Rollin' Down the River

We have been having some very hot weather here this last week, so when Shawn's sister and her husband suggested we go out on the river and have a picnic dinner on their boat, we didn't hesitate for a moment. Stormie wanted to go in her new boating traveling bag that we found on clearance at PetSmart!

This also gave Stormie a great opportunity to try out her Paws Aboard life jacket that we purchased at Paws for a Cause. Because is was so hot, she only wore it for a short while, but was definitely adorable! I know, the hat and doggles just make the whole outfit complete, huh?

Stormie wasn't so sure she was enjoying herself at first, but after she got used to the noise of the engine and the bobbing up and down, she started relaxing and having some fun.

We settled into a nice shady cove and stopped to have our dinner. Some other friends of ours were out on their boat and joined up with us. They had their little dog, Maggie, with them. She was jealous of Stormie's collar from Crazy for Collars, so we decided it would look really nice on her and let her have it. She went home very happy.

Stormie soon was feeling comfortable enough (other than the heat, always harder on a dog with a black coat. Honestly, she drank lots of water!) to start exploring the boat, even tried to convince everyone that perhaps she should try her paw at driving!

Hannah wanted to take her out on the float tube, but we decided she liked the view better from

my lap.

In the end, we wore the poor little thing out and she snoozed on the way back to the dock.

Life is rough for Stormie, don't you think???

Birthday Roadtrip

Rumor has it that yesterday was my birthday. Shawn said I could do anything I wanted, so I decided that I wanted to go visit some dog boutiques here in Portland that I hadn't had the chance to check out yet.

So, Stormie, Shawn and I headed out for our adventure.

First stop was Pets on Broadway. Stormie got lots of attention strutting around in her Patriotic 4th of July dress and collar from Crazy for Collars.

There was lots to see at this huge store. Stormie especially liked the aisle that had stuffed animals all the way down to her level. She got in and checked them all out and picked out what she wanted.

When we headed over to the dog treat section (always a must-see on Stormie's list), we were excited to see that they had Waggin' Tail biscuit mixes. Stormie remembered how fun it was to help make those biscuits and how yummy they were and reminded me that we need to order some more!

Our next stop was Furever Pets. This was a really fun shop that had just about anything and everything you could ever want or need for your furry little one. Stormie had to check out this really awesome cat climber/condo. She tried her best to convince us that we needed to get it for Spencer, our cat. Sorry Spencer, she wasn't convincing enough. We did pick up some Himalayan Chews, as we have been hearing great things about those!

All this shopping and looking was tiring, but we weren't done yet!

On to Paws for the Cause for a surprise visit to Melissa!

Of course we have been here before, but it's always fun to go see Melissa and check out what new things she has in the store.

Stormie loved the Juicy Couture bed. She kicked out the little stuffed dog that was sleeping in it and had to check it out for herself.

I have been wanting to try out a doggie life vest and was excited to see that Melissa had them available. I have been hesitant to order one online as I wanted to try it on to be sure of the correct size. There was an adorable pink with white polka dot one in just the perfect size for Stormie. I think it looks especially cute with her dress sticking out the back!

Christopher, fire up the boat, we are ready to sail!

So, we bought the life vest, got some dog treats (they have very yummy ones!) and a funny tshirt for my 'little brother', Teddy that says "I make Cesar cry". Haha. My mom loves to watch the Dog Whisperer, so this tshirt will be perfect for him!

When we got home, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent by my daughter and son-in-law, who live in California. Thanks Melody and Bobby!

It was a great day. Stormie says, "I'm liking these birthday things. When is your next one, Mom???"

Stormie and I Went on a Little Roadtrip...

Yesterday was such a rare, spectacularly beautiful February day, so Stormie and I packed up some of our new Spring/Summer designs and went to visit our friend Melissa Trajano-Williams at her shop, Paws for a Cause, out in Troutdale, Oregon. Melissa is, of course, wonderful and the boutique is really nice. After sharing the sneak-peak fashions we brought to outfit her pooches, Stormie and I did a little shopping. We were excited to see Puppia harnesses, as we had always wanted to try one out. Okay, perhaps I was wanting it a little more than Stormie, but she was very cooperative.

We picked out a bright lime-green one and it was a perfect fit. Doesn't she look wonderful? Her sisters were quite jealous when we got home, so we will have to go back and get a couple more! They are perfect for taking walks and snap on and off so easily. We also got one for my Mom's dog, Teddy.

Be sure to check out Melissa's blog at http://www.barksniffdrool.com/ to see the pictures of her sweet furkids in their new Cody and Company duds. And if you get a chance to head out to Troutdale, check out the great shop. You can get a preview at http://www.pawsforacauseshop.com/.