It’s my favorite time of year at Truckee River Regional Park. The leash law isn’t in effect yet, and the disc golf course is thawing out. I like playing golf. I just have to resist the urge to chase the discs. This month I met a nice mutt named Ozzie and played a round with a few of his friends. Ozzie, it turns out, is a loyal reader of this column. He made me feel like I was famous. Despite me crowding everyone on the tee and staring intently at the golfers as they tossed their drives, we had a good round. Ozzie’s person, Joe, had an ace on hole number two. Ozzie was so proud.
Just around the corner from the park is the animal shelter. This month we stopped by for a visit and my people met some cool looking cats. We didn’t take anyone home, but I have noticed an increase in cat chatter around my house. It’s making me a little nervous. Outside in the dog runs were a big boy named Noodles, Noche, and a Border Collie that was bouncing up and down like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. It was like the dog was on a pogo stick. We had our little person with us so we decided on Noche. He couldn’t jump as high as the Border Collie so we figured he would be easier to handle. We owe Noodles a walk.
Noche has an interesting history. Noche’s mom and dad are both from Costa Rica. Noche’s mom traded in her surfboard for skis last year, and Noche was born right here in Truckee. When the litter was born there was a lot of hullabaloo around town about the cute Costa Rican Puppies. They were so adorable. Now a year later Noche is a little bigger and his lack of manners isn’t as cute as it was when he was a pup. When we left the shelter with him we were told he was ‘ill mannered’ and we prepared for the worst. But we were pleasantly surprised.
We took Noche down to the Truckee River. He was good on a leash and generally a happy guy. I didn’t even vibe him like I do with so many other new dogs from the shelter. I’ve been known to subtly growl at newcomers and sometimes it’s not even subtle. I can’t help it. It’s the herding dog in my mutt DNA coming out. Noche walked well on a leash and tried to contain his excitement. He could use some refinement but mostly I think he needs some exercise and time with his new owners. We met people and dogs on our walk and Noche was great with everyone. His fur never got that Mohawk that I sometimes get when I think I’m tough. He just loves life and wants to be your friend. I love life but I don’t necessarily want to be your friend.
Noche is a lanky fellow. He weighs about 60 pounds and runs like a deer. He and my sister Olive got along great. They enjoyed frolicking by the river and running in circles. They didn’t jump on the baby and Noche, unlike Olive, can run and play without barking up a storm. Maybe it’s just my calming influence but I didn’t find Noche to be ill-mannered at all. I haven’t had him in my house yet though.
Noche is like a teenager. He has a lot of energy and just needs a little direction. I have no idea what type of dog he is. Some kind of German uh, Costa Rican Shepard. It doesn’t really matter. With some love and time I think he will be a great dog. He displays no aggression and loves other dogs and people. He’s scared of cats, however, but I won’t hold that against him. If you are looking for a handsome guy with a little latin flavor don’t miss out on Noche. He’s a keeper.
I can’t go without mentioning my buddy Homer. Homer spent another weekend with us this month. Our little person even knows his name now. He’s like an Uncle that drops by from time to time. You are always welcome at our house, Homer. In other news Sugar, last month’s featured friend, has found a home. Congratulations Sugar.
For more information on Noche, Homer, or any of the other fine animals at the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe visit hstt.org. Have a great month.
Dogs in Duds
June 7
They say every dog has his day. June 7 is that day for two dogs rescued from the infamous Michael Vick Bad Newz Kennels. Uba and Jonny Justice, two pit bulls who were rescued by BADRAP (Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls), will be the event’s first-ever ‘pets of honor’ at the Sixth Annual Truckee Duckee Derbee (TDD) and Dogs in Duds Contest at the River Ranch Lodge. ‘The Humane Society of Truckee/Tahoe (HSTT) is a huge supporter of the work BADRAP does,’ says HSTT Director Stephanie Hiemstra. ‘They are truly committed to helping people understand Pit Bulls.’ The TDD rubber duck races benefit HSTT, and the afternoon’s festivities include live music on the outdoor patio, a BBQ, drink and food specials, a fabulous raffle, and the hilarious Dogs in Duds K-9 costume contest. The pre-race party starts at 2 p.m. with live music by Darin ‘Mr. Tahoe’ Talbot. Dogs in Duds takes place at 3 p.m. The Derbee, which starts at 4 p.m., is billed as the ‘most unpredictable two minutes in Tahoe,’ as the rubber ducks must negotiate the whimsical currents and eddies of the Truckee River to the finish line at the River Ranch patio. Cost to sponsor a duck is $10 and the top three ducks win cash. There is no cost to enter the costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to the most stylish and creative canines. All canine companions are encouraged to wear their favorite K-9 T-shirts. hstt.org, riverranchlodge.com, 530-581-0181.
Equestrian Art
Acclaimed choreographer, Alain Gauthier, celebrated for his work with Cavalia and Le Cirque du Soleil, conducted an equine-guided education workshop for several InnerRhythms Dance Theatre dancers. Working with a Belgium Draft horse, the students are learning acrobatics, theater arts, and aerial stunts, which they will bring to ‘Terra Caeli,’ Trails and Vistas art hike on September 12 and 13 at the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center. For the upcoming Trails and Vistas, Alain has created three sites featuring live music and dancing with horses. Dancers are learning life lessons from working with these majestic animals, and Elizabeth Archer, InnerRhythms co-founder and Trails and Vistas Choreographer, confirmed that this is a unique opportunity for the dancers to form a personal bond with the horses while creating a close connection to each other. The student participants and observers were clearly touched emotionally by this workshop and are excited to bring this intensity to Trails and Vistas. They will offer two more workshops with InnerRhythms dancers this summer, and are seeking sponsorships for both the workshops and for specific sites at ‘Terra Caeli.’ Tickets go on sale July 4 at the Truckee Chamber of Commerce and on the website. Contact Artistic and Executive Director Nancy Tieken Lopez for sponsor and volunteer opportunities at nancy@trailsandvis-tas.org or visit trailsandvitas.org.
