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Travels with Mieke: Finding fame with the help of my shaggy, blond companion

By Wendy DeMos

(Published in The Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa, Canada)

Fame is hard to fathom.

I thought if I came to California - and got famous - I'd thank my songwriting angels. But not so.

It turns out I have to thank my dog.

Yes, indeed, I'm quite popular here as I walk around this small town in Northern California with Mieke (Meeka), my canine companion.

This shaggy, blond bombshell draws much attention from passersby. How old is she? Is she a male or female? What breed is she?

I proudly tell them she's a six year-old Canadian Canoodle. It's a name I made up, but I figure it leaves a warm feeling in your heart - both for Mieke and Canada.

In Sebastopol, a town of 8,000, more and more folks are becoming aware that Canadian Canoodles are only available in Ottawa, my home town.

And, like dog lovers back home, we relish the opportunity to bring our furry friends anywhere. Like dog parks. And dog beaches. And dog wineries.

Dog wineries?

Indeed, here in Sonoma County, well known for fine wineries such as Kendall-Jackson and Geyser Peak, there are even wine tours for dogs. Of course, the hosts hope affluent, wine-buying owners will come along.

Hanna Winery and Sebastiani Vineyards are just a couple of wineries that let your dog grope through the grapes, or at least hang out in the tasting rooms.

And there are more dog offerings in the trendsetting San Francisco Bay Area. You can hardly swing a dead cat without hitting a dog communicator - people who claim they can tell you what your dog is thinking and feeling. Mieke and I visited one.

Marta Williams is a recognized animal communicator and author of two books on talking with animals (www.martawilliams.com).

During our session we began by meditating as Marta prepared to connect with Mieke's spirit. Once she tuned in, Marta told me that Mieke loves music, would prefer to eat raw food and enjoys the ocean.

My main question was "Is Mieke happy to be travelling with me or would she prefer a more stable home with a friend back in Wakefield, Quebec?"

Paws down, said Marta, Mieke wants to be with her "mom."

But services for dogs don't end with animal communicators and dog-friendly wineries. There are dog camps, dog chiropractors, even dentists for dogs. The list goes on.

Perhaps the reason there is such a focus on dog services in Northern California is that the open-minded West Coast understands - en masse - the concept behind Machaelle Small Wright's book Behaving as if the God in All Life Mattered.

However, to be sure, this life-honouring concept doesn't simply end with Northern Californian's treatment of dogs. Other thoughtful practices such as selling only Fair Trade coffee, organic foods and free range chickens are the norm here so it's no surprise that dogs are treated like furry people.

Why there's even a monthly newspaper that caters to dog owners. It's called Fetch and offers stories such as "Soggy Doggies" about a dog wash to help raise funds for charity or "Passionate Kisses" a story about the health risks of doggie licks. You can also read training tips in "Well-Heeled Dog" and find out upcoming dog events in "The Scoop" (www.fetchthepaper.com).

And if you want to know Fido's future, the newspaper even offers a dog horoscope (www.doghoroscopes.com).

Mieke is a Capricorn and this month's column reads, "You overcome protests, obstacles in connection with proposed journey. No 'left behind' for you, you are going to be included. Hugs all around!"

That prediction was just as true in November 2003 when Mieke and I left Ottawa for our musical journey across the continent as it is today.

Indeed, Mieke loves to be hugged. Plus she gets me out walking in the stately California Redwoods regularly, or walking along the beach and throwing sticks into the ocean waves for her to fetch.

And what's been most delightful is that she helps me meet so many interesting people.

They, in turn, come to my concerts in order to get a chance to see Mieke again.

OK, a few of them come for the songs.

So rest assured, I'm in good hands - or paws - and continue writing, recording and living vicariously through my Canadian Canoodle.

Wendy DeMos is a singer/songwriter and freelance writer based in California.

Wendy