Mercedes are quality, yo

I may be adopting a dog! I've been considering it for months but more seriously recently. I have so many reasons why: I am a very good and caring owner. I love walking around just exploring the city... lots of walking for her! I want to love that dog and make her forget that she was once left :(. I have a flexible schedule so I have time to focus on it. I want to nurture goddamit! Rusty needs some stimulation... the old man is actually acting old!!

The lady I'm courting is named Mercedes. She is gorgeous and well-built and simply endearing. She was found in Brooklyn and looks to be 2-3 years old. She's a shepherd/pit bull mix and this tight little body. I took her for a walk and she was amazing walking on a leash, friendly (and not overly) to other people and doggggggs. Totally obedient. When we sat and talked to another dog and man after hanging with them both she came and chilled sitting under me. She trusts me. :)

The shelter I discovered is on 13th in the village. Here's their site with adoptees.

http://www.biscuitsandbath.com/adoptions.php

Mercedes is listed here but probably won't be avail on the site. This is her ad:

Mercedes
Female, 2 years, Shepherd/Pit mix
Not only is Mercedes beautiful, but she is so well-behaved. She is great with other dogs, children, is housebroken, and fine when left alone. Greenwich Village

Some great adoption sites I came across:
http://www.factmonster.com/dogs2.html
http://pets1st.com/articles/00059adoptingadog.asp

October Mountain State Park - Lee, MA

I went camping and hiking for Memorial Day weekend last month. I was looking for somewhere a few hours out of NYC that would be car camping, safe and close to a lot of hiking. This campground was perfect for this.

I was alone and never felt anything but totally safe. There were kids and dogs running around and except for my deaf neighbors (I'm not kidding) there were people that were close enough to hear me if I was fighting off a bear. Or an axe murderer.

The hiking was beautiful. October Mountain is about a 10 minute drive from an entry to the Appalachian Trail and there are a number of smallers trails all around there. I hiked in on the Finerty Trail to Finerty Pond, which was still and calm and lovely. Then I head over and hiked some of the other winding trails on and around the Appalachian Trail. I'd say about 10 miles total. I only saw 4 people total the whole time. I LOVE THAT! I would definitely go back.


Here is some info on the campground:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/octm.htm
http://www.berkshireweb.com/sports/parks/october.html

Things to know:
- dogs are allowed
- no booze technically but as long as you keep it in cups and don't act like asshole you're fine.
-It's in bear country... oh my!

Photos to come... and well worth the wait!!