and I had a good spot.

Gracie's pal (and erstwhile boyfriend) Quinn was trying to get someone, anyone, to play tug with him and his rope toy. Meanwhile, Quinn's human companion Robirda was collecting signatures to present to the city requesting a larger parking area. After signing the petition, Gracie and I wandered toward the trail loop.

While the dogs were busy playing in the field, a group of humans were busy spreading barkdust on the trail loop. Gracie dashed over to her favorite mound of barkdust to supervise the action. She checked in with each laborer and expressed her own form of appreciation for their efforts. As I walked by, I also thanked them for making park nice.

In the three years since I've been regularly attending the dog park, I've noticed a growing sense of community among the dog owners. People are taking a more active interest in caring for and improving the park area. As far as I know there is no formal leader, no hired figure directing the action, no one person calling the shots. Instead, it seems like each person is looking into his or her own heart and offering a piece of him/herself for the betterment of the community.

Once again, I've learned another valuable lesson at the dog park.

Perspective - It's a good thing

My friend Steve has recently reminded me that a even a bad day at the dog park beats a good day at work.

I am also grateful for the other devoted dog park fans who spend their time at the park spreading barkdust on the trails and encouraing good stewardship of the area.

The sun is shining - and I am happy.

The sun is shining - I should be happy

What a great weekend. The weather gods have teased us with spring-like weather. It's been cool, but perfect for long walks at the park. I should be happy, but...

This kind of weather brings many people to the off leash dog park at Minto. The parking lot is frequently full to overflowing. Dogs bound around the park woofing "free at last! free at last!"

Along with the good weather, though, I'm reminded of my pet peeves (pardon the pun) about the dog park - or, more fairly, about the people at the dog park. Here's a list, in no particular order:


1. Pick up after your dog. The signs say to do it. Others provide the example to do it. There are free poop bags everywhere. So why can't you pick up after your dog?

2. Put the full bag in the garbage can. Yes, I suppose if you own a 200 pound animal, it could be quite a burden to pack a bag of dog poop around the park. Happily, the city of Salem has placed numerous garbage cans at either end of the park for your convenience. If you've gone to the trouble to scoop the poop, please take the extra step of depositing it in the garbage can.



3. Attend to your dog. The park is not a free day care center where you can drop off your dog and then sit in your car unaware. Your dog wants to spend time with you too. So go with him on the walk.

4. Socialize your dog. If this is Fido's first trip (or even second or third), help him adjust to all the new sights and smells. If you're not sure how he'll interact with other dogs, take him off on his own for a while until he can get his bearings. Introduce him to one dog at a time. Stay away for the larger packs of dogs near the parking lot if your not sure how he'll respond. Ease him in to the fun at the park. You'll both have a better time.

5. Parking is for dog park users. Nothing makes me "grrrrr" more than seeing a runner or bike rider use the gravel parking lot as a starting off point for their adventure. Their are two other larger parking lots in the park. Use them.

6. While on the topic of the runners and bike riders, Minto-Brown has miles of paved and barked trails for runners and riders. Why must you use the trail in the off leash area? You are there without a dog and then fuss when a dog chases after you. (See Pet Peeve #7)

7. Small children running through the park. Nothing engages a dogs prey drive like a small critter (animal or human) dashing in front of them. Keep an eye on your kids. If you're going to let them run pell mell through the dog area, make sure they know what to do when a dog wants to join in the play. (Screaming is probably not a good option.)

My most profound observation about life at the dog park is simply this: the dogs behave better than the humans. They play without reservation and when they are done, they go their separate ways, no hurt feelings, no gamesmanship. Lets all resolve to watch our dogs at the park and see if we can't learn to be better humans. And, please...pick up the poop!

Find me

"Don't always keep your dog on a leash if you want him to be attached to you."
-- A. Willametz

Gracie and I have a game we play at home called "Find Me." I hide some where in the house and call out to Gracie to find me. She completes a methodical room by room search until she locates me. When she finds me, she wags her tail and bangs her body into my legs. I hug her neck and thank her for finding me.

I thought this was just one of the many quirky games I make up to entertain both me and Gracie until I read a section in Tamar Geller's book The Loved Dog entitled "Love and Connection." The premise of this section is that dogs need to feel connected to their owners. Geller writes: "It is not enough just to exercise your dog, give her some food and then put her away like a toy until you feel like taking her out again. They need to know that even with some physical distance, you are still there for them, always connected."

When I first starting taking Gracie to the dog park, I was nervous letting her off the leash. As a young dog, she was unpredictable about coming when called. But as I expressed confidence in her, she gained confidence and now "finds me" often in the park. This was best exhibited last November following my foot surgery. My sister and I took Gracie to the dog park. I sat at one of the picnic tables while my sister walked the trail. Gracie was torn between her two people. I told her to go play, but she would only get so far down the path before she would run back to check on me. Finally, she connected enough with my sister to stay with her on the backside of the trail. As a fine mist began to fall, I hobbled back to the car. As Gracie rounded the corner she looked toward the picnic table for where she thought I would be. I was gone. From the car I could see panic set in. She stood on her tip toes looking for me. I got back out of the car as quickly as I could, and called for her. Her forward-pitched ears caught the sound and she came running toward me as fast as she could run.

I hugged her neck. "Yea!" I said, "You found me!"

A Grace-Full Life

By Friday last week, both Gracie and my cat, Mungo, were on my last nerve. I attributed this to the rainy weather keeping us cooped up indoors - or at the very least, encased in waterproof nylon to venture outdoors. So it was with some amount of joy that I dropped Gracie off at her West Salem farm for the weekend, while I made my annual pilgramage to Cannon Beach for the Dayspring Women's Retreat. Unfortunately, as I dropped her off with her pal Heidi, Gracie let out a series of seal-like barking coughs. I paused in mid-delivery of her. "I think her throat is a bit scratchy. Sometimes she coughs like this." I left her behind at the farm and headed to the coast. All day Saturday I expected a call to come fetch my Camille. Happily, no call came.

I missed Gracie (and Mungo, too) while I was gone. As much as I wanted a break from the daily demands both dog and cat place on me, I so enjoy those grace-fill moments. Of recent, it occurs when I'm sitting on the couch, Gracie is stretched out beside me and Mungo is asleep on the cushion behind my head.

The title speaks to a day, a week, a month, a life full of Gracie and full of God's grace. Two things I most decidedly need to be happy and content.

At Last!

A dry day in Salem. After what seems like weeks of rain and/or snow, small patches of blue sky peeked through the gray clouds. I had almost forgotten how great it was to be at the dog park in dry weather.

For the most part, I don't think the dogs really mind the weather. But the human companions seem in better spirits. Gracie saw some pals she hadn't seen for a while - Quinn and Honeydew. She played with some new dogs as well. For the most part, she seemed content to carry her tennis ball and sniff the occasional clump of grass.

If you ever need a "pick-me-up," head to the dog park on a weekend. Watch the dogs leap from their cars and run across the field. Look how they are happy to see everyone.

I know this summer I'll be complaining about the hot, dry weather. But for today, it was a special treat to not have to wear full rain gear and carry an umbrella.

Manners - doggie style

When Gracie was about 6 months old, we began our regular outings to the dog park. On our first few visits, I would point out things I thought she should know. For example, I explained to her that Border Collies were there to play ball or Frisbee. They would not think she was cute and play tag with her. I also explained that some German Shepherds can be very friendly, while others might be standoffish. She should proceed to introductions carefully. And of course, I told her that some boys just couldn't control themselves - neutered or not - and so if all else failed, she should just sit down and tell them to go away.
Of course, the best lessons were taught to her by other dogs. Her first lesson in manners came from three Cattle dogs who did not appreciate her Lab enthusiasm in their midst. Thereafter, Gracie would approach a group of dogs with a bit more deference, showing her submissive side until the unspoken "all clear" sign was given.
Gracie is not a submissive dog by nature, so learning this form of etiquette was a challenge for her. Now almost 3 years old, she will show a modicum of submission when first meeting new dogs, but it is clear that she wants to be in charge.
The only exception is with a dog name Hunter. Hunter is a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. We see him mostly on the weekends when we arrive early enough at the park. Hunter has never made any aggressive moves toward Gracie, but when she sees him on the path, she sinks into full submissive mode. Her tails scoops under her belly, she bows her head and looks away. All 85 pounds of her seem to magically melt into a very small dog. She will even step off the trail. Hunter trots by her with barely a glance in her direction. Once he is several yards down the trail, Gracie is herself again.
I marvel at the complex social structures created by the dogs at the dog park. I'm sure there are lessons there for us humans as well.

Learning a Second Language

My friend Steve is thinking about retiring to Mexico. His retirement date is a aways off, but he's making an attempt to learn Spanish in the meantime. This got me thinking about learning to speak dog.

I'm frequently amazed at how well Gracie communicates with me. Between her facial expressions, body language and bark, I almost always interpret her message correctly. I suspect this comes from us spending so much time together - much as it would with a human companion.

Gracie didn't bark until she was about 7 months old. It surprised both of us when she finally let out her first "woof." As any proud parent would, I went to great lengths to share this experience with my friends. As friends of indulgent parents do, they listened thoughtfully and did not roll their eyes (at least not in my presence).

Gracie mostly barks to alert me to some important occurrence in the neighborhood:

• The warning bark: this sounds like a muffled "woof." Her checks puff out air to make the sound. It almost sounds like a human "huh?" or "what?" Her ears prick up and her upper body tightens. I can provoke the warning bark by asking her if she has seen Romeo, the hapless neighbor cat who likes to sit in the street and dodge cars. The mere mention of his name engages the warning bark and requires the household to increase it's threat level to Yellow.
• The alarm bark: this is the "woof" without the f at the end. It sounds like "Woowoowoowooowooo!" with a staccato beat. By now her legs have stiffen and with each "woo" her front legs bounce off the floor. The hair on back stands on point signifying the threat level has been raised to Orange.
• The "make my day" bark: This bark is a series of repeated "woowoowoo" with some "grrrrrrrrs" thrown in and sometimes a gnashing of teeth. The bark usually only surfaces when a neighborhood dog dares to walk past our front window. This is the bark where Gracie ceases to be the stereotypical Labrador clown and becomes the intimidating guard dog. The threat level has moved to Red.

Gracie also has a playful bark that she uses to wheedle more food out of me. This bark consists of her standing in the kitchen staring longingly at the cupboard where her food is stored. She then checks to see if I'm watching. If I am, she perks her ears forward and smiles at me. Then bowing forward, she gives me a "wwuuuuuvvv" type sound followed by a front paw to the cupboard. If I'm too obtuse to understand, the behavior continues until I give in.

How does your dog communicate with you? How have you learned to listen to and understand his or her language?

Book Review: From Baghdad, With Love

From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War and a Dog Named Lava

by Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman with Melinda Roth

I admit it - I tend to judge a book by its cover. That's probably why I picked up this book in the first place. It was difficult to resist the sweet innocent puppy face that graced the cover. I'm sure my eyes next traveled to the title. Baghdad, huh. I didn't think they liked dogs much over there. As it turns out an Iraqi will save Lava's life, all the while denying he gives two hoots about dogs.

Lava becomes a symbol for Lt. Col. Kopelman. Lava is the last innocent in Kopelman's crazy existence. War thunders around him. Burned out cars along the road are blowing up as the marines drive by. The Iraqi soldiers he was sent to train may or may not show up to battle on any given day. Lava brings normality to Kopelman's daily activities. He is the reminder of home - what's more free than tossing the Frisbee with your dog at the park?

While Kopelman makes a few comments about the our involvement in Iraqi, the story is really about a rescue. An attempt to save one dog and in turn, the soul of one man. Spoiler alert: Lava makes it home. The writing is clear and crisp adding to the tension and drama. Happily there are photos of a well-fed Lava romping in a California dog park. The sure sign of a happy ending.

I wanted to share two passages:

"One morning I wake up and find Lava sitting near my sleeping bag staring at me with his left ear flapped forward and the remains of a toothpaste tube stuffed in his mouth. "Morning," I say. He replies with a minty belch and then barfs up standard-issue Colgate all over my sleeping bag."

And this one, the most poignant of all. Kopelman makes it back to the States before Lava does. He is waiting word:

"And then the email arrives. But instead of opening it, you sit there and stare at the computer... Then you open it.

Iraq closes its borders with Jordan. Four Romanian journalists are kidnapped in Baghdad. A major US newspaper reports that "mental disorders" among Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are on the rise.

Then you read it.

Car bombs kill eleven more in Baghdad.

As of 1600 hours Iraq time, Lava is out of the country.

Twenty US troops are wounded at the Abu Ghraib prison attack.

And for the second time in your adult life, you break down and cry."

So if you are looking for a good read, I highly recommend this book. If you've read it, let me know your thoughts.

The bulletin board

I tacked a note on the Minto bulletin board this afternoon with the web address for this blog. I'm hoping some folks from the park will feel compelled to check out the writings and leave some of there own.

Strange thing about the dog park - I ran into a woman today that I worked with about 10 or 12 years ago. She recognized me and struck up a conversation. Sometimes this happens. Talking about our dogs seems to be a safe way to make introductions, renew acquaintances and build community. This is a big help for someone like me who tends to be more introverted and shy. Fortunately, I have a chocolate lab whose picture is next to the dictionary definition of extrovert and who's not the least bit shy to give a sniff hello and a big kiss on the lips.

Rain, rain and more rain

Only in Oregon can the sun be shining while it is raining. Each day during the winter months I scan the western horizon and try to gauge the direction of the rain clouds. This morning, the sun broke through the gray clouds. I loaded Gracie in the Escape and made my way to Minto. Half way there the rain drops fell on the windshield. I craned my neck to check the clouds - a few high clouds, but a lot of blue sky. Nuts. My grandma use to say there would be three more days of rain if it rained while the sun was out.

Thirty-one years in Oregon has taught me two things: be prepared to enjoy outdoor activities in the rain and always have your rain gear handy. As I parked at the Minto parking lot, I donned my sunglasses, slipped on my rain pants and pulled on my rain parka. I stuffed my gloves in my pocket just in case the wind picked up.

Gracie doesn't need rain gear. Her lab coat provides her with all the protection she needs. So she gets impatient waiting for me to get organized. I hesitate a minute trying to decide if I need to wear my hat - a lovely fashion statement of waterproof material and ear flaps. I leave it behind trusting my growing experience in predicting the weather - the blue sky on the western horizon is overtaking the clouds. This must be the break the weatherman called for.

Gracie danced frantically begging me to throw the ball. She leaped at me several times trying to snatch it from the Chuck It. On her third leap she took me down. I landed unceremoniously in a soup of mud (and I'm afraid to think of what else). I congratulated myself for having the foresight to suit up in my rain gear. I chucked the ball for Grace so she would not feel inclined to "help" me up. As she dashed after her prized tennis ball, I mustered what remaining dignity I had and hobbled back to the car to towel off.

Once upon a time

My favorite dog park story happened long before I had Gracie. Many years ago I would borrow my friend's Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix - a neurotic handful named Fergie, and head to the park for a game of ball. One day while I was there, an older couple were desparately trying to corral their dog and get him in the car. My memory conjures up some type of springer spaniel for this story, but I can't be sure. As the man chased the dog around the park trying to snap the leash on him, the woman stood dejectedly by the car. To anyone who would listen she said: "We wanted grandchildren, but our daughter gave this dog instead." I laughed out loud. Probably not the response she wanted.

The off leash park at Minto Brown is a the McDonald's playland of the dog world. While I don't necessarily believe dogs are small children in fur coats, it is my intention to provide Gracie with a meaningful dog life. So I appreciate this wonderland of open space. Dogs are, after all, pack animals and I think they appreciate the opportunity to be dogs.

Remind me to tell you about Gracie and a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Hunter.

Let the adventure begin

For two years, my dog Gracie and I have been frequent visitors to the off-leash dog park at Minto-Brown. Rain or shine you can usually find us there. Sometimes we're there in the early mornings when the fog is beginning to lift and you can only hear the geese overhead. Other times we're there at mid-day when parking is at a premium and have to take a number to get a spot in the parking lot. And in the summer months we show up as the sun dips behind the giant cottonwood trees.

The park has been a life-saver for me. Gracie is a rambunctious chocolate lab who needs weekly interactions with other people and, especially, other dogs.

I think we are very lucky to have such a large off-leash area in the heart of Salem. I have been "googling" other dog parks in the Willamette Valley to compare features and attributes. I have noticed that some dog parks have volunteer organizations responsible for the maintenance, sustainability and improvement of the park area. Seattle, for example, has a group called COLA (Citizens for Off-Leash Areas) that has been able to bring about significant improvements to their dog parks. Check them out at: http://www.coladog.org/

What kind of things could we do for Minto?

Many of you have spent your weekends spreading barkdust on the trails in an attempt to keep the mud at bay.

Some of you have influence at City Hall and the Parks Department and have been able to secure new gravel for the parking lot and a port-a-potty for the humans to use.

All of us have the capability to keep this off-leash area safe, clean and a fun place to play.

From time to time I'll be posting my observations and dog park stories on this site. If the opportunity comes up, I would also be glad to provide this blog as a forum for brainstorming and organizing ideas for keeping our dog park the happiest place in Salem (with apologies to Disneyland).

Let me hear from you.