Dog Riding on a Recumbent Bike!

Recumbent bike riding dog, originally uploaded by WOOF Factory.

THIS DOG ROCKS! Seen in Downtown Des Moines today, this Terrier guy has his own little platform to stand on and ride along. Check out his awesome shades and beads!

What a great way to travel!

For more ideas on ways to bike with your dog, check out this WOOF Factory page>

Des Moines is Flooded

Downtown Des Moines reflecting in Flooded Street, originally uploaded by WOOF Factory.

Des Moines is flooded! Despite evacuations today, this afternoon the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers crested and the water should start going down. In the meantime, most of our favorite dog spots are partially or totally underwater!

What's an outdoor loving dog to do when his trails and parks have morphed into dangerous rivers and lakes? Beyond that, what happens to the wildlife when the water suddenly engulfs large areas?
By downtown last night, this adorable beaver attracted a crowd while swimming up and down the flooded edge of the Raccoon River looking quite disoriented. According to Doug Harr of the DNR, as quoted in this article, people in Des Moines can expect to see more deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks and other wildlife in populated areas like housing developments as they move to higher ground. Animal Control in Des Moines has had several calls regarding snapping turtles that have wandered into roadways or yards, and many people have reported finding baby wildlife.

View some more Des Moines Flood 08 Photos here>

As people are forced to leave their homes, the The Humane Society of the United States deployed an animal rescue team to flood ravaged Iowa today. The HSUS has been working in partnership with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, located in Des Moines, to ensure that resources are getting to the most critical flood locations. Read more here>

Pave Paradise

Pave Paradise, originally uploaded by WOOF Factory.

They took all the trees
And put them in a tree museum
Then they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see 'em
Don't it always seem to go,
That you don't know what you’ve got
‘Til it’s gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
--Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi

These poles are next to a paved bike trail that is new in a previously undeveloped area by the Des Moines River. The area has been used by mountain bikers, ATVs, and off-roaders for decades. From the graffiti I get the impression that everyone is not happy about the new paved trail.

The 3.7 mile trail was constructed at a cost of $1.4 million, completing a short link that now permits 85 miles of bicycling in Central Iowa. OK by me, but the "Big Yellow Taxi" song goes through my head each time I pass here.

Thursday my husband Jason and I were on the trail with our two husky mixes, Catori and Takoda. It was an extra exciting day for the dogs. Takoda pulled me along on the dog scooter and Catori ran along beside Jason's bike. Takoda nearly lost her nose to a very angry snapping turtle, and Catori enjoyed chasing a possum. It was a very wet, muddy ride. Check out the mud on the bike tires!

When we returned to the Jeep, the dogs were clearly not ready to go! Everything was loaded up... but Catori, who pancaked himself to the asphalt parking lot.

Catori is notorious for this type of stubborn behavior. He throws a 2-year-old human toddlerish tantrum when he isn't ready to leave somewhere. At the dog park, in the yard when he doesn't want to go inside, you name it.

I decided to to take advantage of the moment of stillness to get some good macro shots of Catori's nose, and some photos to remember this silly, stubborn moment.

What I failed to think about is what this might look like to someone passing by on the road. I continued to snap photographs as a mini van pulled into the bike trail parking lot.

So there I was, crouching on the pavement next to my motionless dog, who apparently appeared to be dead, or close to it.
I look up and see that a concerned woman in a maroon mini van is leaning out the window telling me they're animal lovers and asking me if he is OK. Surprised, I assure her yes he is fine but she is not easily convinced and follows with a series of questions.

"Do you know where the nearest vet is?"
"Are you sure he's OK?"
"Can I help you somehow?"
"Do you want some water?"
"Are you SURE he's ok?"

Finally, rather reluctantly, she drove away as I thanked her for stopping and maintained that he was hydrated, happy, and healthy. Then I kindly asked Catori to please get in the Jeep and he hopped in. I hoped he understood the situation and felt slightly embarrassed.

And me, well yes I was sort of embarrassed. However it's nice to see that there are caring people out there who would take a moment out of their busy day to help a dog!

Des Moines Flooding and its affect on dogs

Water Works Park. Photo: ARTURO FERNANDEZ/ THE REGISTER

It's been a stormy, rainy week for Des Moines dogs! We are running out of dry places to walk, run and play and safe places to swim! Here's a rundown on Des Moines flooding news affecting dogs, as of June 6 at 3PM:

1. Raccoon River Dog Park & trail around the lake was CLOSED on Monday (actually just minutes after we returned from a bike ride around the lake, when it was still dry)

2. Gray's Lake: Temporary reduced hours will be in effect at Gray's Lake Park until further notice. The park will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Portions of the park are now closed to public access.

Closures include portions of the trail, all of John R. Grubb Lane and the swimming area. Parking is available only at the southwest parking lot.

Park patrons may continue to use portions of the Gray's Lake Kruidenier Trail that are not closed and under water.

3. ALL other trails: With the exceptions of the InterUrban and Trestle to Trestle Trails, until further notice all city of Des Moines recreational trails are closed due to flooding.

4. Water Works of course is totally water logged.

We hit some bike trails by Saylorville Lake this morning and it was muddy but not flooded... my legs were caked with mud, dogs had fun. Our normal Saylorville swim spots though... totally underwater.

Dogs have been evacuated from the Des Moines shelter due to rising floodwaters. Keep this in mind if you're looking for a lost dog.

If you are looking for a missing dog or have picked up a dog within the Des Moines City limits, go to the ARL Main location, 5452 N.E. 22nd St.

The situation will continue to be monitored to determine whether cats and other small pets need to be evacuated from the 14th Street shelter, according to the release.

Information: 262-9503.

FLOOD SAFETY: Keep this stuff in mind when you're out & about with your dog

Do Not Walk Through Flowing Water
Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most occur during flash floods. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water is not flowing.

Do Not Drive Through a Flooded Area
Most people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don't drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.

Stay Away From Power Lines and Electrical Wires
Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.

Watch for Animals, Especially Snakes
Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn items over and scare away small animals. My dogs and I have found that the flooding has brought out the creepy crawlies... yesterday my husky mix Takoda nearly lost her nose to a very large snapping turtle right next to a bike trail, and Vegas my German Shepherd almost stepped on a snake, causing it to hiss angrily and then slither off.

Look Before You Step
After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.

Contaminated Water
Floodwaters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. It is very dangerous to allow your dog to swim in flood water, which often has a swift current or debris floating in it. If your dog (or you!) is in contact with flood water and is injured, clean all cuts and abrasions and treat with antiseptic. It’s particularly important to seek vet attention if your dog has deep or puncture wounds, or if any wounds develop redness or swelling.

Lakes, ponds, rivers and swimming pools that have been affected by flood waters, should not be used until the water has been tested and deemed safe for recreational activities.

Evacuating your Home
If you have to evacuate your home, take your pets with you. Do not assume they will be ok if they are left behind.

It's fun to draw poop

2 new products added to the WOOF Factory store today!

1. BSL = (Illustration of Poop). Brand new design to fight breed discrimination. Get it on t-shirts, buttons and magnets... or on a shirt for your dog:
2. Good Dog Bad Dog. From an illustration I did a while back and have been dying to use somewhere. On t-shirts, hoodies, bags, doggie shirts, and even dog dishes!
Got some much needed organizing done too! Visit the WOOF Factory store>

Molly the Chocolate Lab Portrait

Molly the Chocolate Lab Portrait, originally uploaded by WOOF Factory.

Just completed last night... Molly the Chocolate Lab! Molly is 16x20 acrylic on canvas. View detail shots here>

In the works: Maggie the Lab Mix and Oliver the Dachshund! Contact me to commission a portrait of your pup, or click here for more info!

Happy 6th Woof Day Takoda!

Happy 6th Woof Day Takoda!, originally uploaded by WOOF Factory.

Takoda got a brand new collar! Her very first pink one... although once her fur poofed back out you really can't see it!

Her favorite present though was a McCheeseburger of her very own...

Takoda's eyes almost popped out of her furry little head when she found out it was all hers! It took her a full five minutes to disassemble and eat her burger prey. Meat first, bun last, hold the pickle.