The Story of a Borrowed Pup

This is a post that I borrowed from my brother Norman's Facebook page about their "borrowed" dog Alma. I liked the story as much as I liked little Alma so I asked if I could use it in my Blog.

Alma

My Brother Norman and his wife Sarah are not dog people, never were, but then they met Alma - their son-in-law's chronically cute possible-Malt-Chi. Five pounds of fluffy cuteness in perpetual need of grooming. It was love at first head-scritch. She was 12, and starting to find her home (5 other dogs, 4 kids, various cats and small exotics) a bit overwhelming. Norm and Sarah asked if their quiet household could be her old-folks-home and her "owners" (nobody owns Alma - she owns the world) agreed. She came to live with them and they were smitten; as were our entire families (special mention of Norm's mother-in-law Joanie), their neighbours, every kid at the elementary school across the street, and pretty much everyone who had occasion to come to their house (read friends, Amazon drivers, Mormons, and campaigning politicians.)

Norm, Alma & Sarah

Alma spent most of her days on her bed on their couch keeping an eye on them every second of every day looking for clues as to what they might be up to: eating (Which required her participation), heading out for a walk, going someplace fun where other people might be, or heaven forbid, going someplace that didn't allow pets (i.e. cruelly abandoning her).

Out for a walk

She basically lead the life of Riley, hiking, and camping back when she was 100%, chilling on her bed or cuddling up to watch TV or listen to music as she slid into her senior years. She was a happy, cheeky, playful pup till the very end. It turned out that the "very end" was one morning after a tough night; her little murmuring heart could keep up no longer and she passed in Sarah's arms as Jessica (her "sort of" actual owner) was helping get her ready to go to the vet.

It's all very sad, but like with so many beloved pets, the silver lining is that she could not have been more loved and could not have led a longer, happier, more pampered dog's life.

R.I.P little Alma, you brought so much joy to so many. everyone will all miss you.

Halloween On Church St.

When you live in a Condo unit on the ninth floor, you do not get any trick-or-treaters to the door. I did notice that the Concierge had a basket of candy on his desk, so they may get a few guests coming to the foyer of the building, but none venture up the elevators. I did have a cute plastic Jack-o-Lantern glowing orange in the window but that was it for Halloween.  Last year, we were new to the city and stayed in for Halloween, but this year I decided to go out and see what the evening was like. 

I decided to go out to Church Street to see if anything was going on. During Pride week, they closed the street for one day and it was quite the event, so I thought there might be some Halloween festivities going on up and down the street to celebrate All Hallows Eve. As soon as I exited the building I knew something was happening, the usual quiet Mutual St was one solid traffic jam, and I could hear noise from the direction of Church St, one block away. 

As I turned towards the street, I could see that barriers had been set up and the street was again closed so it could become pedestrian only. I discovered that Halloween on Church St was quite the event!

The entire street was closed to traffic for six blocks, so traffic was routed down our quiet Mutual St causing a night long traffic jam. The crowds on the street were amazing. The entire six blocks were packed with people. Many were dressed in costumes, but there were many just out like me to see the Halloween sights. There were sections of the street that were so packed with people that you literally just had to allow yourself to be carried along with the crowds. The bars along the street were hopping and some had entertainment outside as well as inside, and the music had people dancing it the streets when there was room to do so. 

The night was almost Summer warm, so the costumes were spectacular since people did not have to dress for October temperatures. All the way up and down the street, costumed revellers posed in their costumes for photos, and some of the best costumes were held in one place with so many people wanting pictures with them. 

I was amazed at the number of scooters, strollers and dogs scattered and crammed into the mass of people. Obviously Toronto dogs are accustomed to the crowd scene and I was amazed at how calm some the canine costumers were, and I saw few costumed toddlers in strollers upset by the witches, vampires, goblins and just plain weird costumes they were surrounded by. 

There were police present at the road blocks and the blocked intersections, but overall the massive Halloween party was happy, cheerful and fun while I was there. 

Dog-sitting Coco

I am a “dog Person”, I like dogs and most dogs like me. I grew up living with dogs, but I early on realized that actually owning a dog tied you down even more than having children, and I have never actually owned a dog. Instead I get my doggie fixes with other people’s dogs. Over the years, I have looked after many different dogs and usually get along fine with them. 

Here in Toronto there is no shortage of dogs and our condo building is very pet friendly with many dogs and cats. I have met many of the canine inhabitants of the building going up and down the elevator, and I often stop to meet dogs while out walking around the city. 

One day my son asked if I would be interested in dog sitting a friends dog while they went away to Spain. They live in the East End of the city, so this would give us a chance to explore another area while we stayed in their condo to look after the dog, so I said I might be interested so long as I met the dog and got along with her. The friends were also keen to ensure that I was actually a “qualified”, dog sitter and also wanted us to visit and see how their pet reacted, as she was not the most friendly individual. She was a “rescue” and was not always comfortable with new people, so a visit was arranged. 

I am not interested in meeting you!

She barked at us when we arrived, but apparently this is quite normal, but unlike most new dogs I meet, she was very shy and did not immediately come to see me with wagging tail. On one of our walks, I was walking by a park and a dog that was running around playing with it’s owner, stopped when he saw me and immediately came across the park to see me to get a greeting and a pat from the “dog person”. The owner came over and exclaimed, “you must be someone special, he has never done that before!”. I explained to Ryan’s friends that I felt comfortable with their Coco, and I felt we would get along fine once she got to know me. 

I’m sure they discussed it once we left, but we were told a few days later that if we were willing they would like us to look after their Coco when they were away. 

Ok, time to go home

On the day they were to leave, I arrived, armed with treats and multi-page instructions on the correct Coco care, and drove them to the Airport. When we returned to the condo, Coco was obviously disappointed to see that it was not her “parents” returning, and she ignored me, taking the offered treat and going to her spot in the living room. 

When her walk time arrived, she allowed me to put on her harness and she took me on a walk that she obviously was used to, but it was her who decided where to go and how long the walk was, and when we came back she again took a treat and went back to her “spot”. 

Then in the middle of the night, we realized that a warm black furry body had snuggled up with us on the bottom the bed. Coco had obviously decided we were Okay, and we are now dealing with a happy friendly dog who likes to be wherever we are. It should be a pleasant week dog sitting.

I guess I have decided you really are a "Dog Person"

Mochi

You might recall my post back in June 2018 about the dogs in Kejick where our daughter Alisha works as the school Principal. This post is about another Kejick dog. Alisha is definitely a ‘dog person’, she loves dogs and they love her. As well, she has turned into a bit of a ‘dog whisperer’, showing amazing ability to effectively train dogs. On one trip to visit her in Ottawa we found her dogsitting a little old dog called ‘Peanut’. After two weeks away, Peanut’s owners returned to collect their beloved pet, but were greeted by silence when they entered the apartment. “Oh my god, what happened to Peanut?” They exclaimed thinking he had expired because he always barked like mad when anyone came in the door. Alisha called him and explained that she did not allow that behaviour and had fixed it. I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks. 

Puppy Mochi & Bob

 Alisha found it hard to live among all the Kejick dogs without finding one she was so attracted to that she had to adopt him. This finally happened two years ago as the COVID pandemic hit. She met a little puppy and fell in love with him. He joined the household and has become part of the family. Bob the cat who was already #1 in the pet department was not pleased at first, but eventually whipped this new addition into shape and decided to accept him (He knew he had little choice I suspect). 

 His name is Mochi, and he looks like a lean German Shepherd, but like many of the dogs from the Reserve, he is probably part wolf. However, there is nothing wild about him, he has turned into a kind, gentle, well behaved fellow, and I finally got to meet him on this visit to Ontario. Of course I watched him grow up via Pandemic Sunday Dinner video chats every week, but it was nice to finally get to meet this newest member of the family. I had become friends with Bob the cat during our two visits to Kejick and I think Mochi has approved me as family as well. 

Mochi looking His Best!

 Alisha has done an amazing job training this canine friend. He is so well behaved, and comes instantly when called and follows commands perfectly. Although he will briefly bark at strangers, once he meets you he is calm, friendly and affectionate . He even accepted the indignity and embarrassment of having to wear booties when visiting Ryan and Ben to protect their new hardwood floors. Alisha and Derek bought a boat soon after Mochi arrived and she insisted he learn to be comfortable on the boat, so it has become an activity he really enjoys. He was with us on the Trip through the Trent-Severn locks and was perfectly behaved except for one time he found he was in the boat and Alisha was on the shore watching us through the lock; he worried and fussed about not being with her and Derek said “Yea, he does that for her, but doesn’t much care if I’m not right there.”. He is very definitely “her” dog. 

All Dressed up!

 Every time I saw this dog via video I knew I wanted to meet him and now that I have, I am even more impressed with him. Of course I think it helps that he seems to really like me as well.

Mochi Guiding the Boat

Mochi & Friends at home In Kejick

Cherry Blossom Time In Toronto

We came to Toronto on this trip to help Ryan and Ben with a project they were working on, but also intended to enjoy the city and see some of what Toronto has to offer. I have discovered through my travels that I really enjoy city life. I enjoy traffic so long as I no longer have to navigate to work through it, and I like experiencing the crowds of people that big cities can generate.

A gift from Japan

We discovered that the timing of this trip coincided with Toronto's Cherry Blossom Festival. Having experienced cherry blossoms in Japan and China, I was surprised to hear it was a big event here in Toronto. In 1959, the Japanese Ambassador to Canada donated 2000 cherry trees to the city in appreciation for the city accepting displaced Japanese citizens following World War II. Many of these trees were planted in High Park. Over the years other trees have been planted and parks all over the city now feature Japanese cherry trees. These trees provide a beautiful display of blossoms in May, and it has become an annual festival in High Park. The blossoms only last a short time, so everyone goes to the park when they are at their peek. We happened to be here at this perfect cherry blossom time, so decided to go have a look.

You tend to forget just how many people live in Toronto until you attend a festival like this. The

Crowds of People

streets in the park are closed to vehicular traffic and parking is limited around the park, so we decided to use the subway to get there. On a Saturday the subway traffic is normally light, and it was when we got on at Yonge & Davisville, but as we travelled down the number of passengers increased until we were crammed into the cars with crowds of people. Changing trains from line 1 to line 2 involved most people moving on mass through the station to the next train headed towards High Park. Most of the crowd exited at the High Park stop and the stream of people was so thick there was security directing the crowds coming and going. There were so many people that they had to stop the exiting stream to allow the people leaving High Park to get down to the subway platform. We were a group of six and had to be careful to keep others in sight.

High Park is a large city park but there were so many people that the paths and roadways were constantly crowded, and as you got to the areas of the park where the cherry trees were, the crowds increased. Some of the nicest trees had such large crowds around them that it was difficult to get close, and some groups had laid out blankets and picnics under trees claiming the area for their group. It really was amazing how many people had filled the park. Everyone was snapping pictures and

posing among the cherry blossoms.

Just the blossoms

Most people were there to view the spectacular display of cherry blossoms, but with crowds like this, I am always amazed at the people who are there not to see the blossoms but to be seem themselves. I am always surprised at the people who insist on bringing their pets into crowded situations like this so people can see their pets. Don't they understand that dogs get confused and stressed with so many people jostling for position. I especially felt bad for the tiny ornamental dogs trying to avoid being stepped on by hundreds of people towering above them, but the massive dogs who outweighed their tiny female owners looked equally uncomfortable with the crowds. There was even one fellow with what I think was his pet ocelot draped over his shoulders. Then there were the people who obviously dressed to impress, and

trying to out-shine the cherry blossoms, formal wear, steam-punk, costumes, etc. The Japanese background for the Cherry Blossoms was also obvious with a heavy presence of Asian visitors and some of the Japanese had dressed in beautiful traditional Japanese costume.

Overall the Cherry Blossom festival was an interesting experience, and I am glad we were in Toronto in time to take part in it.

Walking The Beltline

It was raining today, but we have spent time in Scotland, where it seemed to rain each and every day, so we decided to venture out anyway. Our plan was to walk the Beltline Trail which runs close to Ryan's condo.

The Beltline Trail is a trail that runs east/west through Midtown Toronto. It utilizes the converted railbed from the old Toronto Belt Line Railway which was a commuter line established in 1890, but closed two years later after being unable to turn a profit. The city bought the rail line and tore up the tracks creating the trail in 1989. The trail is aprox. 9 km long, and joins with the trails through the the Mud Creek Ravine trail system and past the Evergreen Brickworks park. The trail ends in the neighbourhood of York at Eglinton West.

A Lovely Place to Walk

We joined the trail at the Yonge St. Bridge which crosses the Davisville Rail yard not far from the condo. Here we met the amazing train-spotting dog. As we came up to the bridge I saw a little dog eagerly peering through the railings looking for the subway trains which runs above ground here. I stopped and commented to his owner about his interest in the trains. She said it was his favourite activity. As the train approached, his tail started to wag eagerly and when the train roared under the bridge, he frantically ran to the other side and watched the train disappear into the station. Once the train was gone, he contentedly continued his walk.

Street Art Along the Way

The nice thing about this trail is that it is a narrow strip of green running right through Toronto, passing various neighbourhoods, including some amazingly huge houses worth many millions along with apartment blocks and many ordinary neighbourhoods. Along the way, the trail is intersected by a number of roads where you have to stop and cross when traffic allows, but you are then back into the lovely green walkway. The trail is well used and we met with many people and a number of dogs besides the amazing train-spotting one. Doing most of my walking in the friendly green space of Shube Park back home, people here in Toronto were taken back by these strangers greeting them with a “Good Morning”. Although obviously not the norm here in Toronto, most people smiled and returned with a friendly greeting as well.

A "Selfie" on the trail

The section of the trail we used ended with an enormous brick sound barrier at Allen Ave. Apparently you can cross this busy road and find the trail on the other side, but we took this as a spot to turn back and we continued our walk along the busy Eglinton St. Back to Yonge st.

Although prepared for rain, we managed the entire walk without getting wet until we got back to the condo, so it turned into a very pleasant morning walk.

Yard Art on the walk home

The Dogs of Kejick

Oh, I'm sorry did you need this truck?

Although I think I am slightly allergic, I love dogs, and discovered that I do not have to actually own a dog to enjoy them. I have friends who seem to be willing to lend me their dogs and that works great. Kejick Bay has some great dogs, and sitting around a fire one night I got to meet a lot of them.

When Alisha first moved to Kejick she was concerned about the number of seemingly feral dogs wandering the neighbourhood, but fortunately she met a dog named Bear who convinced her the dogs of Kejick were okay. With a name that suited him, bear was a big dog, but Alisha discovered he was really a big teddy bear, and I heard about him through e-mail and facebook. She also discovered that the people in the community have made a conscious decision to only allow dogs that get along with people.

Now that I am in Kejick I have started to meet these amazing dogs. First I met “Drea” who was a rescue from a fly in community. Although she was supposed to be wary of men, all it took was one dog treat and she was my friend. Than I met “Nibbles”, who looked like the “not so friendly” Egyptian street dogs, but was an amazing friendly dog, and he also became my friend. Nibbles is the alpha dog in the neighbourhood, and every other dog except Buddy (more about her later) cow-tow to him even though he is almost 10 years old. When Nibbles barks and takes of on a tear, every other dog follows. Who names their dog “Nibbles” when he is the Alpha dog? Obviously his name among his dog friends in his pack is something “Butch”or “Killer”. It's a good thing dogs don't actually understand our language.

Hey mister . . . pet me please! (not Buddy)

I had heard about “Buddy”. She was the talk of the firepit when people realized I was a “dog person”. I was told she was really not a dog, she was half wolf. Apparently one of her owner actually had her DNA tested and sure enough she is half wolf. One night sitting around the fire someone noticed her walking by, and called to her. Although the Kejick dogs seem almost feral and wild, they have names and answer to them. Hearing her name, Buddy and a couple other dogs running with her immediately turned and trotted over to our firepit. She brought “Magic” with her along with “Surviver”. Buddy is a massive dog of almost pure white and she does look like a wolf, but she is gentle as a puppy. Her tail wags and she demands your attention, but then a 120 lb wolf/dog does get your attention. Nibbles does not like her however and was not happy with her intruding on our gathering, but with Buddy's size and heritage, she literally does not care. No one messes with Buddy and she knows it, even if “She” cannot be Alpha dog, she is in a category of her own.

Alisha tells me that the people of Kejic will not allow any dog that even growls at a child to live in the community and dogs that do not get along with people get shot. It sounds cruel, but the dogs of Kejick are amazing; they are friendly and love people. I saw a little two year old baby toddle over and maul a dog laying in the sand outside the school. She pulled his ears. Stuck her hand in his mouth and twisted his paw, but he just lay there. Yes, I have come to like the dogs of Kejick Bay.

These are all the pictures I have of the dogs, but I will add more when I get them. 

Outside the Fence

A nice sturdy wall

The house we are renting is located within a “Gated Community”, so although there is no armed guard at the entrance, it is completely fenced and is a nice safe, secure community. It seems to me that everyone feels comfortable here, and folks are out walking at all hours, and everyone gives you a wave and a friendly greeting.

However, as we sit out in the lanai sipping a cool beverage, we look across the street and can see behind the houses there to dwellings outside the fence. I could not help wonder what was behind the fence. The dogs should have given me a clue . . . . There are lots of dogs here in the park, but there must be some by-law limiting their size, because they are all friendly little things, while I can hear dogs occasionally from outside the fence and they all sounded a lot bigger.

The Common Theme outside the Fence

Today with nothing serious planned, I set out to actually see what was outside the fence. I walked out to the entrance, exited at the gate and went along the front wall/fence to the road running down alongside the park. The road started out paved, but quickly regressed into a dirt track. There was a strange mix of houses, mobile homes and deserted properties. The common theme was “NO TRESPASSING” and “BEWARE OF THE DOG”. On my walk, I met a few of those “outside the fence” dogs behind sturdy fences or chained out front, and they all made a point of reinforcing the “No Trespassing” signs on their fences.

My curiosity satisfied, I now know what is outside the fence, and I am happy to sit in the lanai with my beverage and wave to the other residents going by in their golf carts, and pat their friendly little dogs when I walk around the park.

Not our Rental!

Middle Earth

Bill Towndrow - Guest Blogger

Stopping in Barlasten, which featured the Wedgewood Museum and showroom, the girls went off to the museum while Bill and I went to the pub to quench our thirst after a long day of boating. Soon after we sat down a couple with a beautiful “long-haired” greyhound came in and sat down with a couple of pints. Bill went up to the dog who was so friendly (The Pub had a clearly written rule welcoming “Well Behaved Dogs”), and this dog immediately nuzzled into him to be patted. I also went up and chatted with the people, but Bill was there for a while discussing dogs, boats and other canal items as he discovered these folks were also on a boat.

Following a delicious meal of burgers, Rabbit stew and gnocchi, we wandered back to the boat. Bill started telling Margaret about a “Really Nice” boat named “Gandolf”  back a ways that he wanted her to see, and while Regis and I went back to the boat, they went walking to see this boat.

It turned out that  “Gandolf” was owned by the Greyhound and his friendly family. Bill loves chatting with people about their boats and when he and Margaret explained how much they loved the boat they got invited inside for a tour. The rest of this Blog is being done by a “Guest Blogger” Bill Towndrow as he describes this beautiful craft.

Bills New Friend

Start with a bare hull, in this case a “traditional” design which means that starting from aft, there is a low headroom cabin fitted with a small coal fired cook stove surrounded by pine cabinetry making use of every cubic inch for function. The stove is important, not only can you cook and bake with it, it keeps the boatman as s/he steers, warm during inclement weather. This is a traditional boatman’s cabin and in days when these were workboats, whole families were raised in this space only a few feet long.

Forward of this is the engine room. The engine is much like ours, perhaps a little more powerful.

(Although we heard, and glimpsed, some beautiful vintage 2 cylinders put-putting away as they passed.) The difference, as the lady of the boat said was her favourite part, is that this engine is in it’s own compartment.  You pass by the engine as you pass forward to the main cabin. Above you is a small two sided skylight called a pigeon box, and two wide doors on the side to allow venting of engine heat when the radiated heat was not wanted.  Whether this heat was directed on board or vented to the outside, the heat first dried the laundry hanging around the space. If you spend a week or two in a small floating space, an area to dry towels and basic laundry items is much appreciated. Also, there would be no pleasure servicing our engine, located under the plates where the tiller is located. This engine is low down but fully accessible, just like an engine room on the largest sea-going ship. And like its larger sea-going sisters, it has a long propeller shaft and hence the reason for the rear cabin being less than 6’ high.

Where in England is this?

Also, decorating all these spaces, the lady of the boat painted traditional castles and roses, all beautifully executed.

But it gets better…  Moving forward from the engine compartment you enter a galley and saloon that is bright, spacious and airy.  Every piece of wood, real wood, not laminate panels, was crafted and fitted by the man of the boat with help from her ladyship. All painted in cream, with the area below the gunnels paneled in varnished pine, it felt like a cozy palace. I know that’s an oxymoron but it felt warm and inviting as well as spacious. Fitted with a new technology diesel cooktop and stove, a diesel space heater, a dining table for 4 that still allowed someone by, wooden floors and even a well-equipped spice rack.  Oh, and before I forget, two very comfy armchairs and ottoman. This is a space you can live in.

And the traditional paintings of castles, etc, definitely took on a Tolkien-like fantasy as the artist herself, this lady of the boat, expressed her artistic license. The dragon “Smaug” even graced the inside of the forward saloon doors. Outside, on the bow, was “Gandalf” in Middle Earth script, in case you missed his name painted on the side.

You can have your glamorous, “bespoke”, boat. Give me this hand crafted, personalized work of design and art. When you enter a space and immediately relax, it is a compliment to the craftsmen - this husband and wife team who bought the bare hull, spent 2 weeks camping on it bringing it home, then spent 3 years creating what is truly unique, truly individual.

And the “port” of registry – Splatt Bridge, (love the British place names) where they keep their house, Middle Earth. So the question is: is Splatt Bridge a portal to Middle Earth? Because while she convinced me Splatt Bridge is real in our world, she never claimed Middle Earth was.

It's a Dog's Life

I don’t own a dog, but have always been a ‘dog’ person; I like dogs and they generally like me. When I was younger the family always had a dog, and often the family dog was sometimes mostly ‘my dog’. As I result I tend to notice the dogs around me, and I have written a number of blog entries about the dogs in the countries we visit.

Come on in - buy a house

Here in Florida the dogs lead pretty good lives. I have not seen as many out for walks as I did in Spain or Portugal, but the other day walking around the neighborhood a couple of the local dogs stopped to fill me in on the “Doggie Scene” here in Naples.

Although I have not seen so many dogs, I have certainly seen the extensive infrastructure in place to serve their needs. The first thing you notice is how many pet supply shops there are. There seemed to be one in every shopping area, and these are not just places to go get pet food and flea collars. Just check out some of the names, “Fergie’s Closet Doggie Boutique”, “Pucci & Catana Luxury Pet Boutique”, “Daisy Collars” (Can you say diamond studded dog collars?), and “Topcoat’n Tails Inc”. You can get entire designer outfits for you pet from these shops.

Need to find some place to leave your pet while you go on vacation? You can take them to “The Pet Nanny TLC”, “Love My Dog Resort & Spa”, or perhaps “A Dog’s Dream Daycare, LLC”, where the testimonials speaks volumes . . .

"If Bogey could speak, he would tell you that Jill's daycare is his favorite thing on this planet. Check out his videos and you will see why. It is an experience I cannot offer him at home." 

"Bailey loves going to daycare! Every morning when we drive up she gets all excited to be there and runs to the front door. When I pick her up after work she is happy and tired (but still happy to see mommy). Going to daycare has also made her very social with other dogs. It's nice to have a place to leave my 'baby' during the day so she is not alone all the time, and everyone at A Dog's Dream Daycare takes good care of her!" 

Somehow this sounds like a bit more then a dog kennel & kibbles . . . .

A memorial to "Peanut"

Hey, wait a minute, all these doggie daycares and pet resorts, I thought everyone down here are already on vacation . . . these pets are getting a vacation from their vacations.

The pet grooming places are just as elaborate, and they look as fancy as the ones dedicated to the pet’s owners.

Strolling the downtown area one day I found a real estate office with dishes of fresh water and bowls full of doggie treats on the steps outside and just down the road was a city fire hydrant painted and decorated to honor a fallen pet. Even the local SPCA is upscale, with a Pet Adoption center in one of the big shopping malls.

Jim, keep this Blog Post away from Jude, he will want to go on vacation with you next time instead of going to the “kennel”.

West Coast Autumn

Sunny, HOT, Vancouver

This trip was a difficult one to pack for. We had to pack 'wedding appropriate' clothes for Calgary, and anyone I spoke to with 'Calgary' experience, said the temperature could be anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees, and that range could happen all on the same day. We therefore had to plan for some cool weather, but we were then working our way to Vancouver, and ultimately to the hot steaming tropics in Panama. And I have no idea what to expect for Kansas City in October?

As it happened, autumn didn't happen. We arrived in Calgary to sunshine and 27 degrees, and stayed reasonably warm. We then flew to Vancouver. The temperatures were 30. It looks like shorts and t-shirts will be the dress code for a while.

We had an absolutely beautiful day to explore Pitt Meadows B.C. The friends we were staying with here both had to work the day after we arrived (I guess someone has to keep the Canadian economy going to support us retired folk), so we were on our own. They did however suggest a walk along the Fraser River. This proved to be a wonderful walk, although we did have to check the signs as we were worried that dog ownership was a requirement on these trails. I think everyone we met had at least one dog (one girl had seven - dog walker I hope). The city maintains over 20 km of trails along the river and through town. In the 30 degree heat, we particularly enjoyed the walk along the river through the forested riverside, the large cedars providing shade and cooling the trails off nicely. We did however have to return to their house along a path through a field where the cloudless sky and brilliant sun made us more than ready for a cold drink when we got back.

It looks like we should be OK not having many cool weather clothes.

Pete's Dogs

Walkin' The Dog

 We have two REALLY annoying dogs that seem to bark all the time back home. I call them “Regis' little Friends”, and the first morning here in Portugal, there were dogs barking that sounded just like them, so I joked that “Regis' little friends” had come to Portugal with us.

No one Walkin' ME!

Now I must say, in general the dogs here in Portugal are really well behaved. People walk their dogs all the time, and they would make The Dog Whisperer proud. They heel, they don't growl at other dogs, they don't even sniff you as you walk past. The sidewalks here are only about 2 feet wide, so you can't really avoid the dogs, but it doesn't matter. Even the stray dogs don't bother you or other dogs. If there is a dog sleeping on the sidewalk, you just step around him. He might open his eyes and give you a glance, but that is about it. Other dogs walk by they just ignore each other. People walk their dogs without a leash, and they just walk along beside. When owners stop at a 'Snack Bar', the dogs just curl up under the table and watch the world go by.

What did he order for me?

If you hear barking or growling, look closely, and you will realize it is probably a tourist dog who just hasn't figured out how to act here in Olhao. I watched two obvious tourists walking a husky down the Malecon and it was pulling on the leash, and barking at every other dog. I mean, really, a Husky in the Algrave; the poor thing is suffering serious culture shock as well as heat stroke.

I can "Watch-Dog" from up Here

Now at night, and especially in the morning it is not the same. The dogs do not realize that Timex the rooster has no freekin idea what the time is, so they think it is time to get up and they start barking. One barks, another answers, someone else adds her two Euro worth and the first one starts again. No one seems to do anything about it. We never hear anyone telling them to “SHUT-UP!”, and we know they are not all strays. Now this really does not bother me, but it is driving Pete crazy. He wanders the streets looking for the houses where these dogs lives and he is threatening to do something.

Going for a Swim

So, “Regis' Little Friends”, have becomes “Pete's Dogs”.