NewVision

There is always more than one way to view this world.

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VANCOUVER PONDS

Today we enjoyed the first sunshine we have seen after days of rain. I decided to visit some of my favorite water spots in our city and share them with you.

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Water is many things to all of us. Today let it refresh you.  

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 This waterfall outside of Clark College is really nice. The next photo is from the other side of the pond. Sometimes photos just can't tell the whole story.

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Clark College Pond

As you drive down MillPlain near Clark College this waterfall is the best part of the drive.

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This pond is one of five that graces the entrance into Columbia Valley Elementary. There is a park nearby with paved walking trails. I love having these pleasant places in our city.

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This pond is right across the street from the pond in the photo above. When we need a touch of country we can find it right in our city. 

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NEIGHBORHOOD POND IN VANCOUVER, WA

Here is another favorite spot. It has fountains and mallards and is surrounded by lawn, trails, and benches. It is almost hidden from the street, I am glad to have discovered it.

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WSU POND

I enjoy the red winged blackbirds and mallards that have made this pond their home. Students walk by on their way to class and enjoy natures presence.

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Waterfountain Display at WSU

Playful little fountains burst up through the stones and dance in the sun.

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My desire to find a dog for our home began one evening after watching a Hallmark movie called “A Dog Named Christmas.” After the movie I went to bed and memories of the dogs that had shared my life filled my mind. I knew we needed to find a small dog and I thought about how my daughter was attracted to small black dogs with pointy ears and fox like noses.

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I began my search at the Humane Society. Humane societies have limited space so younger dogs have a longer opportunity to stay and wait for a chance to be adopted. Older dogs and breeds that are not as popular have less chance of a long term stay at a humane society. I walked past all the large dogs and saw their beckoning eyes. I moved on and found the few cages that held small dogs. One kennel had a tag that read, “Angel”. Her owner had been taken to an assisted living home. Angel lay with her face toward the wall and her back towards the visitors aisle. I softly called her name, she turned her face and looked at me. A moment later she turned her face to the wall again. I was not who she was hoping for. I felt sad for Angel, she would not see her owner again.

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Dog Rescue Agencies

My next decision was to search through dog rescue agencies on the internet. I knew that rescue agencies often kept their dogs in foster homes while they searched for adoptive homes for them. They usually screen the families that want to adopt their dogs. I really appreciate all those who are concerned for the welfare of these animals. Often the agencies have to nurse dogs back to health before they can be adopted out. The financial burden incurred when rehabilitating abandoned or unwanted pets can be huge. It takes a lot of effort and money to get dogs ready so they can be adopted.

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DUMPTY

Cattle dog, Beagle mix and Adoptable Dog

Searching on the internet will reveal many dogs posing before the camera. Those photos sometimes help families find the dog they will adopt. I searched through many photos looking for the one that might become our dog.

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ADOPT ME

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Is This the Dog for us?

This dog was abandoned and left without food and water in an apartment. The apartment manager called a pet rescue agency. A foster mom from Second Chance Companions was able to crate him and take him to her home. He had mange and fleas and was underweight from lack of food. 

He barked so ferociously at the vet who tried to examine him that the vet recommended euthanasia. The foster mom asked for time to work with him. They quessed his age at about one and one-half years. His foster mom called him “Rambo” because of his aggressive attitude. This internet photo was our first glimpse of Rambo. He had been in foster care for four months and was ready to be offered for adoption. He looked so sad in the photo. I wondered what he would be like when we met him. BUT, he looked very much like the little black dogs my daughter always loved.

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JOEY

We wanted to adopt “Rambo” as soon as we met him. He stayed one night “on trial.” All he wanted was to be in our laps. He was over zealous with his doggie kisses. His Rambo attitude was gone, when we called “Rambo”, he did not respond, the agency name had not taken root in him. So we renamed this gentle dog “Joey.” We soon realized the reason he showed aggression with the rescue agency and vet. He had been afraid and barking was all he had to protect himself. Joey was a gentle, loving dog who needed a family.

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JOEY'S SECOND CHANCE

After we adopted Joey we helped him overcome his fear of people and cars. He rapidly understood what his "new" manners were to be. We were delighted at how quickly he learned basic commands. Rat-Cha's are "burrowers." To take a nap, he covers himself with a blanket until you can't even see him. He values his special place in our family. His collar was one of the first things we purchased for him. One day his sparkly new collar came unlatched and fell to the ground. Joey stood over the collar until we came and put it back on.