We got Cabela a couple of toys after we got her back to California. One of those, “Bobo” is a doggie toy with a squeaker in it. When she is in a playful mood, she will grab Bobo, and dash merrily around the family room squeaking Bobo and playing keep away.

The other day, I gave her a greenie, a doggie treat that cleans their teeth and sweetens their breath. She grabbed it and made three laps around the family room at full speed before stoping to chew it. When I said she was playful and energetic, I didn’t know the half of it.

Play the video at the right to watch a 24 second portion of Cabela’s afternoon session with Bobo.

We wondered if Cabela would enjoy the Frosty Paws doggie ice cream treat as much as Bear does. Well, that issue is resolved. Click on the image to enlarge.

Yes, she is named after Cabela’s, the famous hunting, firearms and outdoor outfitter chain.

Last week, we went to the Humane Society of Wickenburg to look at the adoptable dogs. The pet keeper asked us what sort of dog we were looking for. Since we were looking for a short haired dog, we asked if they had anything like a miniature pinscher. Much to our surprise, they had exactly that!

Image - Cabela - click on the thumbnail to enlarge

We went out to the kennel area to meet this dog and immediately fell in love with her. Unfortunately, we couldn’t adopt her that day since she had been spayed the day before and was still recovering. They also said that they couldn’t put a hold on her until they were sure that she and Bear would get along with each other.

We went to the Humane Society this morning. Determined to get there before anyone else, we tried to get there by the time they opened. We were a few minutes early, but some of the staff were already there and let us in early. After Cabela’s introduction to us and then to Bear, it was a matter of filling out a bunch of papers and paying the adoption fee.

She is a purebred miniature pinscher (no AKC papers), about two years old, has a red and tan coat, hazel eyes and is smart, very playful and loving. We are extremely pleased with our adoption.

We were at a rest stop today among Interstate 10 when this handsome road runner darted across the dog area. I guess it should be labeled “dog and road runner area.” The species in this picture is called Geococcyx. I think they look like prehistoric birds, but here he is. Click on the image to enlarge.

One of the highlights of our trip to Alaska in 2005 was to see a dog sled team doing their thing. A ranger would pull out a sled on a fairly smooth track (no snow in July in Denali) and the dogs - about 20-30 of them - would commence barking noisily - TAKE ME TAKE ME! The rangers assembled a team of five dogs and one of them got on the sled and drove the eager team around about a quarter mile course at full speed. These dogs were wonderful to watch as the enthusiastically did what they apparently love to do. Click on the image to enlarge.

While shopping at the garden center today, I decided to take a photo of flowers on a lantana bush. Just as I was getting set to shoot the photo, a sachem skipper butterfly landed on the flower. Click on the image to enlarge.

I saw these cute little quail scurrying across the parking lot in a strip mall where our real estate agent does business. I think that this is a pair of mates, male (front) and female on their way to forage or do other quail business. This species is called Gambel’s Quail.

When we got up this morning, we stayed in our sweats and house shoes for most of the day until it was time to take our after dinner one-mile walk. I took this photo of my husband and “Bear” wearing their “jammies” on the patio this morning. Click on the image to see the full-sized photo.

In between the rain showers today, the sun came out long enough for this bee to pollinate one of the Icelandic poppies out front of the house. Click on the image to enlarge.

There is a turn-out along Palos Verdes Drive South where there is parking and access to the beach for fishermen and hikers. We pulled in to the lot and waited until a flock of pelicans passed by. I got several pictures including this one after several birds flew past the access.

Click on the image to enlarge.

These beautiful birds were on the endangered species list, but their numbers are now plentiful along the coastline ranging from Cabo San Lucas to Eureka and beyond. This handsome specimen flew so low and close to my camera today that you can practically see the whites of its eyes. Click on the image below to see the glorious extra-large close-up.

(Cap’n Bob: “I believe this is the best photo Damsel has ever taken of a California Brown Pelican.”)

On the weekends, we give our dog, Bear, an ice cream treat for dogs (Frosty Paws). Last weekend, when I opened up the treat for her, I saw an alien looking out at me . . .