Blogging and Jogging with Beau and the Pack

Good Morning and good cheer to everyone... thought I would give you a quick update on what has been happening the last couple of days. After a week of fairly mild and rather sunny weather, we have returned to what the Pacific Northwest is best known for, Rain. Although currently the rain is light, the wind is once again howling like a Wolf, and the fir tree branches are spread across the road. This morning Hershey and I went on our routine journey to the Beach.... We did not go too far out as the tide was in, and crashing rather loudly. Raven was a bit disappointed this morning as there was no sunrise to see, just the rise of clouds and a couple of streaks of blue. Oh well you cannot have the perfect sunrise everyday. Despite that our walks our always and adventure and new corners to smell and leave our mark on

Yesterday I got to pay a visit to the vet... I have been having a fair amount of pain and trouble with my hips.. and I fell out of mom's car a few times... that did not make me a happy camper... So Raven walked myself and Hershey, who came along for moral support to the vet... It was confirmed I was pretty Arthritic and that I would be on Meds for the rest of my life.... So now, along with Big max I am taking Novox 2x a day.... Raven also got some pill pockets to hide my medicine in, since I am so clever and always seem to find the meds in my food... In any case, I am feeling a lot better than the previous couple of weeks.... We are still taking our daily 2x, sometimes 3 walks a day... and Hershey is a really cool walking buddy... although, he marks every bush, and I am much more discriminate about what tree or plant I choose to leave my mark on. We mostly go to the beach and then back up bartel through Northwoods.. it is fun, and Raven brings along her trusty camera to make sure she gets those perfect photos of us and the amazing sunrises. So all in all we are doing well.. Sox is now permanently on wet food... with her ripe old age of 18, although often she acts as though she is two... she can no longer chew well.... plus she is too skinny, so she now eats 3-4 times a day. Millie has decided she also likes the Trader Joe's tuna.. so she is also getting a bit of an extra treat. Millie, who has always enjoyed the great outdoors.. is taking a few adventures in the back... also, because she seems to find the litter boxes offensive even when they are clean, as she has left a bit of her business on the bathroom floor, it makes sense that she get a taste of fresh air. So she and Sox get to have their adventures as well. I see her chasing things out there, although it is probably only an imaginary mice or shrew that she jumps at.

Hershey our guest writer is going home Monday. Mom and Dad will return from Costa Rica and pick him up. I am really going to miss him, he has been a good morale booster for me with his youthful spirit. Raven is going to miss him too I know.. she has grown attached as she has to us as well.

Well I hope everyone is well out there in the great universe and enjoying some fun and sun.... We all send you lots of love and hugs..

Beau, max, Sox and Milllie and Hershey

Babbling With Beau

Greetings Folks, it's me Beau... or as I am affectionately called Beauie, Beausie or whatever variation you would like. I have been elected the official Blog Writer for this blog, so from now on, the blogs will come from me and will include guest writers and other members of my pack. It has been awhile since I last wrote so we have a lot of catching up to do. It has been relatively quiet here, except for the radical windstorms we get somewhat frequently, and the occasional power outage, yet things are going smoothly. Raven is quite busy with all of us, and in addition for the next two weeks we have as guest visitor, Hershey. Hershey is an eight year old Red Australian shepherd, whose mom is a award winning artist and former co-worker of Raven's when they use to work together at alaska raptor center. She now resides on Orcas with her Husband, and in addition to being an acclaimed wildlife artist, she also teaches the birding classes at the library. Right now, she and her hubby are leading a two week birding trip in costa rica, so Hershey is with us. Hershey is a bundle of fun, and we have become good hiking buddies. He has loads of energy, with his breeding background. today he was running at full speed in the backyard, while Big Max just sat and watched. He is a cool dude, and listens to commands extremely well. Max is exploring his surroundings in the backyard which he enjoys, and raven is trying to keep the poop cleaned up, so big Max doesn't look for afternoon snacks. Obviously his nose still works extremely well, despite his senior citizenship. as for me I am doing okay, I have had a bit of pain lately, as I have fallen a few times from my Mom's car, as well as missing a couple of jumps over a log on my walks with raven.... so I think I am a bit sore. as for the girls of the house, Millie and sox, well they are always up to no good. sox constantly chases Millie around, so Millie has taken to crawling under the sheets that now cover the couch and bury herself in there. Other than that we are all well. we have had some fairly mild weather this week, and not as much rain as we had been having, both myself and raven are happy about this, and I don't get so muddy on my walks. Well that is really about all for now. Just keeping busy sleeping, eating and going for cool walks with awesome views. I hope you are all doing well and You will hear from me again real soon. Love, Beau, Max, Millie and sox (and Hershey)

A little extra From Guest Writer Hershey to his Mom: Hey I am having a blast. Beau and I are really good hiking buddies and Raven did a Movie of me today chasing a stick in the backyard. I have been a really good boy listening really well and being a love bug. I hope you guys are having fun looking at all those cool birds down there. I miss you and will see you soon. Love, Hershey

Bits and Bits from Beau

Happy New year everyone, it's me Beau. I just wanted to send everyone big doggie kisses and greetings to all of you. This month has definitely had it's challenging for myself, Max, Millie and Sox. Three weeks ago we had a fire, and due to all the smoke damage and such we have now relocated to a beautiful location on North Beach. It was kind of stressful for us moving around such, yet we have such a loyal caregiver and enjoyed warmth and creature comforts. Raven has been indulging me in many walks to town and in the woods where I can take care of my business. Although, I don't think she is that keen on my 6:30 a.m. wake up calls, yet it is better than leaving my business in the living room to clean up. All in all things are going fine. The other day she took me to Dog Park which was boring for me. I am really not into other dogs, yet she insisted that I need some social times with my own kind. So much for that, and fortunately we did not stay too long and I got to go to the beach for a romp in the sand. I also got to watch a Great Blue Heron Fishing which was very cool.

Back home, Max was relaxing and soon took a trip to the backyard wonders where I joined for a brief time. Max cannot walk too well anymore, so he is content with the back deck if he doesn't quite make it to the grass. We are just grateful we are all okay. Millie and Sox are enjoying exploring their new location, and have taken to scratching new things, such as couches and coffee tables... Sox takes and occasional trip around the yard, yet Millie has chosen to reside on Raven's Bed... or Max's bed for that matter. Anyway, all is well, and we all want to wish you a very Happy New Year. We will see you again soon in 2010.

Love, Beau, Max, Millie and Sox.

Moments in Time with Max

Hey everyone, it's me Max greeting you from the rather soggy Pacific Northwest. Life has been pretty slow, not anything too exciting to report, at least from my point of view. Mostly I have been exploring smells in the grass, devouring my chow and hanging out snoozing. Life is pretty chill when you get to be a wise old man like myself. I have earned the rights to have a quiet life, no more chasing balls, or running amok in the woods. I have settled down to a quiet life. As long as I have a couple of good meals a day, and have a few times to take care of business in the back yard, I am pretty content. Of course my sense of smell is still excellent, perhaps too excellent. I know I have a funky habit of wanting to eat my business, however Raven is doing her best to control and manage the backyard, so my business doesn't stick around for me to get a hold of it. However, I have managed to find a few leaves that have remnants of my business on it and have a bit of a snack on the side. What's an old guy to do, that's just life. I do have my moments of excitement especially when it is close to chow time, I can sense it coming before it even hits the plate... In fact I get so excited that I devoured it in one gobble, then on top of that I eat Beau's leftovers as well.. I am a pretty lucky guy, as I get my share of biscuits daily, so I really have nothing to complain about. The only thing that is a drag about old age, is the old body just doesn't always do what you want it to do. My back legs get stuck now and again, and Raven does a good job picking me up when I get stuck in a corner. Otherwise I am just a happy go lucky guy living the quiet life.

As far as the other member of the crew.here is the latest on them: Well Beau still can move pretty well, so he gets to go on daily walks either to the Marina or in the Wetlands... Beau is really a sensitive guy, so when his mom leaves, he sulks a bit. Yet Raven is really good out cheering him up with a walk and a treat or two.

As for the two rambunctious females in the house, they are always up to no good. Socks acts more like a dog with her begging, yet now has found a few moments to snuggle next to Raven. Millie is always up to no good, scaring poor birds, or chasing some lost dream. She also recently took to sunning, as the sun came out brightly the other day, and she found some time to hang out on the deck and get some rays. She is really the comedian of the house, and has quite the personality... she knows how to get her way.. Anyway, that is about all I have to report. Hope all is well in the Sunshine State. Keep sailing and say hi to those Royal Terns.

Love always,

Max The Magnificent

I hope you enjoy our latest photos, plus the fantastic sunrise we had the other morning...

Memorable Moments from Millie Miss. McGillie

Good Morning everyone.... As you can see I have been seriously working on my blog the last couple of days... afterall with all the wind blowing what else is there for a girl to do? Virtually no birds flying around for me to gaze at, and the view is rather gray.... so now I can devote all my talents to writing.... By the way what do you think of the Pink background... rather suits by girly girly ways.... Love all of you... Miss. Millie


Meow Meow... Purr Purr.. That is my nickname.... Luscious Lapcat, Birdwatcher.... Mischief Maker.... who me? mischief? nonsense.... I would never even consider chasing an innocent bird..... yeah right? Boy would I love to get my paws on one of those Juncos who keep visiting the porch... However, I was not born with wings... so I guess I lose.

The most recent news I have to report is what the Sky was doing last night... It seemed to be howling angrily as the wind roared and rain came pouring down.. I hunkered down next to Raven for the night... to hide out from the storm... Thankfully, I have a cozy place to live, and I am not a poor feral cat running around looking for food and a good hiding place. I am very grateful to have a cozy lap, a good bowl of chow,,,, and some friends to bug at night.. (i.e. Socks, Max and Beau) Socks and I had a good chase around the house last night... well, I came in first... Beauty before age I suppose.. we were all charged up over the wind.. and someone took some dynamite to us and made us run around the house... good fun though. I don't mess with Max and Beau too much, after all they are the kings of the house.... Quiet old men.. that prefer a good snooze than chasing each other around like a couple of fools like me and Socks. I admit I was a little antsy with all the wind last night, and started scratching the couch...scratching couches I suppose is equated to comfort food, nothing more than a outlet to release some anxiety... Anyway, all in good fun... I slept quite well next to Raven last night as I have been for the last several nights.... when the morning light began to come in though, I really need to get outside to find a tree that I could lean up against to let go of all that water I drank the night before... trees do come in handy sometimes...

Once again, the sky decided to get rip roaring mad tonight and blow like mad... Yet, then when you think about it... it is blowing away all that old stuff, like leaves and stuff.. in order to bring in all the new this spring.... gotta look at it from a positive point of view don't ya think? Well, what does a cat know.. all we like to do is stretch, curl up in a ball and relax.. you humans could learn alot from us, and learn to relax more. No need to worry, just relax and trust that all will turn out fine.. take it from me.. I know it well. Tonight I just curled up with Raven while she watched a romantic comedy.. I was treated like a real queen... scratched under the chin... gentle massages..... scratched on the head.... more pets..what more could a girl ask for... As for the rest of the household... Socks only stuck around downstairs long enough for a good meal.. while max and beau just slept after stuffing themselves with yummies....... A couple of trips outside to the john for Max.. and we all just hunkered down for the night.. Well that's about all for now... Here are a few tips you can learn from me:

Take a nap..... it helps you to rejuvinate
Have a good stretch... get's your muscles relaxed
Go out exploring.. you might find something new and interesting
Go Birdwatching.. yet don't touch...
And most of all have fun!

We Girls Rule The Roost! by Millie and Sox

Yes, it is true... we girls rule the Roost... and on top of that live the high life in the Penthouse... well, most of the time... Lately Millie has taken a liking to Raven's Den.. and has spent the last few nights curled up next to Raven... as for me.. Queen Sox, I have stayed in the penthouse as well on top of the Leather couch in the upstairs sitting room... I am quite eloquent at getting my way as well... particularly in the area of food treats... after all I am 18 and a true Queen Bee. Millie prefers a good pet and quality lap time more, and doesn't seem as interested in special snacks... what can I say, I have earned my place in the world evolving to a mature and spry woman.

Well it looks like winter is arriving... along with rain and wind... Millie doesn't seem to mind, as she still requested to go out this morning, even if only for a few minutes. As for myself, I took to napping on the red towel on the table... the color looks good against my shiny Black and white coat. Max and Beau are snoozing after their morning meal and a quick trip to do their business outside. Raven is drinking her morning cup'a and having some hot cereal. All in All life is just fine here, even if it is gloomy and raining out. Well, it is time for me to nap again so I am signing off. See you all soon.

Love, Socks, Millie, Max and Beau...

Deer Harbor Daze, Starring Beau, Max and the Girls

Beau's Story: When I saw Raven with a treat in her hand, I became quite excited about going out on an adventure. I saw the beautiful puffy clouds overhead and the pretty blue skies and knew I needed to get out for a walk. I love to walk and it is so much fun to sniff around in the grass and have a bit of a run. Raven and I wandered over towards Lahari and I had so much fun looking around and smelling all those lovely things in the grass. Of course there is a reason for all this sniffing and smelling when you have business to take care of. The most exciting thing today was that I got to star in my very own movie... see me soon as I go out on my many adventures in and around Deer Harbor.

Raven had a blast taking photos of me, although I was not very interested in giving her my complete attention and looking into the camera, I was more interested in all the scents around me.

On our way back I made some new friends. Raven noticed a couple of furred friends running up the hill and she recognized them from her days living in Olga... it was Raven (her namesake) and Braxten. Braxten looks like a mi nature of myself, Brown, black and White and about Beagle size, Raven is a big guy and a mere pup at 4, he is part Akita and Rhodesian Ridgeback... what a cool mix.. with this funny line going down his back.. I of course was a bit cautious at these strangers in my neighborhood and gave a bit of a growl, yet Raven calmed me and said it was okay, so soon we were all good friends... I even got my picture with them. Wow, it was such a fun day, and I look forward to all the exciting walks and adventures that Raven and I will have this winter.

Max's Story: I had a very relaxing day. I spent most of the day doing what I do best, eating and resting. I get so excited when I see Raven with a biscuit and know that a goodie is about to come. Of course in order to receive my reward, I have to be a good boy and do my business well which of course I did.. Yeah! a Biscuit .. my favorite. Right now I am relaxing hanging out on my bed.

Millies Story: Well, what can I say... I am part lap cat, part catting around. I liked being out today when the sun was out.. I good stare at the birds and dream about catching one, yet no way am I allowed to do that.... so I promise, no birds. I enjoyed some quality lap time on Raven's lap and got to star in my own photograph... such is the tough life of a Queen Bee.

Soxie's Story: Well, What can I say, I rule the roost, plain and simple... Queen of the house and I somehow manage to always get my way... although I appear to be... sweet on the outside, and a tiger on the inside... sweet as long as Raven complies to my demands of special treats, otherwise I will just ignore you... although I did sneak a bit of time on Raven's lap for a mere second only to get distracted and escape to the penthouse. Mostly, I enjoy napping and dreaming about my early days of chasing mice and hoping to catch a rabbit or two... Now, that I am retired just having a meal of salmon will satisfy me just fine.

Well that is our story for today... we will see you again real soon.