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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 24, 2019)
E AST O REGONIAN WEEKEND, AUGUST 24, 2019 LIVE, LOVE, BARK People paws-itively love their dogs By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian I ’m a dog person — and based on the response from readers, so are a lot of other Eastern Oregon residents. With National Dog Day approaching, I wanted to highlight man’s best friend. I received many submis- sions and enjoyed being introduced to people’s furry friends. Started in 2004 by Colleen Paige, National Dog Day celebrates all breeds — purebreds and mutts alike. It honors family dogs and working dogs that give selfl essly to save lives, keep people safe and provide comfort and companionship. It’s celebrated each year on Aug. 26. Paige chose the day to coincide with the anniversary of when her family adopted their fi rst dog. When people ask if I have children, I always say I have two canine kids. While I think my dogs are the best, I know there are a lot of great dogs out there that mean the world to their owners. One of the stories shared by a reader espe- cially tugged at my heartstrings. Katrina Ortiz of Hermiston shared about Mason, a Ger- man shorthaired pointer. Choosing him from a litter, Ortiz brought Mason home when he was 8 weeks old. In addition to serving as a mascot at the veterinary clinic where she worked, Mason provided support when Ortiz was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He helped her in dealing with extreme pain, fatigue and depression. Calling Mason “an incredible friend,” Ortiz said, “he is extremely loyal and has so much personality — he really is a hoot.” Although not a wanderer, Mason went missing in April. Heartbroken, Ortiz scoured their property, put up fl i- ers and posted extensively on social media in hopes of fi nd- ing Mason. “He has been such a huge part of my life for 5 years,” Ortiz said. “He was not just a dog, he was a member of the family.” I totally understand Ortiz’s sense of loss. The fi rst dog I got as an adult disappeared mysteriously. To those who think, “it was just a dog” — you just don’t understand. But those of us fortunate enough to become part of a pack, we know dogs leave paw prints on our hearts and we are forever changed. Owned by Katrina Ortiz of Hermiston Mason, 5, a beloved German shorthaired pointer, disappeared from his Hermiston home in April. Karina Ortiz is still hopeful that he will return. Community Editor Tammy Malgesini’s pack includes her husband, John, and their German shepherds, Lucifer, who’s almost 10, and the General, who turned 7 in June. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539. Owned by Kari Rodriguez of Pendleton Gordo, an 18-month- old American Bully, is a dapper dresser — as evidenced by his at- tire while attending a recent Pendleton Food Truck Night with mama Kari Rodriguez. Owned by Amber McDaniel of Irrigon Macy Mae, a 12-year-old Chihua- hua, gets tuckered out watching over the McDaniel kids, ages 2 and 7. “She’s not just a dog, she’s fami- ly,” said Amber McDaniel. Owned by Crystal Wortman of Athena Rue, left, has a bit of a split personality. Mama Crystal Wort- man said she can be the most naughty dog on the planet or the most pleasant pooch. Rue is known to steal food and tear things up but also likes to cuddle and shares her bed with Cas the cat. Owned by Roy & Alicia Lozano of Hermiston Owned by Katie Heath of Pendleton Cooper waltzed into the Heath family a year ago. Patrick Swayze’s got nothing on the Goldendoodle. Cooper jumps up, puts his paws on his partner’s waist and spins around when he hears “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the mov- ie “Dirty Dancing.” And if that’s not enough, he also loves to give cuddles. Party boy Zeus, is a 2-year-old pit bull. It saddens the Lozano family that the breed some- times gets a bad reputation. “The only thing dangerous about him is his tail when he’s excited,” Alicia Lozano said. Owned by Kaley Cope of Pendleton New to Pendleton, Mia, a 5-year-old Labrador mix, is the founder of Pups of Pendleton. The Facebook group helps organize dog-owner gatherings to socialize. In addition to making friends with everyone she meets, Mia likes to take selfi es, play fetch and swim.
