Guest Feature: Trails the Happy Dog

Since I sniffed the first blade of grass here in Tehaleh, life has been pretty darn good. I am the lead dog in the house and my people treat me well. They can see much higher and know that at my small stature, I can only see through the low windows. Thankfully, they’ve graciously given me a large pillow so I can stare out of it at any time of the day.

I am a stickler for a good window, so over time they’ve learned that a soft spot at every window is best. I scan the territory for potential invaders like rabbits, elk, and especially squirrels. The fence on the outside keeps all the animals from coming in and moving into the cozy house. The people know that I wouldn’t like this. It’s a nuanced detail I really appreciate.

6:30 AM - Food

The day starts with a real amuse-bouche: a couple drops of the upcoming bowl of kibble (which I scarf down like a madman.)

7:00 AM - Morning Walk

After breakfast, it's time for my morning walk. The air is crisp and fresh, it’s quiet, and the trails in Tehaleh really get me ready to take on the day. I love sniffing around and discovering new scents. I make sure I leave a sniffing trail, so I remember how to get back home if I chase a rabbit across the Puget Sound.  I may see a squirrel, my heart races and upon further inspection, it’s just a leaf shaking.

8:00 AM - Café

We stop by the local café, Post & Pour where my human taps a plastic card and receives their daily gift from the large looming mountain: a cup of coffee. If I’m good and not jumping on the counter (sorry I can’t help it sometimes) I’ll get my own treat. We might stick around and look at the gorgeous view where I sit patiently by their side. Other friendly humans will say hello to me, I’ll greet other pups...really, it’s a social hour for me and I love it.

9:00 AM - Trails

Back on the trails, we explore different paths where I’ll look up the trees for any random activity, or sniff around and find a banana slug moseying about its day. We run into some other humans with their own dog, and even small humans! The small humans politely pet my glossy coat, and one even slipped me a delicious cheese snack (she’s now my favorite human). I feel like an adventurer every time we go for a walk here.

10:00 AM - Back Patio

When we return home, I spend some time on the back patio. It's a lovely spot to bask in the sun. I stretch out and enjoy the warmth, feeling completely content. I hear the breeze blow through the towering trees and birds chirping nearby. My humans often join me, reading or chatting, and it's nice to be close to them.

11:00 AM - Snooze

After a big activity focused morning, it's time for a proper snooze. I go inside and curl up on my large pillow by the window, my favorite spot. The sunbeam hits just right, and I drift off to sleep, dreaming of more adventures.

12:00 PM - SQUIIIIIIIIRRRRRRELLLLL!

The tiniest noise. I accidentally bark! I'm wide awake! It’s. A. Squirrel. I can't contain my excitement. I bark and jump up, but the squirrel just stares at me, twitching its tail before darting along the fence and up into the tree. Once I figure out how to climb a tree, I'll catch it! One day…

1:00 PM - Bother Human

I decide it's time to bother one of my humans. I nudge their legs while they stare at the strange square in their lap and look up with my best puppy-eyes. It usually works in some degree, and I get some playtime or a nice belly rub. They laugh and call me a "silly pup," which makes me wag my tail even more. During this block of time, I usually follow them around, hoping they drop chunks of turkey, or get close to my leash. I would never want to be more than 20 feet away from them when they touch my leash. Who would?

3:00 PM - Watch Human Doing Things in Backyard While I’m Inside

Inevitably I get stuck inside and notice one of my humans is in the backyard. I watch them through the window, curious about what they're doing. Are they trapped? They might be watering plants or just enjoying the outdoors. I wish I could join them. They look at me. I wag my tail; they go back to what they’re doing. I stand guard in case they need me.

4:00 PM - Plan Defense of Human. Train with Stuffed Squirrel.

Time for my daily self-training. It’s important for us dogs to stay fit, aware, and ready for anything. I grab my stuffed squirrel and give it a good, healthy shake. This is my training session to ensure I'm ready for any squirrel invasion. The humans sometimes make it fun by tugging on the opposite end of the toy, but make no mistake, I take my role very seriously.

5:00 PM – Hounds Hollow Time

Park?! Hounds Hollow?! Park! Yes, please! Let’s go to Hounds Hollow! I wiggle uncontrollably as my humans attach my harness and leash. I then hop into the car with my humans, my tail wagging in anticipation. At the park, I run around freely with my fellow canines, enjoying the freedom and camaraderie. We play fetch, chase, and sometimes just lie down together, catching up on lost time and soaking up the sun. This. Is. The. Life.

6:30 PM – Pick-up Time

We head to pick up the small ones from their activities. When they see me, their faces light up with joy, and they run to greet me. They have so much energy, and I reciprocate with wagging, jumping, and licking each of their faces. We stop at the playground on the way home, where I see an old friend who used to live right next to us. I miss them and greet them with more tail wags. Sometimes, my humans take me on a walk down to Glacier Pointe just to visit them, which made me happy. We chase each other around before it's time to head back to the car.

7:00 PM - Home Again

Back home, I run through the garage, relieved to see the tall loud machine (the vacuum cleaner) in its place like a statue. I shudder at its presence, but hurry past it.

7:30 PM - Dinner

We approach dinnertime, and I eagerly await my meal. What does the chef have in store tonight? Bouillabaisse? Kobe beef steak? Paella? Beef wellington? The aroma and thought of my meal is just too much to handle! I’d eat about anything at this point. As always, I get a nutritious and tasty dinner. After eating, I'm at my most tired, and I settle down for a nap while everyone else mills about.

9:00 PM - Last Walk

Before bed, we go for one last walk around the neighborhood. We stop to watch the sun disappear from the sky, and I enjoy the peaceful end to the day. The cool evening air is refreshing, and I take in all the scents of the night.

For any fellow pups looking to roam around the most dog-friendly spots, they can guide their humans to get in touch with the fine folks at the Tehaleh Welcome Center! You have to see it to believe it.