Tag: travel

Life With Emma In The Desert: On The Road Again: A Durango Adventure

On the Road Again: A Durango Adventure!

By Emma the White Dog

Hi friends!

Can you believe it is September already? Summer is winding down, but looking back at August, all I can say is… we were “on the road again!”

Dad and I packed up the SUV and headed north for a big mountain getaway to Durango, Colorado to visit my human brother, Rick! Since an eight-hour drive is a bit much for one day, we split the journey in half and stayed overnight in Holbrook, Arizona.

Now, staying in hotels is always a grand adventure for a pup. I consider myself a bit of a hotel connoisseur, though the sliding automatic doors and high-speed elevators took a little getting used to! There were so many fascinating new smells down every hallway, and my main duty was scouting out the absolute best patch of green grass outside for my daily business.

Emma checking into the hotel in Holbrook

Exploring Durango and Fort Lewis College

When we arrived in Durango, Rick had the wonderful surprise of giving me my very own official Colorado bandana! I wore it with pride all week long. Durango is such a lively town, nestled right in the Animas Valley. Did you know the river’s full historic name is El Río de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio (River of Lost Souls in Purgatory)? Despite the dramatic name, the Animas River is absolutely beautiful, crystal clear, and full of energy! We spent time strolling along the Animas River Trail, watching the water rush by.  By the way, the official river name explains why the nearest ski resort is named Purgatory.

Emma at the Animas River wearing her Colorado bandana

Durango itself has such rich history—it started back in 1880 as a bustling railroad town, famous for the narrow-gauge steam trains that still run through the mountains today. We walked through Rick’s lovely neighborhood, filled with towering trees, wide boulevards, and green parks.

While exploring a neighborhood park, I got to meet a group of delightful little kids participating in organized summer day camp activities. Coming from SaddleBrooke—where my neighbors are wonderfully friendly, but decidedly retired—it was such a fun treat to watch little humans running, laughing, and playing!\

Emma meeting the children at the park

We also explored the picturesque campus of Fort Lewis College. Perched high on a mesa overlooking the town, Fort Lewis actually began in the 1800s as a military fort and later an Indian boarding school before transforming into the vibrant public liberal arts college it is today. Although classes weren’t quite in full swing yet, the campus was buzzing with college students getting ready for the fall term.

The campus lawn was so lush and cool compared to our desert turf that I couldn’t resist dropping down for a full-body roll in that long Colorado grass! I made friends with several students, posed by the famous campus bell tower, and even inspected one of those electric scooters the students ride everywhere. I briefly considered taking one for a spin, but Dad said four paws on the ground is probably a safer speed for me.

Emma rolling in the long, cool Colorado grass

Emma with college students

Emma by the college bell tower

Emma next to a campus scooter

Family, Friends, and the Comforts of Home

The best part of the trip was quality time with family. We had a marvelous visit with Rick, and we even dropped by the local Community Arts Center to see Deb at her pottery studio! I supervised the creative process closely to make sure all the clay creations met high canine standards. Between art studios, park walks, and campus strolls, I even managed to make a few new four-legged friends along the way.

Emma with Rick

Emma visiting Deb at her pottery studio

Emma posing with a new dog friend in Durango

As wonderful as it is for a dog to venture out on big travel adventures, there is truly nothing quite like coming home. Stepping back onto our familiar trails, taking our routine golf cart rides, and sleeping in my own bed reminded me how much I love our desert life in SaddleBrooke. Exploration feeds the soul, but routine keeps the tail wagging!

Now that we are settled back into our home rhythm, let’s dive right into this month’s reader mail!

This Month’s “Ask Emma” Column

Dear Emma:

I recently saw you on a walk with your dad, and you seemed to be doing a lot of sniffing in a relaxed way. But at other times, you and other dogs seem to be walking fast and determined. Do dogs ever feel rushed and stressed?

— CuriousInTheDesert

Dear CuriousInTheDesert: A Tail of Two Walks

That is a paws-itively excellent question! You’ve caught me partaking in what my Dad and I like to call a “Sniffari.” It’s true—if you watch the dogs in our neighborhood closely, you’ll notice we have a few different gears when we’re out on our daily patrols.

To answer your first question: Yes, those relaxed, sniff-heavy walks are my absolute favorite. You see, a dog’s nose is our primary way of seeing the world. While humans have about six million scent receptors, my little Bichon-Poodle nose has hundreds of millions! When I’m ambling along with my nose glued to the ground, I’m not just dawdling. I’m reading the morning news. I’m checking to see if the Golden Retriever down the street passed by, figuring out which desert critters were out last night, and leaving a few “comments” of my own on the local message boards. This kind of walking is deeply relaxing and mentally stimulating for us.

But what about those times we look like we’re late for a very important business meeting? You’re highly observant to notice the shift in gears. Do we feel rushed? Absolutely. But here is the secret: the rush almost always comes from the human on the other end of the leash.

Dogs don’t wear watches. We don’t have deadlines for submitting newspaper columns (well, except for me, but Dad handles the details), and we certainly don’t care what time the golf group is teeing off. We live entirely in the present moment. However, we are incredibly in tune with our humans. When Dad is in a hurry, his energy shifts. His stride lengthens, his posture stiffens, and most importantly, there’s a subtle tension on the leash. That tension travels right down to my collar. My doggy instincts tell me, “Dad is on a mission, so I need to be on a mission too!” We hurry because our humans are hurrying.

Sometimes, a fast walk is purely environmental. Living here in the desert, if the morning sun starts heating up the pavement, my paws tell me it’s time to shift into overdrive and get back to the air conditioning!

So, do dogs feel stressed on walks? We certainly can, especially if our humans are treating the walk like a chore to be checked off a busy to-do list rather than a shared adventure.

My advice to all the dog parents out there? Take a deep breath. Let the leash go slack. Give us the gift of a ten-minute Sniffari. It lowers our stress, and honestly, I think it lowers your stress, too.

With love and wagging optimism, stay paw-sitive!

Emma 🐾

Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you! Email emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, and I might answer it in a future blog.

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Life with Emma in the Desert: Heading to Duluth!

Hi friends — Emma here again! 🐾

We’re all rested, and here we go — back in the car, headed north on I-35 toward Duluth, Minnesota. For those who know Minnesota roads, you probably guessed it: yes, we stopped at Tobies in Hinckley. Dad says their donuts are the best. I’ll pass on those (I’m more of a chicken-treat kind of girl), but Dad sure enjoyed them!

When we rolled into Duluth, I noticed right away how much cooler it was compared to Arizona. This little desert dog thought July in Duluth was paw-fectly comfy. Duluth sits at the very northeastern tip of Minnesota, where the land meets Lake Superior. It feels like the edge of the world, and I loved the crisp air coming off the big lake.

Family, Friends, and Memories

We spent time with family and friends, Beth Ann and Peter. My human mom Joanne grew up in Duluth with her cousin Beth Ann, so there are always funny stories being shared. We also visited the cemetery where my human mom Joanne is buried. Last year a big new fountain was installed near the entrance, and this spring Dad added a beautiful granite bench there. I tried it out myself — cool and smooth, the perfect spot for a thoughtful rest.

Emma on the granite bench by the fountain

Canal Park and Lake Superior

No trip to Duluth is complete without Canal Park! I posed on the lake wall with the harbor lighthouse in the background. That old lighthouse isn’t used for guiding ships anymore, but years ago it lit the way for vessels coming in from the Great Lakes and even the Atlantic through the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Emma on lake wall with lighthouse

And of course, we stopped by the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. When it rises, huge ships pass beneath on their way into the port. Duluth is one of the farthest-inland seaports in the world, and ships from around the globe still come here to load and unload. Pretty amazing for a small dog to stand there and watch!

Emma with the Aerial Lift Bridge

Food and Flowers

After sightseeing, Dad treated himself to Mexican food at Little Angie’s Cantina. Not really for me, but he loved it! Then we strolled through Leif Erikson Park, where the flower gardens brighten the shoreline. The park honors the great Norse explorer, and its hillside paths give some of the best views of Lake Superior.

Emma at Leif Erikson Park with flower

Brighton Beach and the North Shore

Further up the shore we visited Brighton Beach. I posed with the lake behind me — sparkling and endless. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, and standing on its edge makes you feel small in the best way. The North Shore drive beyond Duluth is famous for rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and little towns full of history.

Emma at Brighton Beach

Central Lakes and Family Time

After Duluth, we headed south to the Central Lakes region where my humans once lived on Pelican Lake near Breezy Point. This part of Minnesota is sprinkled with lakes — Pelican, Gull, Whitefish, Nisswa, and so many more. It’s boating, fishing, and cabin country, and even a dog can sense how special it feels in the summertime.

Wrapping Up the Journey

On our way back to Minneapolis, we had lunch with Dad’s grandson Cole and his wife Payton. Then it was off to our hotel near the airport, right under the flight path! Airplanes soared over us as we looked across toward the Mall of America — the biggest shopping mall in the U.S. (But shopping wasn’t on our list this time.)

Emma with airplane over hotel

The next morning came early — 4 a.m. — and before long I was tucked in my travel case again, snoozing all the way back to Arizona. After all that adventuring, I was one tired pup. When we finally rolled back home and the shuttle driver helped with our bags, I thought of something I’d heard once: there’s no place like home. And it’s true — after so much traveling, nothing feels better than curling up back in my own desert home.

Emma with shuttle driver and bags

Time for a good rest now… until the next adventure!

With love and a wag,

Emma 🌵🐶💖

📬 Got a question for me? Email me at Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!

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✈️ Life with Emma in the Desert: Flying to Minnesota!

Hi friends — Emma here! 🐾

Last time we left off, I was all buckled in on the airplane, ready for takeoff. Well, up we went, and before I knew it, we were flying high in the sky! The Delta flight attendants were so nice — one of them even posed for a picture with me while I was cozy in my travel case. They made sure my human and I were comfortable the whole way. Dogs can’t exactly order snacks and ginger ale, but I can tell you that friendly smiles make any trip better.

Flying can be a big deal for dogs — there are new smells, different noises, and all sorts of people bustling around. I think it helps when your human stays calm and keeps you feeling safe. A favorite blanket, a little water, and a reassuring word or two go a long way. ✈️🐶

“Friendly smiles at 30,000 feet!”

Before long, we landed in Minneapolis. While waiting for our rental car, we met a nice fellow named Will. My human’s name is Bill, so we had a little laugh about that. I stayed in my travel case, but I could tell Will was a dog person.

Once we had the car, my human pulled out a secret weapon — a flattened cardboard box he’d packed in his suitcase! In just a few minutes, it was transformed into my travel car seat, perched right on the console so I could ride shotgun like I do at home in Arizona. Best. Idea. Ever.

Riding shotgun, Minnesota-style!”

We headed to Northfield, Minnesota. Dad told me I was born not far from here and joined him and my mom Joanne when I was just nine weeks old. I wonder what I was like as a tiny puppy… maybe a bit wobbly, maybe a little shy, but probably very, very cute. I can imagine discovering everything for the first time — new smells, new sounds, new toys, and my very first bed in my forever home. Life as a puppy is full of “firsts” — first treats, first walks, first time figuring out that stairs are not scary after all. Looking back, I think I hit the jackpot finding my family so early. 🐾💖

Then came one of the highlights of the trip — Minnesota grass! Ohhh, the soft, cool, green grass here is something else. I couldn’t resist rolling in it, paws in the air, tail wagging like crazy. If you’ve never seen a happy dog in perfect grass… well, you’re missing out. 🌱💚

Click to see VIDEO: “Minnesota grass is the best!”

We got to see family and friends, too. There was Chrystine (my human’s daughter — so I guess that makes her my human sister?) and Joyce, my human’s sister (my human aunt?). We also saw my human’s golfing buddies, Jim Karl and Brad. There was a lot of talking, laughing, and walking — especially across the beautiful campuses of St. Olaf College and Carleton College.

Speaking of walking — I spotted a squirrel on one of those walks and took off after it. It ran up a tree faster than you can say “peanut butter biscuit.” Dogs and squirrels have a long history — they zig, we zag, they chatter from the branches, we stare up and dream of the day we might catch one. It’s never happened yet, but the chase is half the fun. 🐿️

“Almost had him!”

At the soccer fields, we met Steve and Wayne. They’ve written three books about PTSD and veterans, which they give to anyone who might need or want to read about it. They even posed for a photo with me! My human has talked to me about PTSD since reading a book about POWs in the South Pacific during World War II. It’s important — even dogs can experience it — so I’d like to share more about that in a future post when I have more time.

“Talking about something important.

Before we left Northfield, we visited the Cannon River. It winds gracefully through town, with scenic walks both above and below the dam. In downtown Northfield, you can stroll along the river’s edge and watch the water sparkle in the sunlight. Ducks paddle in the calmer stretches, and the sound of the rushing water near the dam makes for the perfect background music to a summer walk. I posed for a photo by the river, just to prove I was soaking in the scenery.

“Taking in the view.”

Busy traveling, aren’t we? But we still make time for our afternoon siestas. Here’s a photo of me on the hotel bed, ready for a nice nap before the next adventure.

“Siesta time before the next adventure.”

And that’s where we’ll pause for now… because next up, we’re off to Duluth, Minnesota. But that’s a story for another day. For now — siesta time. 💤

Until next time,
Emma 🌵🐶💖

📬 Got a question for me? Email me at Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!

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Life with Emma in the Desert: Grooming, Doctors, and… Flying Off to New Adventures!

Hi friends — Emma here! 🐾

Whew, have we been busy lately! I barely had time to catch my breath between naps and neighborhood patrols. First off, I had another spa grooming day with my friend Anne. She fluffed me up, trimmed me just right, and sent me home looking fabulous.

“Fresh from the spa — looking fabulous!”

But not all the excitement was about me. My human had to go see his GI doctor about a procedure. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but it sounds like one of those times when I’m very glad to be a dog and not a human. No scary doctors for me — just my vet, who gives me treats after my checkups. My human says it’s an important thing for people to take care of, so I’m glad he is getting it done. 🐶💕

The best part? One of my favorite humans — my “pack brother” Rick — flew in to visit for a few days so he could drive my human (his dad) to this procedure. I love Rick! Whenever he arrives, I can’t help but do my happy dance — tail wagging, paws bouncing, kisses everywhere.

: “Nothing better than Rick visiting!”] ❤️

Now, here’s where things get interesting. I was thinking… wouldn’t it be nice if I could drive my human to the doctor? I could roll the windows down, let my ears flop in the breeze, and we’d be there in no time. Then I remembered something — I once heard about a cat named Toonces who could drive a car! He was on a Saturday night TV show called Saturday Night Live. Maybe I should check into this — perhaps Toonces could give me a few lessons! Meet Toonces in the following video, just touch the red arrow. 🚗🐾

“If Toonces can do it… maybe I can too!”

And then… Saturday morning came. Dad got me up at 3:00 a.m. for my early walk and morning duty. Before I knew it, a shuttle pulled up to take us — and our bags — to the airport. I even posed for a photo with the nice shuttle driver.

Early‑morning ride to the airport.”] 🚐🐶

Once we got to the airport, we waited in line, met a friendly person at the Delta check‑in counter, and then went through security (I was a very good girl).

“Checking in for my flight!”] 🛫

“We’re almost on the plane… here we go!”]

Now we’re buckled in, the engines are starting, and I can feel the airplane about to take off… ✈️

To Be Continued… 🐾

Until next time,
Emma 🌵🐶💖

📬 Got a question for me? Email me at Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!

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🐾 

Out & About with Emma: Vitamins, Views, and a Visit to Carrabba’s

June 2025

Hi there!

It’s me, Emma—and wow, have I been busy! Life in the desert is never dull, especially when you’re a little white dog with places to go, people to see, and a stroller to ride in. Yes, that’s right—I have my very own wheels. My human, Bill, says it keeps me safe and comfy when we visit public places, and honestly? I kind of love it. It’s like riding in my own personal chariot.

First stop: the vet!

But don’t worry—it was just a quick visit to get me some vitamins to keep my tail wagging strong.

📸 Emma at the vet in her stroller

Then we stopped by the Apple Store.

All those shiny gadgets and friendly people—I even got a few smiles as I cruised through in my stroller. A dog’s gotta stay connected, right? I didn’t see any apples though, seems like a marketing oversight.

📸 Emma in the Apple Store

After that, we made a quick visit to the big orange store—Home Depot!

I met a very kind lady who worked there, and she came over to say hello. We even posed for a photo together. I think I added a little extra charm to the hardware section that day.

📸 Emma with a Home Depot associate

Soon after, we packed up and headed to Sun City Grand for a few days.

It’s always exciting to be back there—and I even got to ride by Bill in the car, taking in the views along the way.

📸 Emma and Bill in the car

Once we arrived, I had a grooming appointment with Anne—my regular groomer and a true friend. She always makes me feel special, and we get along great. Let’s just call it a spa day. I came out looking extra fabulous, if I do say so myself.

📸 Emma after her grooming

After getting all fluffed and fabulous, we went to dinner at our favorite spot—Carrabba’s in Surprise AZ.

That’s where I got to see our good friend, Chef Jay. It’s always a treat to see him (and no, I didn’t sneak any meatballs).

📸 Emma with Chef Jay at Carrabba’s

Ask Emma

Q: In Arizona’s summer heat, should I have my groomer cut my dog’s fur short or leave it a bit longer?

– Pondering the Clippers in Unit 6

A: Great question! While it might seem like a super-short cut would help us pups stay cool, that’s not always the case. A dog’s coat actually protects us from sunburn and helps regulate our body temperature. For most breeds, especially dogs like me with curly or double coats, it’s best to leave about an inch of fur. That way we stay protected and cool. Always talk with your groomer about your dog’s specific needs, but in general—think “short and smart,” not “shaved and sorry.”

Stay cool out there!

📬 Got a question for me? Email me at Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com and I might answer it in a future post!

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