Dear Dog Diary:

See that guilty expression? Watch the video - it explains everything.  Photo (c): Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org — **See that guilty expression? Watch the video - it explains everything**. Photo (c): Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

'Tis the season. Doxie Doodle, my 4th generation surf dog, rode his first big Christmas parade without the basset brothers, his mentors, who retired last year.

Doodle was born a little Dennis the Menace. Just take a look at that face. And then, last night, in the Christmas parade - the Grinch came along....

Needless to say, without the solid, reliable, slow motion basset brothers on board, things went a little haywire.

The City of Hood River is dinky, like my doxie - with about 7,700 residents. This area attracts tourists from all over the world. Small town people have huge hearts - we're proud to live here.    Photo: (c) Blaine Franger — **The City of Hood River is dinky, like my doxie** - with about 7,700 residents. This area attracts tourists from all over the world. Small town people have huge hearts - we're proud to live here. Photo: (c) Blaine Franger

We love our small town community of Hood River, Oregon.

Here thousands and thousands of people don't live - but somehow they all show up for our annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on the first Friday of December.

The morning after....        Photo (c) Barb Ayers, Dog Diary.org — **The morning after..**.. Photo (c) Barb Ayers, Dog Diary.org

Can you believe another year whizzed by?

Hug the one you're with.

P.S. Thank heavens every moment isn't absolutely perfect.

Doodle's mom

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12/3 update:

Wow, somehow life steps in when you need it most.

I've been sick since the parade, wondering if the pain was worth it. And dog people reached out. Thank you!

I've been home in bed, sick as a (excuse me) dog. Wondering if all I am doing is writing to myself here (dogs don't write back.) But then Christmas came early - with an email this morning and fun Facebook comments - you saved me. The only good thing about being sick is - your fur kids are so very glad they can paste you down in bed. They save me, too.

From dog mom Brenda Neill and her rein-dog Chloe:

“Hi Barb,

Just had to let you know how much I enjoyed this post. Loved seeing you & Doodle surfin’ in the Christmas parade. I had the same reaction as you when Doodle leapt off the board- OH!

Growing up, our dog Dixie earned the nickname Dixie Doodle. There’s something about a doodle. :)

Here’s a pic of our own Reindog Chloe, suffering through last year’s Xmas photo session...........

Hope all is well there in Hood River, it sure looks like a beautiful place to live.

Happy Holidays,

Brenda :)
”

— Brenda Neill via gmail 9:37 AM (2 hours ago)

Facebook comments:

“The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.” - Samuel Butler

Proud to call you and your fur child Family! 🐶🐾 - Sue Ayers Hampton

(My cousin on the east coast who I haven't see in years - it was so great to hear from her.)

Sandy Camillucci - We saw that! Lol! So much fun ~ thank you for the smiles Barb ~ you are awesome!

Patrick William Quigley - Putting the stoke in Christmas! Great to see you Barb Ayers with surf dog float (which is usually floating on water). It’s All Good in the Hood!!

Erica Gerald - It was fun to see your puppy take off! Good recovery. :) As always, nice float.

Robin Panzer - Escapee, lol

Mel Harrah - Doodle, Cuz, don't scare me like that!·

Bill Zimmerman - Go Hood Riverites and the Gorge folk!