Author Archives for "Charlene Eberle"

Feb

Cat vs Dog attitude!

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on February 16, 2014

It still perplexes me the Cat vs. Dog attitude. Jake LOVES chasing cats ….like LOVES. So the other day we are in the park and this bruiser of a cat come waltzing into the park. It was suddenly like the the world stopped for the dogs…Clint Eastwood (I’m giving the cat this name) keeps walking into the park whilst the dogs just stop in their tracks staring wagging their tails, like ewww lookie what we have here. Out of the gate runs Jake full bore towards the cat..FULL TILT BOOGIE! Clint Eastwood stops and poof goes its tail, up goes its back. Jake running full tilt tackles the cat. Clint takes his catboy stance and scratches the shit out of Jake’s faces. Jake then runs away whaling like a baby. Clint the cat still with poof tail and arched back looks towards the other dogs 3 (including Jake), like who’s next. They watch Jake whimper and rub his nose into the grass and immediately they tuck their tails under themselves, and cower. Clint the cat continue to walk on like the winner he is. As the cat continues on the dogs watch with such intense I don’t want to get hurt look, all you can do is laugh. Dog survived, Cat definitely survived. Did Jake learn his lesson HELL no! Will he chase after a cat again HELL yes. Clint the Cat won and I admire the tenacity of Clint the cat….I wish I had that kind of hutzpa.

I decided to do some research to see if indeed there was some kind of history, theory behind the cat and dog relationship and I found really nothing. I did find that there are more dogs and cats that live harmoniously. I think that some dogs like the chase 😀

Feb

Long Car rides!

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on February 13, 2014

My Husband and I decided to head up to our Cabin just North of Kamloops this past weekend. We also had a little smoochie Pepper girl that we were babysitting. We load up the truck, dogs and all and off we go. Now Sammy J has always been car sick and you would think by now and how often he is in a car he would be over but noooo.

We do everything to try and make him comfortable. We raise his bed so he can see forward, we don’t feed him until he gets to the destination, for fear of projectile vomit. No matter what we do he still he salivates, drools to the point that his bed ends up being a pool of doggy drool wetness, YUCK!.

On our way home however things changed :D. We did all the usual tricks but this time Pepper the super cute Rat Terrier cuddled up next to Sammy J and there they lied together in harmoney. I have to say it was cuteness overload. I guess I have to get another dog or a hot water bottle next time.

We, Dogs all had a fabulous time romping in the snow in a beautiful winter paradise.

Feb

Quarry Rock – Baden Powel Trail

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on February 7, 2014

I’m a bit ashamed to say as a dog owner that I just discovered this amazing trail. A friend and I went there this week, she had been there before and I was blown away. Just amazing! It is a hiking trail so be warned there is a lot of upward climb but the pay off is at the top when you reach the rock. WOW! is all I could say. A very old quarry once stood there many years ago and now is home to hikers and sightseers. Depending on how fast of a upward hiker you are, it can take about an hour to hike up and and 1/2hour down. There were Mommy groups, Retired folks and Dogs all taking this wonderful trail. On a Gorgeous Vancouver day this is a must for you to check out. Oh and don’t forget to have a look at the lovely restaurants and shops of Deep cove.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Quarry+Rock+Deep+cove&hq=Quarry+Rock&hnear=Deep+Cove,+North+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver,+British+Columbia&t=m&z=14

Feb

Pacific Spirit Park (UBC)

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on February 4, 2014

Pacific Spirit Park sees an average of 360,000 dog visits per year. That’s a lot of dogs taking a sniff in this beautiful park. Nestled in the University Endowment Lands, West of the city and it’s HUGE!

The park has these beautiful meandering trails for Runners, Bikers, Walkers, Horse Riders and Canines. As you walk along the trails under these massive tall trees you are just mesmerized by natures beauty. The Trees are so gorgeous, draped in moss, it’s such a wonderful sight.

It is also home to songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, eagles, owls, jays, fox’s and coyotes. Small dog owners should be wary and put their dog on leash when an Owl is seen. The Coyotes are usually hiding in the dense forest areas. Always be a little more alert especially if you have a small dog.

Also make sure to remember what trail you’ve taken. Often times I have not paid attention and have had to walk a fair distance back to my car. You and your dogs will be pooped after an hour in this park beacuse there is just so much for you and them to check out.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=pacific+spirit+park&ll=49.253353,-123.221927&spn=0.015434,0.036306&t=m&z=15

Jan

Cat Scratch Fever!

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on January 28, 2014

Cat’s like to scratch like a dog likes to sniff. So what is the best way or item a cat owner can buy to help their feline friend get their scratch on! So I went searching.

Note #1 – The scratch post/item needs to meet the cats needs not yours. Meaning if it looks pretty to you, your cat may not care less. If the post/item is being used by the cat but is ugly…well then it’s an ugly item that will be in your living room. Not hidden in the corner where your cat can’t get at. That’s why your cat right now is needing it’s claws into the arms of your favourite couch still.

Note #2 The post/item also needs to have a rough texture and Sisal seems to be the best bet. If the post is covered in carpet, chances are all that will happen is that kitty’s nails will get stuck in the carpet loops. That’s a sure way to drive him back to scratching on your sofa again. Cardboard is also a winner with some cats. Cats like posts that are all, they like to claw climb at the same time. So the higher/taller the post the more fun your cat will have.

Note #3 Most of all NEVER declaw your cat. The research says to be patient and try a couple of post and eventually they will start to use them. When you’re home a spray bottle with water is also good to stop them from clawing your furniture. There are so many website’s for Cat Scratcher’s, even cardboard scratchers are cool.

Jan

Trout Lake!

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on January 28, 2014

A little History on Trout Lake located in the Heart of East Vancouver.

The park was one of Vancouver’s first lumbering operations in the late 19th century. The Hastings Sawmill was owned by John Hendry and the lake was the water source for the mill.In 1926, Hendry’s daughter, who was married to the governor of the province, Eric Hamber, donated the mill property to the Park Board with the condition that it be named after her father.In 1963 the Grandview Community Center, located near Victoria Drive, was constructed. The community center was later renovated in 1977 and renamed Trout Lake Community Centre.In 2010 the new ice rink and renovations were completed for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, as the figure skaters training venue, with finances of $13.15 million from Vancouver’s Park Board. $2.5 million from Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympics (VANOC) and $250,000 from the Grandview Community Association. However, the real cost of the ice rink is estimated at 15.9 million.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=trout+lake+vancouver&client=firefox-a&hnear=Trout+Lake&t=m&z=16

Its a great park for dogs but has strict on/off leash areas. I would also suggest you hose your dog down when you get home as the lake over the years has a lot of Bird poo. In summer months this can make for a very stinky dog. If your dog is like mine. you’ll find them chasing the ducks and squirrels of the park. All in all I think this is a great park!

Jan

Gonzales Beach, Victoria BC

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on January 23, 2014

WOW! Gonzales Beach is beautiful! When I lived on the island many moons ago I use to come to the beach to chill. A decade later to took Jake and Sammy there while I was visiting a friend who is so lucky to live so close to such beauty. The beach is shaped like a horse shoe and though not a long run for the dogs but long enough for them to chase the ball, take a dip in the ocean and meet up with other dogs to romp with. The houses that line the beach are just gorgeous and many have very interesting driftwood fences a must see for the photographer in you.

The dogs had a blast meeting new dogs and romping in the sand. I’m sure during the summer months this beach is packed with beach goer’s and I don’t know if your pooch can go off leash during this time. If you’re thinking of visiting the island or you just moved there with your pooch, this is a must visit beach.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=gonzales+beach+victoria&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Gonzales+Beach+Acess&t=m&z=16

Gonzales Beach

(more…)

Jan

Sooke BC or Bust

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on January 22, 2014

We just got back from a little weekend getaway to Sooke, BC. We usually go there twice a year to see my really close Friend and her Son. They live right on the ocean, with breath taking views of the local beach. Sammy and Jake just love it there.

The one thing Sammy and Jake love is ear diving into smelly fish..YUCK! Then they stink the guest house up with such an awful smell. This year I decided to bring some essential oils, Lemon Eucalyptus to help kill the icky smell of dead fish off of their fur. It seemed to work…They really needed a bath but being at someone else’s house I didn’t want to use their towels etc. The essential oil was a a good alternative and really helped masks the smell. I’m not suggesting to the world that they should do this, I’m just sharing my story of how it worked for me. Not all dogs like the strong smell of essential oils. It’s good though to keep something with you that your dogs can tolerate the smell of for that time when you really need it 😀

If you’re into camping and taking your pooch along I would suggest French Beach and or Jordan River for a little getaway. If you’re looking for a B&B and or Hotel, check out this site. http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Pet_Friendly.htm

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=french+beach+bc&client=safari&oe=UTF-8&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Jordan+river+BC&hl=en&sll=33.186667,35.619167&sspn=0.010954,0.013797&t=h&hnear=Jordan+River,+Capital,+British+Columbia&z=14

Jan

Cat + Bath = Madness (sometimes)

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on January 16, 2014

If you’re like me, I dreaded the thought of giving my cat a bath. I’d have to have a bottle of wine to numb myself from the impending ordeal :). And really you don’t NEED to bathe them but sometimes you have no choice. Here are some helpful tips on how to bathe your cat. I wish I had this info when I had my two cats Elias and Neon. They have since passed on and did not like to be bathed, period.

1. Perfect timing: Try and have the baths when your cat’s at their most mellow. Maybe even try and tier them out before you make the leap of fate.

2. Clip, snip: For your own protection, make sure their nails are not sharp.

3. The brush-off: Next, give your cat a good brushing to remove any loose hair and mats. Now’s also a good time to gently place some cotton in their ears to keep the water out. Please don’t force this its just a helpful tip.

4. Stand firm: Place a rubber bath mat in the sink or tub where you’ll be bathing your kitty so he/she doesn’t slip. Fill with three to four inches of lukewarm (not hot, please!) water.

5. Just add water: if you don’t have a spray hose, a plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup works great. Please don’t submerge, douse, spray water directly into your cats face/ears.

6. Lather up: Gently massage your pet with a solution of one part cat shampoo (human shampoo can dry out her skin) to five parts water, working from head to tail, in the direction of hair growth. Take care to avoid the face, ears and eyes.

7. All clear: Thoroughly rinse the shampoo off your cat with a spray hose or pitcher; again, be sure the water is lukewarm. Make sure that all residue has been removed, as it can irritate the skin.

8. About face: Use a washcloth to carefully wipe your pet’s face. Plain water is fine unless his/her face is very dirty—in which case, it’s recommend using an extra-diluted solution of shampoo, being very cautious around her ears and eyes.

9. Dry idea: You’re almost there! Wrap your cat in a large towel and dry her with it in a warm place, away from drafts. If your kitty doesn’t mind the noise, you can use a blow dryer—on the lowest heat setting. And please note, if your pet has long hair, you may need to carefully untangle her fur with a wide-toothed comb.

10. Good girl!: Your little bathing beauty deserves endless praise—and his/her favorite treat—after all this! And with such a happy ending, next time he/she may find that bath time isn’t so bad.

Jan

That Park close to home (the weather is awful)

Posted by avatar Charlene Eberle on January 12, 2014

Rain RAIN RAIN! You get use to it here in Vancouver and I would rather the rain over shoveling snow. I do however want those cold crisp sunny days back. This rain can make you unmotivated. I wanted to share a park that I call my unmotivated park, meaning it’s easy to get to and the dogs love it. Situated along Prior in a small little wedge of Downtown called Strathcona. The park is really large, spreading across 3 large blocks Raymur, Campbell and Hawks.

The side of the park that is closest to Hawks is a very large off leash area and that is great if your dog is ball obsessed, lots of room to through the ball. There are a lot of people who use the park but if your dog is not into being around other dogs there is a perfect place to walk your dog off leash around the back end of the park (large track area) closest to Raymur. This park has room for all Dog personalities.

Do be careful though your dog needs to be on leash traveling from the Hawks side (west) to the Raymur side (east)…Sometimes there is a annoying city person wanting to hand out tickets to make sure you dog is on a leash and has a license. They are obvious though in their bright colored vest ;). I love watching them trying to give out tickets and seeing people see them first and pull out all their Doggy poop bags and make a leash haha!

The downside to this park is the occasional city person, and the disregard for the park as some people like to break bottles under the Begoda. Best to keep your dog away from that area to avoid getting their paws cut, keep them on the grass.

A HUGE plus side of this park is the Union Market, Benny’s and the Wilder Snail and Finches Tea House. Where you can sit outside have a coffee/tea, sandwich and enjoy a lazy rain day with your Doggy, that’s the BEST part of East side living, Rain or Shine :D.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?daddr=49.275276,-123.084674&ll=49.275281,-123.084683&spn=0.00427,0.009141&t=h&z=17

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