Tashi Tales

Buenos Tardes mi amigos (Good afternoon my friends)...I made it to Panama, what an experience.

We had to be at the United Airlines Cargo (Pet Care) area at 5am on the 9th. I don't usually get up until six, with Bob, but waking up at 4am was my first new experience. When we arrived at the UAL cargo area Bob filled out all the paper work and paid for my flight. Kryss took me for one more walk. Little did I know that this would be my last potty break until Panama. Then, before the peeps left I had to get into my travel crate. I could feel the stress the peeps had leaving me with the UAL folks but everything was ok. I was a little scared being around all these new people, alone in my crate, next to a crate of flying squirrels. Why would they need an airplane ride they can fly? The UAL folks were good to me, they gave me ice chips to suck and chew on plus they let me keep mom's t-shirt and my bed in the crate. That really helped reduce my stress. The peeps left me at about 5:45am because they had to return the rental car and check in for the flight to Panama.

About 8:15am the UAL Pet Care folks took me to the George Bush International Airport gate E23. I was nervous as a pregnant nun in church, what is going to happen next. My crate was placed on a conveyor belt and I was loaded into the cargo area of the airplane. I didn't know where the peeps were but I didn't think they had abandoned me. After a little while the plane started to move, my crate rattled a little bit and it was very dark, I started getting really nervous. I heard a loud noise like a huge car engine, whirring sounds, and felt vibrations and then everything became very smooth and the noise wasn't as loud. I fell asleep for about three hours until the plane bumped up and down a little bit and then I became a little concerned and wished the peeps where there with me. They told me they would be near by but I couldn't see them so I settled back down on my bed. I thought I might wet my bed but I held on.

Finally after about four hours of darkness, unfamiliar sounds and bumps I felt the plane slowing down and finally stop. A door opened and two people started moving my crate down a conveyer belt and out of the plane. Dawg, it was great to see daylight and did I have to pee. My bladder was almost ready to burst. However, the door to my crate was locked and I couldn't get out until I visited the vet at the immigration office. They had to check my papers, look me over and then hand me over to the peeps. I started barking as soon as I got off the plane hoping someone would let me out and find my peeps. I'll bet people all over the airport could hear my barks for help and relief. Finally, I saw Kryss, she was getting bags off a conveyor belt and then I saw Bob, he was getting two carts for the luggage. I started barking like crazy, they had to see me to get me out of the crate, I really had to pee and I didn't want to wet my bed.

Kryss came over to my crate, I had been taken to the vet's office for my check up but they still wouldn't let her open the crate so I could pee. I was barking like crazy, mom had tears in her eyes and dad was with the vet finishing all my paper work. Finally, we cleared customs. Kryss pushed my crate out of the secure area and Bob unlocked my door. Kryss took me outside and I pissed like a racehorse on a flat rock. What a relief. Then I pooped! I was really more stressed that I let on, I was a little confused, didn't feel like jumping around and just wanted to stick close to my peeps. They brought me some water which really helped. Eventually, our car showed up and we headed for Coronado. I sat on Kryss's lap all the way to Coronado even though I could have had my own seat.

Yesterday was my first day at the beach. The peeps had to unpack, clean, and organize the new place so we didn't get out for a day. I was content to sleep and enjoy the ocean breezes. When we started walking the beach I went nuts. I remember the water and sand from Oregon, Texas and Oklahoma. The peeps let me run up and down the strand and then they took me to a tide pool area and I splashed, shook, and played in the water. It was so cool and comforting. I think I'm going to like it here.

This is my last blog, from now on I'm going to let the peeps keep you informed of my doings and their activities. Thank you for being a faithful reader. Happy Tales to you, Love Tashi.

Hi Y'all, it's been a while since I've had time to write. The peeps and I have been cruising around Texas checking out the Lone Star State. We've been here almost three weeks visiting some very cool places and seeing family and old friends.

We drove from Aurora, CO to Childress, TX for our first night in Texas. Lots of wide open spaces, no traffic and plenty of rain. The next day we made it to The Woodlands, TX to visit our friends Ryan and Victoria Gunyan and their two beautiful babies Palmer and Rogan. They used to be neighbors in Fruita and I was really looking forward to playing with their beagles Chloe and Trina. The first thing those beagles did was try to take my food, talk about greedy little pups you would think they had never been fed. The peeps moved my food dish to their bedroom but if the peeps left the bedroom door open my food was gone. Ryan Gunyan is a Chiropractor at Abundant Life Chiropractic, it is the best and busiest chiropractic office in Texas The peeps had fun with the Gunyon's going out to a great salad bar/restaurant one night and some good Tex-Mex the next night. The Gunyon's showed us around the The Woodlands and were great travel/real estate agents for the area. Palmer and Rogan decided that the peeps were going to be their adopted grandparents and the peeps accepted the adoption.

After visiting the Gunyon's for a few days we took off for Corpus Christi with a stop in Victoria. Victoria didn't light up anybody so we headed to Corpus a little earlier than expected. We used Corpus as our base, staying on Padre Island, making day trips throughout the area. Every evening near sunset we went to the beach to watch the waves, enjoy a picnic dinner and my favorite...rolling in the sand. I would roll around, scratch my back with the sand, bury my nose in the wet sand near the water's edge then stand in front of the peeps and shake like crazy...sand went everywhere. Kryss didn't like me rolling in the sand, she said it makes too much of a mess. I loved it! Also, it was my second birthday in Corpus, we celebrated at the beach with a special treat from Sprout's.

Corpus Christi was a bust for us. The peeps weren't all that excited about the area after visiting it for four days. We took off for San Antonio and places near by with an open mind and a need to do some business in San Antonio. Kryss had a client to see and Bob had to do some banking. All was very successful. You know, you can't come to San Antonio without visiting the Alamo. We went to that very historic site. I got to walk around those hallowed rooms and hear about all those famous Texans who died fighting for independence/freedom. After the Alamo visit we went to the San Antonio river walk to continue our sightseeing. Walked up and down both sides of the river and picked a place for lunch; if you aren't into bbq, fried chicken, beef or pasta the pickings are pretty slim, but then we're in Texas. We stayed in San Antonio an extra night, mostly because we liked our hotel, the Drury Inn, then headed to the Austin area. All the way to Austin it rained cats and dogs, not really just lots of cats. Finally as we neared Buda, TX the weather cleared up.

The peeps and I stayed with their nephew and his wife (Eric and Angie Gubser) in Buda for a couple of nights. They have a dog named Chubs who was an instant buddy. We played in the backyard, tumbled in the grass, chased tennis balls and had a great time burning up energy. Eric was working most of the time we were in Buda so Angie and Aubrey (their daughter) were our tour guides. Aubrey has really grown up and the peeps were impressed by her maturity, beauty and humor. This area of Texas is called the hill country, but there are some beautiful lakes in the hills, I think the peeps might have found an area they would consider living. We went into Austin on Sunday morning for brunch and ice cream. Austin is a very vibrant area with lots to do, everyone loved their ice cream from Lick's and their visit to Austin. We also went to Waverly, Canyon Lake and a few other smaller towns in the area. The peeps said this area has a lot of potential, whatever that means.

On the day we left the Austin area, the peeps and I had breakfast with Bob's friend and former employer, JP and Eloise DeJoria at their home. I met their dogs but we really didn't get to play, mostly just sniffing, because they stayed outside while we were inside visiting and having breakfast. The peeps got caught up with JP and Eloise and after a couple hours of visiting we headed to the Texas Secretary of State's office to get an apositle on one of their documents for Panama. Fifteen dollars and fifteen minutes later we were on the road back to The Woodlands and the Gunyon's residence. We got to the Gunyon's later in the afternoon and Clhoe and Trina welcomed me with open paws. I think they like me because of my food.

The peeps had a lot to do while in The Woodlands this time. Bob got the car detailed and then I had to get my physical for Panama. The car really got cleaned up well and then Bob announced he was going to put it on Craig's list and sell it. That was a surprise to me, but Kryss already knew about it so it was no big deal. Bob also put the car on a couple of other car selling sites and then we went to the veterinarian for my physical. I passed with flying colors. The girls that worked in the vet's office loved me, said I was beautiful and smart. The vet completed my international health certificate and sent it off to Austin for the USDA seal of approval.

Bob started getting offers on the Pathfinder within twenty four hours of putting it on Craig's list. He sold it Wednesday evening and was very happy with the selling price. I had no idea what we were going to travel in but Bob said he was going to rent a car for a week and turn it in right before we go to Panama. The peeps rented a nice SUV and when I got in it my airplane crate was assembled and I had to travel in the crate. The peeps said it would help me get use to traveling on the airplane. Riding in the crate hasn't been bad, I think I'll be able to make the trip to Panama with no problems.

The vet's office called on Friday morning with the approved international health certificate so the peeps picked it up and then we headed to Lake Livingston, TX. The peeps wanted to visit that area and the Lake Conroe area before leaving Texas. Lake Livingston was great, a beautiful lake with tree covered acres surrounding the lake. The peeps plan on returning to this area for a more in depth search after Panama. We left Livingston with the threat of a huge rain storm and as we left the area the power went out caused by a downed power line. However, we made it to Houston without any problems. We had to stop at the Panamanian Consulate to get an apositle on my international health certificate. That was easy, but the rain storm caught up with us. The peeps parked their car in a Costco lot and waited out the storm.

After the storm subsided we drove out of Houston and headed to the Conroe/Montgomery area as the peeps continued their search. Found some interesting areas and homes but nothing that seemed to light them up.

Tomorrow we leave for Panama. The great road trip around the US is over and now a new one will start. I will send one more Tale from Panama and then the peeps will need to start a new one. We'll have wheels up at 8:46am on Oct 9, 2014 from George Bush International Airport, Houston, TX arriving in Panama City, Panama at 12:56pm. Thanks for reading my tales and happy tales to you.

Hello dear readers. I'm sorry I've been so lax in reporting my adventures with the peeps, but it has been a crazy time. After returning to Grove, OK we stayed a few days shorter than expected to return to Colorado. The peeps had planned to spent a few extra days in the Denver area to visit some friends they hadn't seen in quite some time plus attend a couple football games.

A quick stop in Fruita, CO to pick up "Montana wedding clothes" from the peep's storage units was necessary since they needed some jeans and long sleeve shirts. The peeps unloaded some of their extra clothes and added my travel crate to the back of their SUV. They want me to get use to traveling in it so I won't be nervous on the flight to Panama. I still like to ride on Kryss's lap most of the time, but I'll ride in the crate when I have to.

The day we arrived in Montana it was cold and raining. Needless to say there was a lot of discussion about the weather affecting the outdoor wedding, but the future casts by the weather guessers indicated the next five days were going to be warm and sunny. The peep's nephew Ryan Thompson was the groom and his parents Rich and Sally were the hosts.

I had a fantastic time. The first night's party at the Thompson house had about twenty humans and six canines. There was a Lab, two Springer Spaniels, a spotted English setter, a full size Golden Doodle and me, a mini Golden Doodle. Dawg, did we have a fun, we chased each other around the house, on to the back deck, out in the yard and back into the house. This was just the best time ever. I think I'm a very well socialized dog; not only do I love my peeps but hanging with other canines is fantastic. I learned a few new tricks from the other dogs. They taught me that eating food that humans drop on the floor is a tasty delight. I'd never done that before, bits of chicken, steak, and bread crumbs are delicious. My peeps weren't very happy about it but didn't scolded me in public.

The next day more of the guests started arriving, I met so many new humans I could hardly remember their names. However, they all liked me. I got petted so much that I thought I was a celebrity. Bob was a little grumpy in the morning, he had requested over a year ago a very specific cabin at West Glacier Raft Co. When we checked in we didn't get the cabin he had reserved. The WGRC has new management and their incompetence is totally unbelievable. After bitching a little bit he got over it because there was just too much fun to be had and not to be happy. The day started with the guys going deer stalking with a sling shot in the woods and the girls having a southern style brides luncheon. Everyone had fun, but once again I was left behind in the cabin. That evening was the cruise on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park and then hamburgers and brats at Big John and Jean Hislop's cabin. They fed about 50 people, lots of food, booze and fun.

On Friday the peeps took me on a short trip up to Polebridge, Montana. It is the last outpost before the Canadian border with Montana and the USA. The Polebridge Mercantile is about a hundred year old building that is somewhat of a historical landmark for the area. The peeps walked around the area, took a few photos and then headed back toward West Glacier. It was a very relaxing trip and fun to be with just my peeps after a couple days of many humans. We got back to our cabin just in time for the peeps to help Sally with some of the final arrangements for the western bbq rehearsal dinner, she was running in so many different directions I couldn't keep track of her. I had to stay behind in the cabin while the peeps went to Glacier Campground and set up the huckleberry jam gift table and tied cowboy scarves in a knot for all the guests. The peeps came back and changed into their western duds and told me I had to stay in cabin for this party. I really didn't care, I was still exhausted from all the great play time the previous nights . When they came back from the bbq they talked about the great time with family, friends, the outstanding food, the music and the bride to be's cool family.

Wow, now it is wedding day, the reason for the trip. I'm was really getting excited about seeing this event. Two cool families uniting, lots of friends to help celebrate, my canine friends were everywhere and then the peeps dropped the hammer. I couldn't go, only Betty the bride and groom's full sized Golden Doodle was invited. I'm was major leagued bummed but the peeps promised they would take me to the post wedding morning breakfast on Sunday. So I curled up on their bed and took a nap. Later that night they come back to the cabin laughing and talking about the great time they had. The weather was great, the bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome and everyone had a great time.

The Sunday brunch started at 10am and we were late. The peeps slept in after a party night, but I was ready to go at 7am. By the time we got to the brunch the eggs were gone but there were some huckleberry filled muffins, bloody Mary's and lots of pies. Bob was in heaven sampling pies, he should be a judge at county fairs. The new Mr. and Mrs. Thompson didn't have a wedding cake, instead they had pies and all their friends brought different pies to the wedding. Plenty were left over for the brunch. However, they had a Montana wedding cake with a very special topper just for tradition. Their Montana wedding cake was sections of birch trees tiered to resemble a traditional cake with a 1942 bride and groom topper. This topper was first used at Bob, John, Sally, Jim, Colin and Dan Hislop's parents wedding and it has been used in family weddings ever since. Betty and I had a great time checking out the floor crumbs, they were so hard to resist, and then rolled in the grass. Hanging with Betty was such a blast I can't wait to get back to Montana and see her again. That night the family got together for dinner and a few adult beverages, we stayed up way too late and finally went to bed about midnight.

We're going back to Colorado for a re-supply in Fruita. All the things we need for Panama are getting loaded in the SUV, non-Panama gear is being unloaded and left in the storage unit. From there we're going to Texas for about three weeks and then to Panama. This trip just gets better and better. Happy Tails to you...

The peeps, with me in tow, rolled out of Nashville for a long day's drive to Grove, OK. Grove is in the north east corner of Oklahoma near the Grand Lake of the Cherokee's. It's very obvious why the area is call Green Country, lots of oak and maple trees, rolling green hills of farmland and ranches. Beautiful country, just one major draw back, smack dab in the middle of tornado alley. Every year the threat of tornadoes loom over the area. Joplin, MO is only forty-five minutes away and was a victim to a vicious tornado about three years ago.

However, the peeps like the area and are discussing the potential of living in Green Country after our stint in Panama. Housing prices are less than Colorado's, taxes are reasonable and lots of friendly humans. I've yet to make any new canine friends in the area but I probably will if the peeps settle here.

Uncle Karl has this very cool boat that we all get to ride in. I'm still not so sure about this water thing, so the peeps bought me a swim vest. I know it helps keep me afloat but I'm still taking puppy steps with the water. We cruised the lake one afternoon into the evening enjoying the sunset and the moonrise.

The peeps were invited to go on a river raft float trip on the Elk River in Missouri a few days ago. I didn't get to go, the outfitter doesn't allow dogs on the rafts, only in their canoes. I guess they had a good time because when they came home they told Uncle Karl (he had to work) that they would do it again. The peeps said the water was very clear and you could see the fish; catfish, bass, and trout swimming in the water, along with lots of turtles. They took a cooler full of water, soft drinks, beer, sandwiches and snacks, floated about six and a half hours, jumping in the water regularly to cool off and commune with nature.

Last weekend we took a road trip to Parkville, MO, which is just on the northern edge of Kansas City, MO. The peep's niece Kylie, her husband Al and their two kids Molly and Quinn live there. Also, they have a dog named Nikki. Nikki is a rescue dog, part lab and something else. Nikki and I played for two solid days. The most fun I've had since we left Indiana and Izzi. We're both the same age, but Nikki is bigger than me. I held my own and she is now one of my BDFF's. Friday evening all the peeps went to the neighborhood swimming pool for pool time, adult beverages, swimming and socializing with neighbors. Nikki and I stayed home, with the peeps out of the house we were really good and took naps. When the peeps came home the dance party started. Al and Molly started singing 80's songs, using wooden spoons for mics and playing air guitars. They rocked for hours on the kitchen floor. Bob and Kryss threw in some 60's music and eventually everyone was dancing, singing and having a great time. Saturday morning Bob and Al were out the door by 8am, Al had to check on his "poolies". He's the officer in charge of the USMC recruiting office for the Kansas City district. Poolies are USMC recruits that have yet to go to boot camp. Once a month the poolies get together and their physical conditioning efforts are measured. This way by the time they go to boot camp they have a much better chance of graduating instead of washing out. Bob said there were some fine young people preparing to wear the USMC uniform, they truly are getting a few good men and women.

When Bob and Al got home, with donuts, Nikki and I rushed them like Bronco linebackers. We didn't want the donuts, the kids did, we wanted to play in the backyard. We showed off our socialization skills; running, chasing each other, jumping over toys, and wrestling. I think they were impressed with our skills, kind of like poolies. I think the dance party took a little something out of Bob and Al, not to mention the early get up time. After lunch they took naps until all the peeps went to the pool again. Bob took his GoPro camera and let Molly and Quinn swim with it on. They came home with some fun underwater images that Molly downloaded onto her mom's computer. I think the dance party on Friday night finally got to Molly while they were at the pool, she fell asleep in a big blow up floating device. Even rock stars need their rest.

When we left on Sunday morning I was really exhausted. Nikki and I had really played hard and I couldn't wait to get into my bed in the back of the Pathfinder and go to sleep. One more picture of the Butler's and then we headed back to Grove, OK.

Seymour, IN was a great time my buddy, Izzi, and I played, barked, chased and exhausted each other for four days. The peeps, the kids and the grandkids also had a blast. Nate and Molly have a beautiful house in the 'burbs, complete with a swimming pool and a second garage for all the boys (Brody, Evan, Tate) toys. I'm still not quite sure about this swimming thing, I know I can dog-paddle, but the water makes me a little nervous. Puppy steps on this one. I stayed home a bunch with Izzi, she's a Australian Shepard, while the peeps and the kids went out. I know they went to the grandkids vacation bible school presentation of music, singing, cookies, cake and Kool-Aid. They also took in the Jackson County Fair, I stayed home for that one too. But the trip that really upset me was to the fishing pond I really wanted to see what that was all about, but maybe it was just as well I stayed home since I'm not swimming with confidence yet. One night the peeps made Smeese's, that's a Smore with Reese's peanut butter cups instead of a piece of chocolate. Everyone was on a sugar high that night.

We headed off to Music City USA, Nashville, Tennessee after four days with Izzi and her peeps. Sad to go, but looking forward to another new adventure. I went everywhere in Nashville, the Ryman Auditorium (the original home of the Grand Old Opry), the Johnny Cash store and museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Studio B, and the new Grand Old Opry. The peeps got to sit at the piano Elvis Presley used to record over 250 songs at Studio B, I couldn't because my paws might have scratch the ivories. Didn't see any country stars but we went into a few bars on Broadway and listened to new talent trying to make it in Nashville. One day for lunch the peeps had "hot" chicken, which is considered a Nashville signature dish. Basically, cayenne pepper is dry rubbed into the chicken and then it is deep fried. Depending on the amount of cayenne pepper you can really heat up your taste buds. Bob had half a chicken with mild and medium heat and his eye balls were sweating. Kryss had mild tenders and was happy with the taste. I snagged a piece off the floor and it made me cough, I'll stick to my dog food. The whole time we were in Nashville, I was working. I had my service dog vest on and for eight hours each day I was intense, paying attention to everything around me and obeying all my commands. Strangers praised me for my behavior, beauty, and poise. Everyone always wanted to pet me but knew they couldn't. Every night I slept like a puppy with a full belly.

The peeps had been planning to go to Mexico after Nashville, with interim stops in Grove, OK and Cave Creek, AZ. However, the more they discussed it they realized that going to Mexico didn't serve their purpose to look for a new place to live. They have no intention of living in Mexico and even though the opportunity to stay at their friend's home for a month was very inviting it didn't serve the purpose of this four month road trip. So, they changed their itinerary. They're going to stay in Grove, OK for 3 to 4 weeks, look around "Green Country" that's what the area is called and decide if they could live there. I don't have a voice in this decision but I'm happy wherever my peeps are hanging out. Green Country encompasses portions of OK, MO, and AK. I imagine we'll be driving around a bunch looking at the area.

I'll be checking in with you later. Happy tales to you, love and licks, Tashi!