Back at the Ranch

A year ago, we took a trip down the California coast to Santa Margarita, where we stayed at Seven Oaks Ranch, which has three vacation homes nestled on 200+ acres. We got to go there again last week, where this time we stayed in the owners' home while they were away and puppysat for their 3-month old cocker spaniel, Margie (pronounced with the G like "guy", rather than like "gender").

Margie is an adorable, spunky little gal who adored Cabana--and piddled on the floor as soon as she saw her, the first of many piddles to come, unfortunately! But aside from the challenges of potty training, it was fun to see Margie and Cabana interact.

They played a lot of tug with this stuffed snake. Cabana was great with the puppy, very gentle and playful and PATIENT!

Cabana endured quite a bit of ear biting, face nibbling, general pestering, and getting climbed on.

As if they weren't enough for each other, here Cabana and Margie are waiting for a certain male visitor.

Scout belonged to the people who were staying in one of the other vacation homes, and he would come over often for canine companionship. His owners let him roam around the property at will, but I wasn't quite comfortable with that and kept Cabana on leash around the house and the pond. The water level in the pond was extremely low, making it very full of algae and mud--oh no, I was quite aware of where Cabana would end up if I let her roam around off-leash.

But Cabana got plenty of off-leash time on our daily hikes AWAY from the pond.

We climbed some steep ridges.

But the view was so worth it!


Not a building or another person around us for miles. Nothing but beautiful, vast, open expanse--exhilarating!

There are lots of great beaches in that area. Avila Beach has a section that is just for off-leash dogs.

There were tons of friendly dogs to meet and play with.

Cabana gravitated toward a fellow yellow Lab, one that is a TRUE retriever, unlike Cabana.

But that's okay, Cabana found other ways to amuse herself, like levitation.

There wasn't much time for R&R, but Cabana managed to get in some sunbathing on the deck. Still, no matter how great a vacation might be, it's always so nice to get back home and sleep in your own bed. Does that make me sound really old? Then, I guess I must be old!