"Sadie's Excellent Adventure"

We decided to take a mini road trip to the Chelan area, then on to Omak this past weekend. We thought long and hard about taking Sadie with us, as she can be a bit of a burden when it comes to her separation anxiety or special needs.   We thought camping would be a good way to get away and spend time with our buddy.   Day one was fine, we were able to get a good spot at Beebe Bridge park near our property and the City of Chelan.   Sadie had the columbia river just steps away, dogs all around, and just enough rope to sniff to her heart's content.   We decided to go see Ken and Robin up in Manson, maybe pick some berries, sample some wine, etc.   We were fortunate to be able to visit Ken and Robin and take in their fantastic Lake Chelan views with Sadie who was very hopeful she would be jumping in... The Wardstrom's got to meet Sexy Sadie!   But everything else on our list was compromised- too much barking, no dog friendly wineries (one sort of)...So we drove to the east end of the lake, found the small city park and hit the water.   Sadie was confused- (she didn't know all of the lake's driftwood ends up on the rocks!)  She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw more sticks than even her eyes could handle!  I am sure she thought, which stick to grab and swim after?  In Sadie's world, the stick is all important to the swim.   Any size is fine, even mini logs.   Sure enough she bit into a soggy log that weighed at least forty pounds and wanted me to throw it- I did and am still paying the price today.   We dried up and spent a nice evening camping and trying to sleep.   In the morning we were off to find good cherries and eventually make it to Omak.   Sadie was fine with the always moving Dymerski's, she just asked for an open window from time to time.   When we finally made it to God's country, Sadie had found Nirvana.

Linda and Butch live up in the hills outside of Omak and their spread comes complete with two house dogs, four sled dogs (Alaskan Husky) and I think four Mules.  We were warned about snakes and quite frankly, I was hoping to see one.   Sadie was initiated into the pack with an aggressive hello, how ya doing? from boydog (sled dog) but quickly submitted and then fit right in.   She hiked, swam, and just hung out playing with her new friends for an afternoon and evening.  The next morning she got to go swimming a second time.   SHE WAS IN HEAVEN.   On the road out we stopped at Green Lake, a beautiful low mountain lake with clean water and an ideal setting.   Alas, time was short and we had to head south to Ellensburg to see our son Mikhael in his element.   Sadie noticeably became depressed at the loss of her play time weekend.   The long drive was somber, Sadie made some grunts that sounded an awful lot like "there has to be more."   We made it to the bachelor pad and to everyone's surprise, there was a new friend there.   His name was Dakota, a chocolate lab/pit bull mix resembling Sadie.   They played while we went out to lunch and were out of energy when we returned.

In a dog's life I am sure there are memorable moments, they remember the route home for example.   We often tell our dog that today isn't a Sadie day when we head out to work, or appointments and outside she goes for the day.   This weekend was my tribute to my dog for sure, and a to-do has been checked off the list.   Live Happy-