Parade of Pets: Outdoor Dogs
February 11, 2011

Quetzal at the Tulip Festival in Tulalip.

Hi, I’m Sophie Mae. I was once roaming the streets, but was rescued by the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Where’s Franklin County, you ask? Columbus, Ohio. I recently arrived in the wonderful city of Seattle. I’m staying here while my mom has her knee replacement surgery (although I hope to stay forever—I love it here!). My photo was taken on the bluff in Magnolia. Since my arrival, I’ve been to Discovery Park, Bellingham, and Vancouver. I hope to go on my first snowshoe trip soon too. I love Seattle and hope to been seen in the best magazine in Seattle soon. Woof!

Cedar is an amazing red German Shepherd (adopted from the Washington German Shepherd Rescue group). His color is so striking and unusual, and I found that he coordinates well with the fall foliage in the mountains. He’s a bit of a poser as well.

Jake is a six-year-old golden retriever residing in Bellevue. His favorite foods include peanut butter and Tillamook cheese. You can commonly catch him stealing socks, chasing tennis balls, and snuggling.

Most Italian Greyhounds do anything and everything to avoid immersing their blubberless bodies in water, but Wellie has taken it upon himself to "rescue" us whenever we jump into an alpine lake for a swim.

A year ago my 14-year-old Siberian Husky passed away. After several months, I decided it was time to bring another dog in to my life. Enter Shea. I had forgotten what it was like to have a puppy, especially one that is so social, active, and snuggly. A couple months ago she received a gold star in puppy training (as I’m sure they all do) and will continue training with the goal of being certified for the Reading with Rover program.

Zach the Dog loves going on hikes. This is a picture of him in doggie heaven, on a hike to the Kendall Katwalk.

August is just a happy doggy in the backcountry hiking with me.

Zach was my first dog, rescued from PAWS, and we had 10 wonderful years together. He was the best hiking dog ever and shared many miles and adventures with us. He was always smiling when he was in the mountains.

This little pug is called Hugo Muckleshoot. No, he’s not a part of the Duwamish Tribe. We just thought it was a funny little word that describes a funny little man! Affectionately called "Mucks," Hugo has charmed his way into the hearts of just about everyone he meets. A regular at Seattle’s parks (this shot was taken at Volunteer Park in 2009), Hugo loves any chance to go out and about with people and pups alike! Plus, just look at that pug mug. How could you resist?

Daphne is a four-year-old Australian Shepherd, and her favorite game is playing catch at the park. She is eagerly waiting for someone to throw the ball to her.

This photo is from Finnegan ‘s first trip to the beach (Whidbey Island). He couldn’t believe how many sticks were there, just for the taking! Such a happy boy. Finn is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, about six months old.

Bozeman at the dog park, running with his best friend Mieka.

Rosie loves to smile, her motto is “don’t worry, be happy,” and with that face smiling at you, who couldn’t be? On a lovely day in May, Rosie was enjoying a walk through the beautiful Discovery Park. When we made it around the bend at the lighthouse beach, we stopped for a break in the breeze. Rosie was so happy, she couldn’t help but smile.

Luce

Mack is the happiest dog in the world when he can feel the sand between his paws.

Stella is a French Bulldog, and she loves the finer things. In this photo, she’s standing on her hind legs to smell the flowers in front of our house.

Schooner at Cannon Beach with his tennis ball—the love of his life.

Lola, after swimming at the beach, figured out how to avoid us and go back in the water!

Growing up in the cold, rainy city of Seattle, Wilbur always takes advantage of sun breaks.

Gunner is only one-year-old here and already has the "fix" for the ball to be thrown. He looks so sweet and dedicated for anything to retrieve for us!

She-Ra is an avid swimmer/ball chaser and loves the ocean. This was taken during a "break" between all of the above in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Once he heard the photo I was taking was for Seattle Met, Max was all smiles!

Chloe is a four-year-old Australian Shepherd and loves to run at the park. She also loves posing for the camera.

Rex was on his first boat ride with his dad and grandpa traveling up Lake Chelan to go hiking. He propped himself up on a seat and enjoyed the ride. I think this picture says what we as humans feel when we are enjoying a beautiful day on the lake. Apparently Rex was having the time of his life.

This is Titus, and he doesn’t have a cutsey story. We adopted Titus from a military family who had to move to a base and could not take him because he is a Rottweiler and considered a danger on base. They loved Titus very much and the whole family was crying as they left him behind at our home, and it was just days before the husband was to be deployed. They had to give up their dog Titus and their Dad/Husband all in the same week. This picture depicts a proud look, as Titus must be proud for the sacrifices that his beloved ex-family had to give up for America.

Our 14-week-old labradoodle, Banjo, is a real-life teddy bear. He likes nothing more than to snuggle, and although very much a puppy, Banjo purrs when curled up beside us. We called him Banjo because after bringing him home, he cried all night long, and the only thing that consoled him was bluegrass music. Our puppy has come a long way from sleepless nights and even knows quite a few tricks like "high five!" Banjo will do anything for treats, including posing for cute Seattle Met photos!

Chesney Belle is two years old next month and a rare liver, flat-coated Retriever. She has quite the personality. It is her mission in life to meet every person and every dog she sees. She’s quite the little lover and very friendly. She cuddles by wedging herself between your legs and likes a good scratch on the bum!

Miles just loves the sun at the beach!

Bowser hanging out at the beach and doing his favorite thing: tearing something apart!

"The Keeper of the Beach" is Duncan ’s nickname. If the Pacific Northwest hit 70 degrees every day, you would find him there fetching sticks, swimming against the waves, and running up and down the shore enjoying the feel of wet sand between his paws.

Truffles was Las Vegas–born and given to me by a friend. He was the last of the litter and was flown up to Seattle in a little dog bag when he was eight weeks old. He was given the name Truffles because of the love I have for Truffle oil.

Champ loves the water, and he sat here for 30 minutes staring out into the sound at my brother-in-law’s house. I adopted him three years ago, and he has been my best friend ever since.

Cami was born on our property and is now our head landscape maintenance expert. We see her daily trimming the roses and the trees.