Sammies' New Daycare, Hood River, OR

After picking up the sammies from the "bunk bed" daycare, we noticed that they weren't very calm.  In fact, they seemed like they needed more exercise- not the usual behavior after a day of doggy daycare.   We discovered that the really only had about 40 minutes of exercise the whole day.

We called the other daycare in Hood River.  It sounded sketchy, but we were desperate.  The drive took us to the famous "fruit loop" in Hood River, a beautiful circular highway route through Hood River's hilly fruit orchards.  I was delighted to find an old farm with lots of outdoor space and a fenced-in yard. 

Fido's Fun Farm, Hood River, OR

Fido's FF

When I rang the bell, lots of barking doggies greeted me, and one from behind the curtain.  No answer.  I walked around the yard looking for the owner, and finally a young woman trudged up from the barn.  Apparently she is a helper and the owner would be back soon.  After some conversations of what we were looking for in a daycare, she assured me that the dogs would be safe- they "love all their dogs."

Finally the owner, Lu Ann, pulled up, and greeted us with a smile. She was about 60 years old, with a wrinkled suntanned face, strong arms and a kind face. She showed me the inside of her house, which had gates set up like a maze in the entryway, so doggies could sniff first, then greet one another properly.  The house had that farmy smell and a well-worn but comfy decor. We offered to have our vet fax her their updated vaccine list.  "Nah, that's not necessary.  I believe you."  Another example of, if I may generalize, a relaxed Hood River hippie. 

I felt confident doggies would be fine there, but my husband had some trepidation.  Nothing is good enough for his babies.

With our new found freedom, we enjoyed a slow dogless brunch at our favorite breakfast place in Hood River, "Egg River."  They serve only organic eggs, and mostly organic-everything else.  You have to hit it at just the right time to avoid the wait.  For once we did!