Paw Prints
February 2012
Between selling real estate and exhibiting at art shows with my owner, Allan, I am usually very busy. Recently, I haven't been accompanying him to any of these events. I have Valley Fever! And, after fighting this nasty disease for the last 60 days, I thought I should tell you about it, especially if you spend time in the Southwest.
Human beings, dogs, and cats can get Valley Fever!
VF is a systemic infection caused by a fungus. It grows several inches deep in the soil and spreads with the help of burrowing rodents. Add some wet weather, wind, and dust storms, and this mold can travel great distances and go directly into a vertebrate's lungs. The spore then multiply and spread from the lungs through the bloodstream to other organs.
Early symptoms often seen in the initial stages are a dry. harsh cough, a fever, depression, and lack of appetite. Symptoms usually occur about 3 weeks after the initial infection.
What can be done? There are antifungal drugs, with fluconazole (Diflucan) currently being the most popular, due to the minimal side effects. The good new is the most humans and dogs, with appropriate treatment, do recover from this disease.
Valley Fever is not contagious to other pets or family members. A person with VF cannot infect another person or a dog. A dog with VF cannot infect another dog or a person.
I hope you never get it!
January 2012
Friends and family came to visit me in December. They like to do the " tourist thing", so I obliged. Here are some of my favorite local sights, which are some great places to visit in Southern Arizona.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
This is a national historic landmark, which was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1787. Today restoration is a constant project. www.sanxaviermission.org
Tumacacori National Historical Park
This is the home to three Spanish colonial missions, which are in various stages of renovation. There is also a lovely courtyard and museum. www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm Be sure to try the Mexican restaurant Wisdom's Cafe (www.wisdomcafe.com) which is just outside the park.
Tombstone
It was founded in 1877 by a prospector, who named it after his first mine. But, the famed "Gunfight at the OK Corral", which was been immortalized in books and movies, is why people visit this old Western town. www.tombstoneweb.com
Bisbee
Also founded in 1877, this quaint mining community produced over 8 Billion pounds of copper, along with silver, gold, and zinc. Today it is a artist community where the Victorian architecture and cultural heritage has been preserved. Lots of stores and restaurants to visit. www.cityofbisbee.com
Tanque Verde Ranch
Started in 1868, today it is a premier dude ranch, which has tastefully captured the spirit of the Old West. The views of the mountains and saguaro cacti. Do make reservations for lunch. www.tanqueverderanch.com
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I have been helping Allan with his trips on the art show circuit for the last month. It is quite exhausting. You have to set up the tent, hang the pictures, be nice to people all day long (that is rough for a guy who likes to take naps), sell lots of photos (we did pretty well), tear down tent, and finally, go home. We went to the Continental Plaza Fine Arts and Craft (Green Valley, AZ), the 37th Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts (Fountain Hills, AZ) and the Holiday Artisans' Market at the Tucson Museum of Art (Tucson, AZ). We lucked out on the weather - not too hot, not too cold. If you would like to see some of Allan's new work, go to www.SouthWestArtPhotos.com.
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November 2011
One of my trips this summer was to a working ranch (www.doubleeranch.com) in Gila, NM. The drought in the high desert was obvious, but Allan was still able to photograph a great panoramic view of the vast ranch land and some amazing daisy close ups in Silver City, NM (www.silvercity.org), which is a visit in itself.
My favorite part of the trip, when I wasn't chasing rabbits, was the visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (www.nps.gov/gicl/). The Mogollon people lived in these dwelling between 1275 and 1300 AD. 46 rooms have been discovered in the 5 caves. Archeologist believe that 10 to 15 families occupied this site. It is not known why it was abandoned.
Even though it requires a mile hike up to the site, somehow it was determined that dogs would not be allowed on the trail. So, Allan and the park rangers corralled me into this enormous outdoor cage, one for each dog, complete with bed and food. Nice accommodations, but not what I had expected for a day outing. To let everyone know about my displeasure, I howled the whole time Allan was gone. What did you expect?
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October 2011
The summer is truly gone and I have just finished my travels. Well, I almost went everywhere Allan did, except for the month long RV trip to 10 National Parks and 4 National Monuments. Apparently the federal government is not keen about dog attendance. So, I thought that I would lounge around at the RV park during the day, but Allan pointed out to a howling incident which occurred earlier this summer, so I was told I had to stay home. Such is a dog's life. But, my University of Arizona student pet sitter was the best.
I did go to Solana Beach, CA which is 15 miles North of San Diego. Lots of good beach stories to tell you..
And, then on to a real cowboy working ranch in Gila, NM. The howling incident occurred at the Gila Cliff Dwellings. I will discuss the fascinating Indian dwelling and my indiscretion later.
In August I went to Sebastopol, CA, which is in Northern, CA, to visit my dog-in-law and enjoy the grapes of Sonoma County. Lots of flower pictures were taken.
And, then there was the RV trip....
Throughout the summer Allan photographed like crazy. I was his photo assistant. So, in the next few months, I will discuss our adventures, since Allan will be very busy selling real estate and showing his gorgeous flower photos at the local art shows.
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Coffee Pot Rock, Sedona
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This Summer (June, July, August, and, maybe, September) 2011
I am going to be traveling frequently in the next 3 to 4 months. Some family. Some friends. Some fun. Mainly, I will be my owner's photo assistant, as Allan moves around Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and California photographing scenery and flowers. I will upload pictures to my blog during our journey.
If you need to reach me, Allan's cell phone, (520) 820-5081, or e-mail, Allan@AllanMJohnson.com, is the best way.
I hope that you have a great summer too!
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
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April/May 2011
I have been a busy dog.
Recently, my owner was exhibiting his photos at the Tucson Museum of Art's Spring Market. It was 3 days! First, he didn't even have time to walk me the weeks before the show, because he was either showing houses to potential buyers or getting his booth ready. Likely story! During the show he gave all his attention to the art browsers and potential buyers, so again he had no time for me. Thank heavens I always have backup walkers available. Oh, the show was big success, he sold lots of pictures.
Then Allan springs "I am going to Texas for a week." on me. Of course, I knew I would be included. And, I almost was. But, then these nifty kids and their parents said that I would get all of their attention - okay, a little for the cat - if I stayed in Tucson. How could I say no?
But, I demanded a daily update on my I-phone, so it was almost like being there.
A great time was had in Austin. Allan stayed at the 1110 Carriage House, which is a bed and breakfast on the outskirts of the University of Texas. The LBJ Library, the Lady Bird Wildflower Center, the 80,000 square foot Whole Foods (it started here), the botanical garden, the lake walk, and Ruby's (the most amazing barbecue place) were a few of the spots he visited.
Then off he went to San Antonio. The city was having an amazing 10 day fundraising event called The Fiesta. There were lots of fun activities to go to, especially the Mexican Rodeo! The Alamo, the Riverwalk, and the fabulous historic district were places not to miss. And, the Ruckman Haus, probably the best bed and breakfast ever, is not to be missed.
In Hill Country, Allan enjoyed a hike at the Guadalupe River State Park. Afterwards, he wandered through some of the quaint German styled towns, before he went on a tour of the LBJ Ranch.
He finally came home and life settled back into my normal doggie routine.
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March 2011
I had the most amazing birthday. Well, it wasn't my birthday, but I vicariously enjoyed Allan's, who is my owner That lucky dog went to the DriveTech Racing School at the Chandler, AZ Firebird Raceway. His present was found on Groupon.com. (If you haven't signed up for this national program yet, do so today. Monday through Friday there are some amazing "deals" offered. The only catch is that you must decide the day of the offer or otherwise it is gone.)
After Allan took classroom instruction and was fitted for a helmet and firesuit, he and a professional instructor went on to the speed track in a Porche Boxter, with a manual transmission. After four practice laps, the instructor left and Allan took over the reins of this professional stock car. He was able to reach speeds of 95mph, but slowed down in the curves, since controlled skids can be a bit scary.
He is certainly the TOP DOG in my dog house!
P.S. The answer for the current postcard is in the "February 2011" blog posting.
February 2011
Last weekend I had the privilege of taking a photography workshop with Jeff Kida, who is the Photography Director of Arizona Highways Magazine, which I think always has the most amazing Arizona photos. After classroom instruction, we went to the Phoenix's Desert Botanical Gardens (http://www.DBG.org) for a full day of "shooting". There was lots of helpful critiquing. And, now I understand the importance of the effects of light on your subject. If you want to really improve your photography skills, as well as having a great time, be sure to go to http://www.FriendsofAZHighways.com and see their varied offerings.
Okay, I have to show some of my pictures. Hope you like them.
While I was focusing on the bloom, this bee flew in for a meal.
This one was shot in a neighborhood cactus garden.
For more go to: http://www.SWArtPhotos.com
Bel Air Ranch Estates was established
March 29, 1969.
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I went to Florida over the holidays. It was officially to the Florida Keys, where I spent several days at a funky, slow placed, 1950s feel resort. The price is right. There is a large private beach. The units have kitchenettes, screened in porches, individual patios, and ocean views. And, here is the best part, dogs are permitted! If you want a nice, reasonable priced, Florida vacation, go to The Islander in Islamorada, Florida (www.islamoradaislander.com).
After the extended family packed up, I treated myself to a couple of days in Miami Beach. It was sweet.
I toured South Beach, which is an amazing beach neighborhood. Starting with its development in 1910, this area has experienced years of enormous popularity or complete depression. Today, it is considered one the wealthiest and most prosperous beach areas. Lots of renovated art deco hotels, a jillion nifty places to eat, and people and dog watching galore. Enjoy the pictures I snapped!
While in Coral Gables, I fell in love with Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It was the winter residence of an American industrialist, James Deering, who lived there from 1916 until his death in 1925. It was built to appear as an ancient Italian estate. It has 34 decorated rooms with 15th through 19th century antique furnishings. Of course, it also had all the latest in technology. It is on an extraordinary piece of ocean front property. (At one time, it was 180 acres.) Classy opulence is the best way to describe this "home"
But, it is the amazing expansive gardens, which combine elements of Renaissance Italian and French designs, which will make your linger. The fountains, flowers, terraces, and statues are fabulous. Be sure to save a couple of hours for the guided or self tour. Enjoy!
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TUCSON HOLIDAY EVENTS
Thursday, December 2
Hanukkah starts at sundown. Check events at the Jewish Community Center. (www.tucsonjcc.org)
Friday & Saturday, December 3 & 4
Holiday in the Park, 5:30-8:30 pm (www.tohonochulpark.org)
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, December 3-5
Luminaria Nights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. 5-8 pm. 30 entertainment groups. Food.
(www.tucsonbotanical.org)
Saturday, December 4
Jingle Bell 5k Walk/Run. Fundraiser for Arthritis Foundation. Dogs welcomed. Reid Park. 9am.
(www.arthritis.org)
Friday, Saturday,& Sunday, December 10 - 12
40th Annual Fourth Avenue Street Fall. Between Ninth Street and University Blvd. Arts and crafts booths, food, entertainers and musicians. 10am-6pm. (www.fourthavenue.org)
Saturday - Sunday, December 11-26
Winterhaven Festival of Lights. Located in central Tucson. Visitors may walk through neighborhood. (www.winterhavenfestival.org)
Saturday, December 18
Tucson Annual Downtown Parade of Lights. 6:30pm. (www.downtowntucson.com)
Saturday & Sunday, December 18 & 19
Tucson Symphony Orchestra Pops! Holiday Spectacular. Tucson Music Hall. Saturday 7:30 pm.
Sunday, December 19
2 pm. Carolers. Ballet. Mariachi. (www.tucsonsymphony.org)
Thursday, Friday & Sunday, December 23, 24 & 26
Ballet Tucson's "The Nutcracker". Tucson Music Hall. (www.ballettucson.org)
Friday, December 31
First Night Tucson. New Year's Eve Celebration. Downtown Tucson. Alcohol free. Fireworks at
midnight. (www.downtowntucson.com)
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November 2010
My owner has become a history nut. Southwestern Indians to be exact. He is a volunteer at the Arizona State Museum, which is on the University of Arizona campus. His training program is amazing. He started in September and will complete the program in February. So, every Thursday I am a prisoner at home, while he goes off for his 3 hour class.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5pm. See, hear, and touch highlights of the Yaqui, O'odham, Apache, Navajo, and Hopi tribes. There is a free, 45 minute, docent led tour each Friday and Saturday at 2pm. (October through April) The museum shop is an amazing place for unique gifts.
Here are some reviews from Trip Adviser. "A very interesting museum presenting desert North American Indian cultural and historical development." "If you want to know about Native American art and history this is the place for you."
But, I did get to go along on a field trip to Sells, AZ, which is the nucleus of the Tohono O'odham Nation. Tohono O'odham translates to "people of the desert". Approximately 20,000 Indians reside on this Arizona and Sonora, Mexico reservation. These Native Americans speak O'odham, English and Spanish.
From our neighborhood, it is about a 2 hour trip going southeast. Go a few miles past the turnoff for Kitt Peak and the National Observatory, which is another great excursion.
There are 2 places which I strongly recommend you visit. One is the Cultural Center. It is approximately 9 miles off Highway 86. We went to the Smithsonian Food Traveling exhibit. I learned all about native vegetation and how to cook it. And, then you must eat at the Desert Rain Cafe, which is at the only shopping center in Sells. Be sure to have the squash pie.
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!.
The answer: Top Gun (1986)
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October 2010
As you may have noted from my last entry, I was vacationing.
Montezuma Castle is located near Camp Verde, AZ ( Exit 289 on Interstate 17). The site features well preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinaqua people, who lived there in the early 1300s. The castle, which is really a multi-family, prehistoric, high rise apartment complex, has five stories and 20 rooms in a recessed area, which was carved out of the limestone cliffs. For unknown reasons, the Sinaquas abandoned their habitat in the 1400s.
The horses are names CJ and JJ.
The Palatki site also has Sinaqua cliff dwellings, which were occupied between 1100 and 1300
AD. The area's largest panels of rock art represent several different native cultures. The
visitors center is located in a historic ranch house, which was built in the 1920s by homesteader Charles Willard.
Both are really worth seeing!
Max
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September 2010 NONE
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August 2010
A Day in the Clouds
A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Mt. Graham International Observatory, home of the Large Binocular Telescope. My buddy, University of Arizona, Professor Richard Green, invited my owners and me to tour this amazing facility He is the head honcho.
Getting there was half the fun. From my Tucson neighborhood, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the town of Safford. Then it is another hour up the 20 mile paved and dirt road, which has lots of switchbacks, to reach the top - 10,720 feet.
Dr. Green said that the concept of this $120 million telescope was conceived in the 1980's. The actual building of the telescope and observatory took place in the 1990s and 2000s It was dedicated in 2004. Today it is in full operation with national and international scientists visiting and working at the facility.
"The telescope takes the sharpest pictures yet of deep space from Earth with a new system that provides a level of clarity never seen before. It has delivered images three time sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope. The technology relies on adaptive optics - a mechanism that allows a telescope's mirror to bend in order to compensate for the blurring of light as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere." (Christian Science Monitor, June 17, 2010)
It is a very long driving day, but definitely worth the time. Don't forget to bring lots of treats!
Max
P.S. Sharon (your HOA President) and Mark (supreme soccer umpire) McCausland are the proud pet owners of Oz, the Bernese Mountain dog, and Rusty, the orange feline. Enjoy your gelato.
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July 2010
I am waiting for the monsoons. Have you seen them?
At the end of June, my owners and I decided that it was getting too hot for us to hang around here. We quickly "found" a cat sitter for Bonita, who doesn't like water, and off we went.
A friend of ours, Becky, generously lent us her 25 foot pontoon boat, which is dry docked in Roosevelt, AZ. From Northeast Tucson, we buzzed up the scenic route, Highway 77, and arrived there in 3.5 hours. We hitched up the boat and off to the Roosevelt Lake Marina we went. We were really challenged finding the boat ramp, since there were no signs. We finally found a dirt road leading to it, but were quickly dismayed when we saw the jagged, broken cement. Allan tried to back the boat trailer down the disabled ramp. No luck, too shallow. After asking around to a variety of uncommunicative people, who were camping on the shore, someone suggested the Marina tractor. Since the Marina is on floats and the only way to reach the Marina, without a boat, is a very loooong hike on floats. Hey, it was only 102 degrees!
After our heated hike, life got much better. The Marina guys pitched in, got the tractor, assigned us a slip for overnight, and the boat got launched. A mere 3 hour process.
It was brutally hot, even on the water. But we quickly dove in and were finally cool. I was ecstatic. I do a great dog paddle!
We decided to stay in Globe, 33 miles from the reservoir, and booked a fabulous bed & breakfast. It is called the Dream Manor Inn (DreamManorInn.com / 928-425-2754). It has the feel of an Italian Tuscany compound. Carl and Rebecca William's place is on top of a hill, which gives you a 360 degree view of the area. There is a pool, lots of places to sit outside (in the shade), great rooms, and a super breakfast. The price is right. Read the reviews on TripAdvisor.com. Oh, Ace and Minnie are the resident dogs. They are fun to play with!
The next day was cloudy. No sun, low 90s, and no one was on the lake. We had a grand time. I think if you go to Roosevelt Lake in the Spring or Fall it would be perfect.
The morning we left, we walked around Globe's historic downtown. There is some interesting
architecture to check out. Don't forget to go to the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park. It has pre-Columbian Salado ruins, which you can wander around in.
Overall we had a nice 3 day/2night, "catless", only me and my owners' getaway. What more can a dog ask for?
Stay cool!
Max
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June 2010
Click on the picture for location information
Yipes!
It's June and this is my second hot summer in the desert. I have always enjoyed my morning walk, but now I am dragged out of my comfy bed at 4:45 a.m. to get my constitutional over before the hot sun starts rising. And, this is the point I want to make. Don't leave your pets in the car during the summer. There is an Arizona Revised Statue 13-2910 which backs me up.
As I told you last month, my masters went to Lake Powell. The cat and I were left behind with the sitter.
She is a retired policewoman, who watches our every move. Glad she was patrolling the cat the other day, since a bobcat appeared on our back wall and was considering Bonita for breakfast She also lets me sleep with her on the bed at night. A definite no-no when the masters are around.
Allan took some great pictures at Lake Powell. I am not going to bore you with a jillion digital photos (I think that is how many he took.), but here are the 3 which I like.
Wahweap BayClick on the picture for location information
This is in Page, AZ. Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States. Lake Meade, NV is larger. It straddles the border of Utah and Arizona. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is an amazing place to explore.
Rainbow Bridge Click on the picture for location information
On May 30, 2010, this National Monument celebrated its 100th birthday. It is the world's largest naturalbridge. The Navajo Nation has long held this bridge sacred. President Theodore Roosevelt and the writer Zane Grey have been among its visitors.
Tower Butte
At least that is what I think it is called. This rock formation is only one of the many amazing rock formations along the 1960 miles of shoreline which has more than 90 major canyons to explore.
Stay cool!
Max
P. S. Here is Birgit's yoga website for the free class: www.EasyPoseYoga.com. Namaste!
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May 2010
How can it already be May?
I just said goodbye to the last of our Spring house guests. This means that the hot weather is coming. I assume that no one else is anticipated until the Fall. House guests don't like the REAL hot weather here. As I and the cat did not participate in any of these festivities, we were stuck with a "pet sitter", I can only assume that humans enjoyed their numerous activities like eating, hiking, eating, sightseeing, eating, etc. You get the picture.
Oh, I freaked out when I found out that our "pet sitter" had written notes about me to my owners. The cat was snitched on too. Here are some examples. "Max greeted me at the door with a big hug. He is such a sweetheart." "Bonita purred and rolled over for a belly rub." "Both fur kiddos are great". Not a bad report from the human spy. And, my humans didn't even figure out how devious pets can be!
My owners are going to Lake Powell at the end of the month. Even though swimming is my FAVORITE activity EVER, I am, of course being left behind. Mumblings of the weather being too hot, my lack of interest in being in the car for long, boring, driving hours, and my consistent need to be entertained were apparently the factors in their decision. Oh well, who cares about buzzing along on the lake at one of the most beautiful places in the states (Glen Canyon. It is just like the Grand Canyon except that it's half full of water.)
Do enjoy the latest cute picture of me!
Max
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April 2010
So, I asked my owner, Allan, to go to the back yard and take some pictures of our Spring flowers. This is much easier than driving around the state trying to find all the If you must see them, click on this Arizona Highways to find a comprehensive Arizona wildflower directory. wildflowers.
As you are viewing the flower pictures, I do want you to note that two of the pictures are of me. The yellow field of flowers certainly compliments my fluffy ears. But, I prefer the one of me lounging under the 11 foot umbrella, which I am fairly sure that my owner bought just for me. Oh, there is also a picture of the cat, Bonita. She nagged me forever for this photo opportunity. You know how felines are.
And now for a very important furry announcement! Tucson Originals (http://www.tucsonorginals.com) is Puttin' on the Dog to benefit the Humane Society of Southern AZ - Friday, April 30th, 5:30-9pm. Tucson independent restaurant owners run a fun-fill extravaganza to raise money for the homeless animals in my community. Go to their website for all the details. It is a definite calendar event for all pet lovers!
Max
P.S. If you need to talk with me, please call my Dad, Allan (520) 820-5081. He will translate for me.
