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Dog Diary

The ride of life with a dog
  • Surf Dog Diaries - dog blog
  • The ride of life with a dog
  • HANG 20 - DOG BEACH, CA
  • HANG 20 - DOG RIVER, OR
  • ABOUT US
  • BarbAyers.com
  • GIVING BACK
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Dogs ride the ups and downs with us. Real life Surf Dog Diaries

Meet writer dogs. Rider dogs. Best dog friends. Surf the couch, the www, or a wave. Wave back at us!

It's all about the ride. The ride of life with a dog.

Double dog windsurf day. Elvis, Dude and I at Hood River Event Site, circa 2009. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Double dog windsurf day. Elvis, Dude and I at Hood River Event Site, circa 2009. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Feeling wistful. Sentimental. About life with dogs.

Barbara Ayers June 30, 2019

I’ve been feeling sentimental lately. Windsurfing season is back in the Gorge.

All those years - and trips - and dogs, starting in 1987. Then, my dogs and I took the plunge, and moved here, 12 years ago.

Sum- sum - summertime. Here it is, all over again! Time for windsurfing, BBQ’s, hiking, stand up paddle boarding and camping. As if for the first time, only way better. Because you have memories and moments. Like this one. And that one.

Then….

Howdy was Number One. My first surf dog. Circa 1998 on San Diego’s Mission Bay. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Howdy was Number One. My first surf dog. Circa 1998 on San Diego’s Mission Bay. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Two dog jibe - surf bassets #2 and #3 at Hood River Event Site, circa 2009. Photo (c): Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Two dog jibe - surf bassets #2 and #3 at Hood River Event Site, circa 2009. Photo (c): Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

And now….

Big Wind day at Mosier’s Rock Creek beach. Sailing over powered on a 3.2 last weekend. Wind is too big for Doodle, so he’s hanging on shore. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Big Wind day at Mosier’s Rock Creek beach. Sailing over powered on a 3.2 last weekend. Wind is too big for Doodle, so he’s hanging on shore. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

My 4th surf dog, doxie Doodle, on a parade float honoring his windsurfing basset brothers. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

My 4th surf dog, doxie Doodle, on a parade float honoring his windsurfing basset brothers. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Same place (Hood River.)

Different dog. Different day, different year.

Different rig - now, a Honda Element named Gidget, parks in the driveway. For decades, old Silver the Nissan Pathfinder took us all on so many grand adventures.

It’s not that moment after we came out of the frost and snow of winter into the joy and light of spring.

Now, after that annual rite, came a series of sun-drenched endless summer days. Days we windsurfers, standup paddle boarders, OC-6’ers and other outdoor dogs, live for - all year.

This season, and sun, make me thankful. For every moment and friendship and family moment along the way. Every life adventure - massive, or minuscule; glad or sad.

These moments between moments along the way.

Like going back home to San Diego and seeing mom and dad, now married nearly 65 years!!!

I love my folks. With Doodle, June 2019. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

I love my folks. With Doodle, June 2019. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Dad had a rough year last year. We all did. Whatever life brings, we’re in it together.

Yep… older, greyer. This was 2 weeks ago. Still family. Always family. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Yep… older, greyer. This was 2 weeks ago. Still family. Always family. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Like old friends with old photo albums - like my old bestie, weather woman Pat Brown, back in San Diego.

Albums, you say? What the heck are those? With actual printed photos?

1991 - Howdy, my first basset, and my first tandem surf partner. Photo: (c) Pat Brown, DogDiary.org

1991 - Howdy, my first basset, and my first tandem surf partner. Photo: (c) Pat Brown, DogDiary.org

Like this one….

Pat had a photo in her album of my first surf basset, Howdy Doody, back in Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach, right after I rescued him.

Of course we were both smiling.

Howdy went on to become Co-Chair of Ocean Beach Town Council’s Dog Beach Committee. We spent every moment at Dog Beach. Like all San Diego dog lovers!

Top pic: Howdy was a rogue runaway for years. He finally found himself through surfing. Bottom pic: Pat and I get photo bombed by Howdy. Photo: (c) Pat Brown, DogDiary.org

Top pic: Howdy was a rogue runaway for years. He finally found himself through surfing. Bottom pic: Pat and I get photo bombed by Howdy. Photo: (c) Pat Brown, DogDiary.org

I’ll never forget the day my kitty adopted me, at San Diego County Animal Control. Of course, Pat was there, too.

Kihei and me, 1991. Photo: (c) Pat Brown, DogDiary.org

Kihei and me, 1991. Photo: (c) Pat Brown, DogDiary.org

After that first shoulder mount by Kihei at the shelter, this became our normal way of hanging out.

Here’s a cat blog she later “wrote" about life with dogs in OB.

One dog and one cat later, Elvis, Howdy’s step son, picked out our next kitty. Of course, she wrote about life with dogs, too.

Three dogs later, Elvis and Dude picked out Doodle, a doxie at the shelter in Oregon.

He was destined to become a surf dog. He learned from the best - the basset brothers. He worked his way from the back of the board to the nose in record time.

Today, Doodle carries the name, and the heart, of Dude, basset #3 and Howdy Doody, numero uno.

My 3 sons sidewalk surf, after Doodle came to town in 2012. Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

My 3 sons sidewalk surf, after Doodle came to town in 2012. Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Nature renews - every day. We can, too.

Sunrise - sunset. Here’s a look at the remarkable syncline on our front porch today in Mosier:

And here’s that view on a day that seemed so terribly soft-focus: the morning after Elvis crossed the rainbow bridge.

One month later, here in Mosier we had the Oil Train derailment. That winter was Snowmeggadon. Then Dude died. A year later, the Eagle Creek Fire torched out beautiful Columbia River Gorge. What a crappy year.

I remember when we first moved here to the Gorge - building the dog run was my first home improvement project. Elvis and Dude cemented the deal, with their paws - to make this new place feel like home:

Elvis’ paw prints on the left ; Dude’s on the right. This morning. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Elvis’ paw prints on the left ; Dude’s on the right. This morning. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

This morning, sprinklers in the yard filled up those empty paws on the porch - of my dearly departed basset sons.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit, I am a little teary. My face is happy/sad - I look just like a basset hound.

Wistful moments add depth to life - and brightness to sunny days.

Those are big shoes to fill - Elvis, surf basset #2. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Those are big shoes to fill - Elvis, surf basset #2. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org


These are moments and memories I’d never give back.

These are paw prints on our souls. Of those, the few, who help us through the tougher times.

Of those who sometimes make life tough, when they go away.


Hold close to those, to them, to these.

Mosier-Fest-2019-Poster-DRAFT.jpg

MosierFest was yesterday in our tiny town - an all-day celebration. As renowned blues performer Curtis Salgado sang, “I Want My Dog To Live Longer."

Oh yes I do.

Funny that he sang that song the same day I was already feeling it.

Then again, all of us who love dogs, feel it.

OK, OK - all you kitties - I’m sure he was singing for you, too.

Together, forever.

People and pets. One family. One species.

Sharing the ups and downs - the ride of life.

- Barb and Doodle Ayers

Tags dog diary, dog blog, heart of a dog, I love my dog, Hood RIver, Dog beach in Ocean Beach, dog Howdy Doody, Elvis the basset, Doodle the surf doxie, small town diaries, small town dog, Columbia River Gorge national scenic area, windsurfing dog, Mosier OR, basset hound rescue, doxie, dachshund resuce
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My first surf dog, Howdy Doody, chair dog of the Dog Beach Committee, at Sandy Claws. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

My first surf dog, Howdy Doody, chair dog of the Dog Beach Committee, at Sandy Claws. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Christmas at Dog Beach

Barbara Ayers December 27, 2017

This season is so much better shared - with your 10 and 20-toed friends. At Dog Beach!

Christmas at our annual Sandy Claws event - with Elvis n Dude back in the day, as Chairperson of the Dog Beach Committee of Ocean Beach Town Council. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Christmas at our annual Sandy Claws event - with Elvis n Dude back in the day, as Chairperson of the Dog Beach Committee of Ocean Beach Town Council. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Sandy Claws at Dog Beach!

Scenes from our Dog Beach past, present and future.... at our Ocean Beach hometown.

At Sandy Claws, insert your dog here - on the old man's lap. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

At Sandy Claws, insert your dog here - on the old man's lap. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

As Chair of the Dog Beach Committee of the Ocean Beach Town Council, for 15 years, our alll-volunteer committee hosted fundraising events like Sandy Claws.

We managed the Dog Beach Improvement Project, from the ground up.

The community jumped in with two feet and 20 toes. The power of community made it all possible.

OB - old school surf town in San Diego. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

OB - old school surf town in San Diego. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Dog Beach community. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Dog Beach community. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

1995 - Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

1995 - Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

2000, after the Dog Beach Improvement Project. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

2000, after the Dog Beach Improvement Project. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

My 2nd surf dog Elvis carried on the surf dog tradition at Dog Beach 2004-2016. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

My 2nd surf dog Elvis carried on the surf dog tradition at Dog Beach 2004-2016. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Back in the day, when Howdy still ruled Dog Beach, so did our biker dog friend. This was before surf dog contests were invented. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Back in the day, when Howdy still ruled Dog Beach, so did our biker dog friend. This was before surf dog contests were invented. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

May we continue to share the love of dogs ...

and our precious coast....

forever more.

Me n Howdy - co Chairs of the Dog Beach Committee of the OBTC.

Me n Howdy - co Chairs of the Dog Beach Committee of the OBTC.

The new Dog Beach look was made possible by the support of donors and sponsors, years of doggedly determined project management.

In 2000, OBTC gave its own Christmas gift back to the community.

Our dog kids are the greatest gift. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Our dog kids are the greatest gift. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

OB Christmas Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

OB Christmas Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Howdy with his name in bronze at the plaque dedicating the Dog Beach Improvement Project. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Howdy with his name in bronze at the plaque dedicating the Dog Beach Improvement Project. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

OB pier and the community Christmas tree in the sand. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

OB pier and the community Christmas tree in the sand. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Tags Dog beach in Ocean Beach, Dog Beach Improvement Project, I love dogs, surf dog diaries, dogdiary.org, Dog diary, Elvis the basset, Dude the dog, dog Howdy Doody, Dog Beach Committee, Ocean Beach Town Council, Ocean Beach CA, San Diego dog beach, original dog beach, dog mom Barb Ayers, Barbara Ayers, sandy claws, Christmas story, community service, friends of Dog beach, surfing dog, Christmas at the beach

Just found on YouTube - 1990's national TV interview with my first surfing dog, Howdy - made my day!

Barbara Ayers August 11, 2017
Click on the picture above or CLICK HERE.
I just found this Animal Planet TV story on YouTube, from the early 1990's - my first dog son, Howdy Doody. Together we windsurfed, skurfed behind ski boats and surfed waves at our favorite beach, OB's Dog Beach in San Diego.
I miss my first bassador - basset/lab - Dog Beach ambassador. He is the dog that started it all - windsurfing was all his idea. Dude and later Doodle were named after the late great Howdy Doody.
Howdy was the first Windsurfing Dog I ever heard of, and the second surfing dog ever. Back then, we did a ton of national media interviews, trying to rally support for the Dog Beach Improvement Project.
There was a magazine spread in PetLife, stories in San Diego Union Tribune, Beach and Bay Press, local TV and all the major networks. What a rush! Special thanks to Ann, a San Diego TV viewer who also had a basset and recorded this story off air and posted it on her YouTube page! I just happened to find it while searching for windsurf videos...

 

Oh, look at that - it's the sweet, sappy happy/sad basset face of my Howdy. 

Makes me feel happy/sad and sappy  - a face from 25 years ago.
I'd forgotten what his bark sounded like, but I will never forget how he changed my life. Or Dog Beach.
I adopted him from San Diego Humane Society - I found our later, it would have been his last day on Earth. He'd been adopted and returned several times and was labelled an incorrigible pet.

There we were, at closing time on a Saturday night at the shelter - our eyes met across the room. You know the rest... I took him home!

I remember that he was afraid of cars at first. And he couldn't run away and leave me often enough. He really tested me. And together, we really grew. We ran away together, on a board.
Howdy later became my co-chair of the Dog Beach Committee of the Ocean Beach Town Council (OBTC.)
With our co chair Dave Martin, we managed the Dog Beach Improvement Project that completely renovated our favorite beach in the 1990's.  
Howdy, the incorrigible pet, became a pillar of the community. And he became my family, my son and my bff. The patriarch of our surf dog family that came along after he showed us how.

Howdy's name and mine - and all the others that gave back - are etched in bronze at the Dog Beach entryway:

Together with the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, Ocean Beach Town Council, and so many generous donors and dog-lovers, we fixed up Dog Beach over a decade, and dedicated it July 26, 2003.

We will always love OB, our old home town.

It is a magical place - one of the last true So Cal beach towns in the US.
Dog Beach is an icon of the community - people and pets travel there from all over the world- to romp and run in waves and sand, and surf - with their dog kids and a sea of dog lovers. Dogs here are leash free and proud. It is the first leash free beach in America.

Give back - however you can - it is why we are here - to leave the place better than we found it.

Sandy Claws - was our annual Christmas fundraiser at Dog Beach. Howdy and Santa rocked the surf!!  Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Sandy Claws - was our annual Christmas fundraiser at Dog Beach. Howdy and Santa rocked the surf!!  Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

And let us celebrate the lives of those we have loved and lost.
They make us better people.

Surf dog mom Barb Ayers

 
Tags dog beach, dog mom Barb Ayers, dog diary, dog blog, I love dogs, best dog friend, Howdy the windsurfing dog, dog Howdy Doody, Barbara Ayers, Ocean Beach CA, Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, Ocean Beach Town Council, Dog Beach Improvement Project, community service, giving back, basset hound rescue, surfing dogs, surf dog diaries, surf basset, basset hound, Mission Bay San Diego, Animal Planet, cute dog video, rescue dogs, San Diego Humane Society

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Surf Dog Diaries  |  Barb Ayers, San Diego, CA and Mosier OR.  |   All content and images (c) Barb Ayers, copyrighted, all rights reserved