Oliver says, wet dogs are happy dogs

Its been raining one day, and brilliantly sunny the next.

This Spring has been like no other. Not only have we had great warm days, we also have had a steady supply of rain. No where is it more abundant and apparent than Cazadero. The local website Cazadero California Web Site, says it best, “Cazadero generally doesn’t have more storms than other coastal communities – just more rainfall” Its been raining one day, and brilliantly sunny the next. The results of that rain are easy enough to see when you drive around the Russian River area. The streams and creeks are full, and the colors range from a deep blue, to a clear inense green.  Now that I dont grow grapes, I enjoy the weather a great deal more. Rain this time of year would have had me wringing my hands, and worrying about the crop, more than usual. If the bloom has begun, rain can really reduce your yield and crop. I enjoyed the process of growing the grapes, but my small vineyard gained notoriety early, and I always felt the pressure of harvest. In the grape industry, no one appreciates going down in rankings.

The last couple of days at Elements in the rain have become too much for Oliver.

Like any dog at a Russian river vacation rental, the key word is outside. The fact that it was pouring rain only made him hesiate slightly at the door for the morning “run”. And he made it known all morning that he was ready for his walk, despite the continuous downpour. I hid behind work and my computer and fed him treats to distract him from our later than normal start for a walk. Finally the Schnauzer could handle delay no longer, and took his last treat outside into the middle of the rain and sat. Clearly he was ready for his walk, and even treats would be accepted. Off we went, Oliver straining at the leash, and me fumbling with a rain coat and umbrella. Oliver’s playing the puddles, and watching the ducks swim in Austin Creek dragged me back into the present. Oliver couldn’t have been happier, he was soaked, and still wanted to go back to the creek for a swim. And I saw a whole side of spring, that I would have missed if Oliver had not dragged me along.