Announcing Toddy! Every pet friendly lodge needs a Canine Ambassador. For many years Brick was my Lodge Meeter and Greeter, welcoming everyone, human and canine alike, and always willing to take a handout should one be offered…and he did his very best to make sure he was always offered treats and leftovers.Those of you what had the honor to meet him know exactly what I’m talking about! 
Brick died in December 2010, and this past year I “interviewed” heavily for the job, but none of my sled dogs wanted to hang up their harnesses.It takes a special warmth and gentleness to deal with the responsibilities of being the Meeter and Greeter. One has to manage all the comings and goings of the guests, from the most senior to the most junior, as well as canine visitors of all ages, breeds, shapes, sizes and temperaments. Not to mention the occasional bird, feline or equine guest. Being a good Meeter and Greeter can be exhausting!
So, I finally decided to look elsewhere, and at the Tehama County Animal Shelter I found…Toddy! She’s fairly young, about 2-3 years old, and a petite girl weighing in at just over 30 pounds.
She adores guests and is taking to her new job with utter delight! The moment she even thinks someone has arrived her tail starts wagging her and she eagerly awaits your arrival. Saying hi is her favorite…even moreso than eating, although she’s got the “I’ll sit for a treat” routine down pat.
Being a shelter dog, she was a little reserved around all my sled dogs at first. However, she quickly discovered the love of her life…Crimp! She worships the ground he walks on, pesters him incessantly — nibbles, licks, sits on him,rubs against him, chases him.
Those of you who know Crimp’s story know that this is not necessarily his cup of tea. Since being attacked as a puppy, he’s not been real eager to play with other dogs, unless they were sled dogs on his team and even then…not so much. Toddy has made it her mission in life to bring Crimp out of his shell — he WILL play with her! Crimp looks really put upon and looks at me pleadingly to make her stop — but I’m too busy laughing!
Shhh, don’t tell…but he’s starting to relax and enjoy her attention.
Toddy looks forward to your visit and meeting you — believe me, she’ll abandon Crimp in an instant when there’s the opportunity for human attention!!!