Bella the "Surf" Dog

Without a doubt this latest snow and ice storm has been one for the ages. Even as I write this there are still thousands of people without power across Oregon and Washington and finding flashlights, candles and generators have suddenly become crucial moves. Yet amidst all of this chaos has been some truly incredible opportunities for fun. Take my situation. I have two little girls, ages five and eight, along with a very fluffy, white golden retriever named Bella. When you then combine in a foot of snow, Valentine’s Day and some spontaneous thinking, well, let’s just say big frozen waves can be ridden (and not just by humans!).

Here is Bella, at home on the beach ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

We started out “regular sledding,” you know, with regular sleds. And Bella was there, running up and down the hills, chasing us with the enthusiasm of a two-year-old (even though she is well past 10). I didn’t  know if it was just the sight of her people flying away from her that had her running, but she was definitely enjoying herself. And through the weekend we progressed to taking one of my extra longboards to the slopes (with the fins removed of course) :-). Suddenly we had the fastest and wildest “sled “ in the park. Certainly this was the experience that birthed the sport of snowboarding! Way too much fun! So getting back to Bella, who had been chasing us at every turn, Well, perhaps it after the kids had their fun on the surfboard I decided to take Bella back to the park for some extra “Daddy doggy” fun. See the video below ;).

After getting priceless footage of Bella riding on my longboard with me, well, I just had to make a video. Rare moments deserve special treatment! Video Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Before Bella got her time I started out bombing a few hills on the surfboard, which feels remarkably like riding a big wave by the way. Perhaps it is the semi squirrely feeling of a finless board combined with the runaway feeling of shooting down a face? Who knows? But Having been a Northwest surfer since age 8, I am always trying to find some kind of “wave” to drop in on. Of course Bella had the same plans as I did ;).

So, when you return home today (or maybe you’re there now), give your pup, cat, gerbil, fish an extra love…and maybe just ask, “Do you have any interest in surfing?” lol. But really, I am already planning Bella’s next surf adventure and this time it will involve the ocean ;). Stay tuned!