Shopping!

I noticed that Mom's oil painting brushes are looking pretty shabby, so I suggested we go down to the California Junction in West Seattle to stock up on art supplies. There's a great shop we like to go to called Northwest Art and Frame. The first time I went there with her, Mom tied me up outside. Well, there's nothing I hate more than being tied down so you know I was barking and screaming like a banshee. I caused such a ruckus that the ladies who work at the store convinced Mom to bring me inside, since they're a dog-friendly store anyway! People are so nice to me in there, and they always help Mom find what she's looking for. She usually goes there for art supplies, but sometimes she buys frames and looks for special cards and presents in their big gift section. When she pays the cashier I almost always get a treat because the ladies are so impressed with how well I sit.


Right next door to Northwest Art and Frame is Bakery Nouveau where Mom and Dad buy delicious things that they won't share with me. I'm not allowed inside, but there are tables outside so I don't mind hanging around eating crumbs. They like to get turkey and swiss croissants, twice baked almond croissants, and coffee. I try very hard to be patient while they eat their food, which isn't easy for me!
Whenever we're at the California Junction I like to do my own shopping at a great pet store called Next to Nature. Mom always tells me to be patient because she's taking me there anyway, but I still pull her with all of my might in case she forgets the way! I think Dad can understand me on this one, because he walks just as fast to Easy Street Records a few doors down to buy new and used cds, while Mom comes with me to the pet store. I usually buy bulk treats at Next to Nature, and sometimes a hoof or bully stick. The people who work there are very nice. Back when I was a puppy they helped me choose a soothing cream to help with some hot spots I had on my chest. Mom likes to look at the adoptable cats and kittens at the back of the store, but I'd rather stay up front to search for ground-scores.

Westcrest Work Party

This past Saturday I took my mom and dad to a work party at Westcrest dog park in Highland Park. I go there almost every day (and sometimes twice a day!) to run around off leash and play with my friends. This park is maintained by volunteers, and looked after with love and care by park stewards Buddy, Barkley, and their main man Steve. The work party was so much fun! I ran into my best girlfriend Ayla as soon as we got there, so I wrestled with her for a while while mom and dad got to work. I helped later by chewing the mulch into smaller pieces and by carrying one of mom's gloves.


Here's more about Westcrest in case you haven't been there yet:
The fenced park is more than 4 acres big! It has so many different areas, so I never get bored there.
There's a big hill with trees at the top. I mostly sniff around the trees in that section, but I know that a lot of dogs like to have their balls thrown up the hill when they play fetch.
At the top of this hill is the separate fenced section for small and shy dogs. A lot of the time no one is in that area, so I don't go in too often.
At the bottom of the hill is a sandy spot with some really cool concrete tubes to run through.
The park also has two big areas with woodchips that are awesome for running around in. Because the volunteers work hard to keep the woodchips around, the park is almost never muddy! I guess some of you guys like mud, but I don't care for it too much.
There is a cool covered area with picnic tables, so if it's too hot or drizzly, mom and dad hang out in there.
Westcrest has a trail within the fenced area so I get to walk around with mom and dad feeling like I'm in the middle of the forest, but they don't have to worry about me running off too far. This is where they like to practice having me come to them when they call my name. I don't see the point, but it makes them happy when I come running!
The park has 2 water fountains, lots of benches, garbage cans for my poop, and plastic bags available.
Outside of the fenced area there are cool walking trails, bathrooms for people, and a nice looking playground for kids.
If we drive there, mom and dad make sure not to leave anything valuable in the car. Mom said I should mention this since both parking lots have signs that say "high prowl area", but I've heard that there has only been one break-in this year.
Mom and Dad love the beautiful view of Seattle that can be seen from one of the higher trails in the dog park, but I'm too busy running to notice!
There are usually lots of tennis balls around in case you forget to bring one!

Make sure to say woof if you see me there!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hi guys!
Thank you for visiting my new blog. I'm really excited about it so I'm hoping to get some information up for you soon. I've been very busy helping my mom with art shows, but she said that she'll help me organize the data from our recent Oregon trip this weekend. I can't wait to tell you about all the cool stuff we did!
Woof Woof!
Watson