500 women over the age of 50 on the monterey bay peninsula are experiencing what I have as well as people across the country have been writing to me telling me their stories. Cici and I are overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who have sent me kind words, donations and offers to help us. A special thank you to Melody and Diane, two inspiring women who gave us hope and friendship on the road.
Reducing a speech, lecture, or event into a one-line summary isn’t easy, but you’ll be surprised what you discover by condensing a major phenomenon into ten words or less.
If interested, try this: Focus on one specific event, such as the first Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump last Monday. Then ask: What was that all about?
When I did the exercise, fifteen hours of contemplation resulted in extracting a comment Hillary made at the opening of the debate. Paraphrased, the most-important message I culled from event was:
One out of two Americans lives paycheck to paycheck
Never mind the fact neither candidate mentioned the H word. Hillary’s statement implied poverty is already a national epidemic. Mass homelessness proportional to disenfranchised Americans of the Great Depression years seems imminent, even in a paradise like Monterey..
That not-too-distant future is now for CeliaSue Hecht, about whom you’ve read in this newspaper.
The former journalist who’s now homeless lives a nomadic life which is currently reminiscent of Biblical times.
Monterey’s rider on a horse with no name
CeliaSue is a stalwart symbol of bright, sober and mature homeless women with both courage and talent. She is a well-bred middle-class, college-educated former New Yorker, age 66, whom homelessness turned into a living example of the legendary person crossing the desert on a horse with no name. The steed in her case is a dusty white van shared with her dog Cici. It serves as the office from which she freelances as a writer and blogger.
During the six-months in which the City of Monterey was researching the feasibility of adopting five amendments to its Housing Element, each of which might hopefully ameliorate the affordable housing crisis in the city, CeliaSue Hecht went south to avoid becoming a starfish on another cold winter beach in Monterey.
Hoping to find a cozy room at an inn, she found instead, what I would succinctly define as a temporary oasis in The Promised Land for the Homeless, otherwise known as the desert near Giant Rock Airport.
The Promised Land for the Homeless?
CeliaSue has been sleeping in a trailer on a campsite where she helps tend a herd of thirty-plus goats. There is no running water or electricity, but a perk in this region noted for flying saucer sightings is an occasional anomaly above the yucca trees that could be a fortuitous sign or even revelation of future things to come.
Look at the photo and ask yourself: What is this streak all about? Then try to define it in ten words or less.
As a help, you might remember the most-beloved Bible story of them all, in which a bright star appears over the manger in which an infant sleeps while shepherds tend their flocks by night.
When I asked myself what this is all about, the answer was: History repeats itself.
If this goat could talk, it might reveal where the homeless go from here by baa-baa-baa-ing, “There’s lots of land in the Great American Southwest!
SAVING LIVES
if you live on the Central Coast of California or know someone who does and have an RV, camper, mobile home or trailer that is gently used and would like to provide a home for a senior or veteran, please call CeliaSue at 702-225-8206…have a list of those in need of housing. You can also contribute here:
Wonder woofers and owners who won’t live without them
“Housing First!” If you were a homeless woman, or on the verge, housing would be your top priority.
Alas, affordable housing is so lacking in Monterey County, that “housing first” is the slogan all agencies, both public and private, use in dealing with affordable housing across the board. (Note: Cici and I wish this were true)
A special category of need exists that involves homeless women with pets, a few being cats and the majority dogs. The exact number of Monterey’s homeless pet owners is unknown.
Overnight dog housing needed
Landlords don’t want pets and agency-housing doesn’t usually allow them.
Homeless women don’t want to give up their dogs, so they sleep in their cars or on the street to be with their animals.
One reason for temporary suspension of the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program for Women (I-HELP) was the fact female guests weren’t willing to give up their canine companions in exchange for food, personal amenities and shelter.
Suggestions have been made that an I-HELP for Pets program be devised through which pets can be sheltered at a designated location, then reunited with their owners during the daytime hours.
Between 400 and 500 homeless women were estimated to live on the Monterey Peninsula before the Soberanes Fire dislocated residents who were burned out over the past three weeks. Of this number, an unknown percentage includes pet owners who consider their four-legged friends as more than just canines. They’re their Wonder Woofers.
A few words about Wonder Woofers
Cici is a poster-dog for this column. She’s a loving Dalmatian-Pit Bull mix seen here celebrating her 10th birthday last month. Cici is a Wonder Woofer. Along with her Wonder Worker owner, Cici is homeless.
Since Cici can’t define Wonder Woofer, I’ll try.
A Wonder Woofer is a warm-blooded furry friend who speaks from the heart in arfs, ruffs and woofs we humans call barks. A Wonder Woofer is on the job 24/7, never complaining.
A Wonder Woofer likes to snuggle and wiggle and lick, as well as serenade his or her human with love songs sung unconditionally through squeals, whimpers, whines and hums.
A Wonder Woofer’s vocal range is extensive, also being capable of issuing protective warnings by yipping, growling and snarling if danger exists.
CeliaSue Hecht, Cici’s loving owner, is a former journalist who’s so devoted to her pet that she defines herself as a “dog traveler.”
Unlike many homeless women who don’t know where to turn or how to get started to solve the housing crisis, CeliaSue is a 66-year-old articulate activist. Despite having survived breast cancer and being in need of medical care and housing, CeliaSue is seeking solutions to the housing crisis. A current example is this ad in Craigslist:
RVs for Seniors with Dogs
If you live on the Central Coast of California and have an RV, camper, or trailer or know someone that does and would like to provide a home for a senior or veteran, please call CeliaSue at 702-225-8206…we have a list of those in need of housing.
Hundreds of senior women have been displaced with their pets. Single women without children, women who are not mentally ill, not drug addicts, not alcoholics, with low income, not working or cannot find work, veterans, and other seniors with dogs, over 50 years of age, some ill and whose health has deteriorated without shelter.
if you live on the Central Coast of California or know someone who does and have an RV, camper, mobile home or trailer that is gently used and would like to provide a home for a senior or veteran, please call CeliaSue at 702-225-8206…have a list of those in need of housing. Hundreds of senior women and veterans have been displaced with their pets. Single women without children, women who are not mentally ill, not drug addicts, not alcoholics, with low income, not working or cannot find work, veterans, and other seniors with dogs, over 50 years of age, some ill and who’s health has deteriorated without shelter. Thank you for your kindness and SAVING LIVES.
People such as Stu and Stacey are sleeping in a tent in Carmel Valley and are experiencing bronchitis and asthma due to the unhealthy air filled with smoke from the Big Sur fire, 77,000 acres is burning, and 55% contained, causing people without homes numerous breathing issues and medical problems.
I have been back in the hospital now for two weeks. Three blood clots on my lungs, breast cancer was ruled out and ovarian cyst to be determined. Without housing, how can I get better? Sleeping upright in my car night after night, my legs swell and blood clots develop in my legs and travel to other parts of my body and basically could kill me.
I want to create a nonprofit called ADVOCATES FOR WOMEN, the mission is to create, build or find housing for women 50+ who are displaced and have dogs since no one else is doing this and too many tell the women to give up their dogs.
What would happen TO HUNDREDS OF DOGS IF EACH OF THE WOMEN GAVE AWAY THEIR BEST FRIENDS, COMPANIONS, and FAMILY MEMBERS???? (Not to mention what would happen to the women sleeping on the streets or in their cars without the protection of their dogs) ?
HOW WOULD GIVING THEIR DOGS AWAY SOLVE THEIR HOUSING CRISIS EXACTLY SINCE GIVING UP THEIR DOGS WILL NOT SOLVE THEIR ECONOMIC WOES.
As the Big Sur Sobranes fire burns hundreds of acres nearby, there are all kinds of fundraisers going on to help the people who have lost their homes due to the blaze. These people deserve the resources that they require. Yet this highlights and proves what i have been saying all along that where there is a WILL THERE IS A WAY. When people actually WANT TO DO SOMETHING,THEY DO IT.
For the past two years since I have been without a home, except for when I had a camper to live in and roommates, I have met numerous women of the hundreds of women also without homes and been displaced due to ECONOMICS. I have NOT seen the community come together in the same way, doing fundraisers to build, create or find HOMES FOR single women without children, women who are not mentally ill, not drug addicts, not alcoholics, with low income, not working or cannot find work, with dogs, many over 50 years of age, some illl and who’s health has deteriorated without having shelter.
We want to create CARETAKERS VILLAGE, Land or a lot can be utilized to place SHIFTPODS, yurts, RV’s, campers, trailers, tiny mobile homes, etc. to CREATE a village for women over 50 with dogs who need HOMES ASAP.
WILL YOU HELP US ???? it takes a village…to get this DONE.
well, Cici and I are traveling at the moment. And it has been difficult, folks due to numerous circumstances which I guess is best explained below in the link.
As we drove from Carson City, Nevada, (where I very much enjoyed going to the Hot Springs and Cici enjoyed being part of a pack of Jack Russells (three) and conquered using a doggie door), we made the “mistake” of going via Highway 299, which I thought was not too twisty and windy but WAS not only that but also HOT HOT HOT (weather), SMOKY from all of the fires, and lots of road work going on. Then when I decided to not go back that way to make our way south, the 101 was not at all as twisty and windy as I recalled. So either I have faulty memory or what?
We stopped in Williams, CA and stayed at a very nice not pet friendly Ramada Inn. Since Cici is my service dog, we were able to stay there anyhow.
We also stopped in Santa Rosa, and at the Solar Institute in Hopland. It was good to see improvements there and we got to see a tiny home (89 square feet) up close and personal. They rent it out for $79-89 a night and it is TINIER than TINY !!!!
We did manage to meet some really kind folks in Arcata, CA (Welcoming Center), treats galore and this photo of Cici… thanks Leah !
we wanted to see the trees (and did but for much too short a time)…
in our nifty new used Jeep and popup camper (don’t even get me started about how challenging it is to drive and park one of these)… suffice it to say that I have massacred a few bushes and thought that I was blocked and unable to get going on quite a few occasions but thanks to kind strangers and prayers been able to get out of REALLY tight spots !!!!
in Morro Bay, CA Visitors Center, surfing Cici dog
At the moment, we are back in the Monterey area wondering where the heck to park our camper and sorry selves… but if you read the link above, you will find out more about our adventures
Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in Monterey and Carmel but are allowed in Seaside… so if you bring your pooch with you to these locations, be prepared with ID tags and calming collars or Rescue Remedy. Hold onto the dog’s leash at all times and also bring poop waste bags to clean up after your dog.
City of Monterey’s annual 4th of July Celebration. The Admission is Free Big Little Backyard Bar-B-Que and Entertainment Extravaganza will be held on the historic grounds of Colton Hall on Pacific Street on Friday, July 4th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Featured bands include Monterey Community Band (11:00 a.m.), Foreverland (12:00 p.m.), Red Beans & Rice (1:30 p.m.) and Lovefool (3:00 p.m.). Children’s entertainment includes free carnival booths and games, face painting, balloon artists and jump houses. Lots of great food provided by non-profit food vendors will be on sale all day.
The Old Monterey Business Association will be providing a 4th of July Parade on Alvarado Street at 10 a.m. For more info, please call 655-8070 or www.oldmonterey.org
the Monterey County Pops! will be offering an evening concert at the Golden State Theatre in downtown Monterey. For more info, please visit www.montereycountypops.org
Please remember fireworks of any kind are prohibited in Monterey. Have a fun and safe 4th of July
an old-fashioned, family-style celebration in Devendorf Park across from Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue from noon to 4pm. Mayor Jason Burnett welcomes everyone at noon followed by entertainment by “Cheeky Spanks” with lots of fun and games for kids! Bring a blanket or chairs at the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. technically dogs are not supposed to be there but no one will mind, it could be loud, be prepared with poop bags, have dog on leash, in a doggie stroller, walk around and visit the fountain of woof at carmel plaza, and go to the beach.
There will be hot dogs, cold drinks, chips, ice cream, watermelon, and cookies! Get there early, supplies are limited! All food and festivities are FREE! Food will be provided by local service clubs and groups such as Carmel Host Lions, Mission Trail Lions, Yes for Carmel!, Carmel Heritage, Carmel Woman’s Club, Carmel Chamber, and much more!
For more information please contact (831) 620-2020.
** NO FIREWORKS ARE ALLOWED ANYWHERE IN CARMEL **
SLO/Morro Bay
July 4th Weekend Art in the Park, July 4, 5 & 6, 2014
You can bring your pup with you to this free event. Attendees will witness art created live, and have the opportunity to purchase beautiful works of art made by fine local artists. The event takes place at Morro Bay City Park and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days.
10 Pet-Friendly Boutique Hotels and B&B Inns in California
California boutique hotels and B&Bs make it easy to travel on vacation with four-legged friends. There are more than 70 pet-friendly member inns of the California Association of Boutique and Breakfast Inns (CABBI), many of which go out of their way to pamper pooches with special treats, blankets and more.
June 15 is Father’s Day. A DUDE ranch that is pet friendly may be the perfect place for a dad and his dog to vacation. Here are a few (that we have not visited). But sound like good places to get along little doggies, get along.
Echo Valley Ranch and Spa in British Columbia, you can bring your dog when staying in their Deluxe Cabins. The Canada dude ranch charges just $20 per night for dad and best friend’s dude ranch vacation.
The BarW in Montana $15 a night for dogs or no charge with a package.
Just 16 miles south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Spotted Horse Ranch is a all-inclusive guest ranch, catering to horseback riding and fly fishing. They offer packages as short as three night in May, early June, September and October or the typical seven night stay and they are pet friendly.
Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch in Granby, CO seems to be one of the few dude ranches in Colorado that does not seem to restrict dog breeds, but call first to make sure as it is two hours from Denver, which has a breed ban in place. Stays include hearty breakfasts, lodging in a comfy cabin. They do require a small fee for your pooch.
Burnt Well Guest Ranch in New Mexico is a working cattle and sheep ranch which boasts 10,000 acres of high desert country.
Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, Quincy, California, just 70 miles from the Reno Tahoe Airport, offers horseback riding, fishing and hiking in rustic ranch setting. located near the Feather River Canyon in the beautiful High Sierra mountains of Plumas County.
Here are 12 of our favorite spots for dog friendly trips for dad, dog and the whole family in various cities in the west USA.
Lincoln City,OR offers an abundance of pet-friendly lodging and restaurants where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
Play: For a fun frolic with your pooch, head for the coastline. In addition to the 7 1/2 miles of pristine Lincoln City beach, try Spring Lake Trail just west of the Regatta Grounds or Drift Creek Falls. Most Ocean lake shops will allow well-behaved pets on leashes if you ask. Remember, keep your pets on leashes and clean up after them. The annual Mutt Masters Dog Show and Olympics is a fun dog show that raises funds for two “doggie related” causes annually!
Stay:Captain Cook Inn is a fully restored and refurbished motor court. Although not too many still exist, motor courts were a style of motel very popular in the 1940′s and 50′s where you park your car directly in front of your room. Call to verify dog-friendly rooms 1-800-994-2522.2626 N.E. Hwy 101, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
FYI, pets can now stay in yurts in OR, Honeyman in Florence, OR, Valley of the Rogue in Grants Pass, etc for an extra $10 a night fee, Book your stay, call Reservations Northwest at 1-800-452-5687, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. All pet friendly yurts and cabins must be reserved over the phone.
Stay: Stanford Inn by the Sea (from $236, breakfast included; dogs $45 onetime fee;stanfordinn.com) in Mendocino has been pet-friendly since Jeff Stanford and his wife, Joan, bought it in the 1980s. A plate of cookies forhumans and a homemade sweet-potato treat are just a few of the amenities. Dogs are welcome everywhere including the lobby, just outside the hotel’s Ravens’ Restaurant. You can eat breakfast with your well mannered dog. The food is delicious, organic and vegetarian (with many vegan options).
Play: Many local parks, restaurants, and other businesses welcome dogs, too. Rent a canoe or kayak from Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too ($40/day;catchacanoe.com) and explore the Big River estuary.
Rent a limo from MacCallum House and visit Anderson Valley’s Navarro’s and Toulouse dog friendly wineries for wine tasting and treats galore.
Rutherford, CA
Stay:Rancho Caymus Inn in St. Helena (Rutherford) is minutes from Beaulieu Vineyard and close to Robert Mondavi Winery. This romantic hotel is within close proximity to the Franciscan Oakville Estate and Silver Oak Napa Valley Winery. Make yourself at home in one of the 26 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions (from $199).
Play: Centrally located Carmel City Beach is the place where all the pooches play. Scenic Rd. from Ocean Ave. to Martin Way;ci.carmel.ca.us
Shop & eat: Your pooch will never want to leave Diggidy Dog (Ocean Ave. and Mission St.; 831/625-1585). The Carmel Plaza shopping center has a dogs-only place to get a cool drink of H20, the Fountain of Woof (carmelplaza.com). For dog-friendly dining, check out the Forge in the Forest (forgeintheforest.com).
Shop and Eat: Across the street from the Mariposa is the very pet friendly Del Monte Shopping center. Most shops allow dogs including Macy’s, Petco, and others. Not Whole Foods but there are pet friendly dining options, and also at Fisherman’s Wharf (Abalonetti’s patio) downtown.
Cambria, CA
Play: Visit the dog park or walk along the bluffs.
Stay: Cambria Pines Lodge, From $189; dogs $15/night;Moonstone Hotel Properties, 152 Rooms Total
2905 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Reservations: (800) 966-6490
Eat:Robin’s Restaurant garden patio offers food that pleases everybody. Unique starters such as Singapore chicken sate, fresh inviting straight from the garden salads and curried chicken and other sandwiches are what’s for lunch. For dinner, lamb curry, Tail Lobster Enchiladas, Malaysian chicken and Moroccan duck breast entrees, plus delectable desserts (hot fudge sundaes with coffee ice cream and pistachio nuts) , Robin’s seasonal menus are prepared from scratch.
Play:Pooches all aboard on a Tiki Boat tour of the Morro Bay Harbor on the Lost Isles Cruise. View the wildlife in their natural habitat, and sea otters, seals, sea lions, and a wide variety of birds in Morro Bay’s beautiful estuary. The dogs will love the sounds of the sea life. www.baycruisers.com
Eat:Luna Red. Their patio is filled with guests and their four legged friends. And the food and wine is to drool for. Organic, sustainable fresh seafood and salads. Crab lasagne, wild boar spare ribs and a variety of vegetarian fare.
Enjoy a great meal of freshly caught fish, smoked oysters, calamari, fish and chips and more. at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant. Tognazzini’s is also home to three beautiful and friendly white Labs.
Play: Every September Surf City holds its Surf Dog Contest. surfcitysurfdog.com.
Eat: Park Bench Cafe
Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay: Three Peaks Resort in South Lake, All 62 rooms are pet friendly. dogs are allowed in the lobby and in the swimming pool area.There is a private beach nearby where guests can go with their dogs on leash.Pet fee is $20
While in the area, you might also visit dog friendly Virginia City. Many of the shops allowed Cici inside, and had water bowls out on the wooden boardwalk. You might even see/hear a ghost or two in this haunted town. Boo.
San Diego, CA
Stay: Pets are welcome at the Hotel Solamar with no restriction on types or size. Pet owners will be asked to fill out a waiver form accepting responsibility for any damage or cleaning charges that may occur while at the Hotel.
Looking for Memorial weekend plans to have fun with Fido, check out our blog posts about these cities in and near LA:
The best way to see the Hollywood Sign is to drive up Beachwood Drive (north of Hollywood Boulevard). To reach Beachwood Drive from Hollywood & Vine, take Hollywood Boulevard east (a quarter mile), to Gower Street. Turn left (north) up Gower (three blocks, under the freeway) to Franklin Avenue. Turn right (east) on Franklin, then immediately turn left (north) up Beachwood Drive, into the hills. It’s a long, twisting drive. To reach Beachwood Drive from the Hollywood (101) Freeway, take the Gower Street exit, then turn right (north) up Beachwood Drive. The Sign is clearly visible most the way up Beachwood, although the hills begin to obscure the view of the Sign near the top of the drive. (But be warned that the local residents are up in arms about the traffic generated by tourists trying to see the sign.)
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, more than 3.5 million Americans are homeless. And of these 3.5 million, between 5 and 10 percent have dogs and/or cats, with areas where the percentage reaches 24.
For many homeless people, their only friend and family member is a beloved animal companion.
…A new book by University of Colorado sociology Professor Leslie Irvine is the first to explore what it takes to live on the streets with an animal. Using interviews with more than seventy homeless people in four cities, My Dog Always Eats First reveals what animals mean for homeless people and how they care for their four-legged friends. You can read the introduction to this landmark book here. Dr. Irvine’s book provides rich descriptions of how animals provide social and emotional support and protection from harm (see also “My dog feels my pain“), and, in some cases, even helped turn around the lives of people who had few other reasons to live.
…Homeless people told her how their dogs encouraged interaction with others and kept them from becoming isolated. Former addicts and alcoholics described how their animals inspired them to get clean and sober.
“In surveys, homeless people report levels of attachment to their animals that may surpass those found among the domiciled public. They frequently refuse offers of shelter or housing that require them to give up or separate from their animals.” (excerpt from the first chapter A Good Life for a Dog? of the book, “My Dog Always Eats First.”
Feeding Pets of the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer-based organization that is dedicated to collecting food for animal companions of the homeless in the United States and Canada, as well as administering veterinary care. Its home office is in Carson City, Nevada, with collection sites all over the USA.
I started a collection site in the Monterey Bay area. Recently, I asked Whole Foods to donate pet food. And they agreed to donate $100 worth. I asked the church (info below) and they agreed to distribute the pet food. They also distribute people food.
“We received 11 bags of dog food and 2 bags of cat food. On Saturday, April 26th, we gave out 2 bags of dog food. Then on Tuesday, April 29th, all the pet food was given out. Word of mouth spread like wild fire…” Father John.
Epiphany Lutheran & Episcopal Church
425 Carmel Ave
Marina, CA 93933
(Corner of Carmel Ave. & California Ave.)
Am working with obtaining other pet food donations from various companies and having various churches in the area to distribute it.
If you would like to donate pet food for the homeless and/or make a contribution so that pet food can be bought and given to the homeless, please visit my pAYPAL via pr matchmaker at yahoo.com
thank you.
I am also working on a project to HOUSE homeless people and their pets. Will let you know more as it takes shape. If you would like to participate, please let me know. More info here:
imagine “affordable and dignified housing” for the impoverished.
“The experiment is a powerful reminder that the homeless are people, just like us, with one exception. They are in trouble and in pain. And they are someone’s uncle or cousin or wife.”
Interview with author Annette Cain and her dog Pepper … co-authors of Ageless Dogma: A Dog’s Life Guide to Staying Young
tell us more about Pepper, how old is she? when did you get her? did you adopt her from a shelter, rescue her or get her from a breeder or ??
Pepper is coming up on her 10th birthday (4-15). However, she still thinks she’s two! She was one of 18 puppies (2 moms, same dad) from my friends’ dogs. My husband and I decided it was time to grow our family, so we took Pepper (aka Pep) home when she was 3 months old.
what made you choose a Lab?
Friends’ dogs were Labs. Pep’s dad was a field trials champion. We chose Pepper out of all the other dogs because she was the only one with a white patch on her chest, a ridge on her nose, and her personality, of course!
how often does Pepper do doga?
Everyday. She starts before she even gets out of her bed in the morning and always stretches after all of her siestas. Most nights after dinner, she’ll do her own unique ‘doga’ stance—she goes down on one shoulder with her rump sticking up in the air and tail wagging (picture).
what are her favorite things?
Hopefully us, but sure bets are:
The obvious—tennis balls, peanut butter-filled gongs, squeaky toys
Activities—going to the beach (includes swimming & riding waves), taking a ride (anywhere), digging squirrel holes, morning walks, and lots of wagging!
Worst favorite thing—Pep loves getting ahead of us on the trail and eating coyote skat (must be the right vintage though)
what kind of diet does she eat?
Mostly wholesome dry food (minus the skat). Snacks include: pb, greenies, chicken jerky, and usually whatever my hubby is snacking on. Pep loves fruit…she actually pulls persimmons right off of my grandma’s tree. She’s sad that persimmon season is over. (picture of her under tree)
are there specific things you do to help Pepper remain youthful?
Daily walks, weekly swims, supplements (chondroitin/glucosamine and fish oil), playtime, and she’s really good about taking naps.
does she like to travel with you, do you take her with you?
Pep would like to go everywhere with us. Our favorite vacation is renting a house on the beach (favorite beach is Stinson—private part is very dog friendly).
does she have any doggie play pals? do you take her to the dog park or dog beach?
Pep is very socialized when it comes to dogs (helps to come from such a big family), however, she could take ‘em or leave ‘em. When we go to the beach it’s all about chasing the ball or scooping up crab shells—she doesn’t even notice other dogs around her.
what is the best, most inspiring thing Pepper has ever done? funniest/ silliest? most rewarding time you have ever spent with her?
Best/inspiring: When Pep was just a year old, she had a terrible accident. She had to undergo several surgeries and had 100’s of stitches (even actual buttons at one point) and was in a cone collar for three months. She was such a trooper and taught me much about surrendering to uncontrollable circumstances, going with the flow, and grinning while bearing pain.
Silliest: Pep’s ‘rump in the air’ act always makes us chuckle
Most rewarding: My husband says the most rewarding time has been from when we picked her up until now. For me, it’s how she greets me with joy every time I enter the room (this is one of her traits in the book).
have you had other dogs?
I grew up in Belize and had many dogs as a kid…a German Shepard named Apache, a Dachshund named Whiskey, and several “pot likkas” (meaning “pot lickers”—what we call mutts in Belize) Ginger, Swing, Yum Yum and Tubby.
what made you write your book with Pepper in mind? what gave you the idea?
My passion is to help others age stronger so their bodies can keep up with their lives. My tagline for my business is “Age less. Live More.” and when I saw a bumper sticker one day that said, “Bark less. Wag More.” the idea for “Ageless Dogma” came to me…the bumper sticker and Pep inspired me to write a book that could help people “Age Less and Wag More!”
have you written other books?
This is my fourth book. I have written 3 previous books on health/fitness—“Fat Chance,” “The Lazy Way to Shed Some Pounds,” and “The Lazy Way to Get In Shape.”
are you planning to write other books?
Yes. I have many ideas tucked away in my head and I’d love to write a novel in the future.
what is the most rewarding thing that you enjoy about your work?
I absolutely love inspiring others to take care of their bodies and take part in life. I do this through writing, speaking and coaching. It is very rewarding to be creative and connect with others.
Welcome! I'm CeliaSue, a creative California-based freelance writer who wants to help you travel with your pets and enjoy the ride. I provide reliable travel info for California, and the Southwest USA (occasionally the rest of the country), plus lifestyle inspiration about being a doggie mama on the road with a spoiled yet friendly polka dot princess named Cici. I also write about romance, eco friendly, spiritual, healthy and luxury travel for various publications.
CeliaSue Hecht is a third-generation American, originally from New York. She has lived much of her adult life in California and Nevada and is a doggie mama and chocoholic plus a proponent of tiny homes and alternative energy and medicine. In the 70’s and 90’s, she taught personal growth workshops and seminars in Los Angeles and Munich, Germany. In the late 1980’s, she traveled around the world for three years with an international, interfaith, interdenominational, intercessory prayer ministry (Bangladesh, Canada, England, France, Germany, Holland, India, Israel, Singapore, Thailand). She has worked with people with AIDS, fibromyalgia, cancer, people without homes, Holocaust survivors, as well as written about diverse topics such as women’s topics, activism against the Yucca Mountain project in Nevada, alternative health and therapies and travel pieces in numerous magazines and newspapers. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin. Co-author of five romantic travel guides. Go to Paypal and buy CeliaSue a romantic comedy to read on the beach while munching on a chocolate bar.
Stumble It!
Have dog blog will travel 