pdxdog™.com evolved out of my experience as the owner of The Pearl Retriever and my interest in Web 2.0, as an organizing tool in building community.
I loved meeting the people and dogs who came into my shop and recognized how integral relationships are in the dog community. A true social network seemed like a natural to me.
Some of our earliest pdxdog™.com members participated in the Pups of Portland Calender Project. Working with two photographer's and one web person, I produced this popular project. It was a fundraiser for DoveLewis, really fun and very successful. It is something I want to do again on a different scale and with improvements.
In addition to founding pdxdog,™ I am an expert in designing collaborative initiatives starting with the original idea, grant writing, managing funding, training, technical assistance and evaluation. These ventures are focused on building capacity and results at every stage of development.
As a U.S. Justice Department Visiting Fellow, I evaluated the Clinton Administration's Advancing Community Policing grants in large and small cities and towns. We found real success in reducing crime and in the inventiveness of very diverse communities. A book was published about this project.
Working with other creative people on innovative projects makes me happy and energetic. I am an idea person and remain hopeful that we are an inventive and exciting people and country.
I am interested in community building and social networking. I love dogs and the dog loving community. I'd like this network to become a meaningful part of Portland life.
Introduce Your Pets
Ellie - Golden Retriever, she is 4, quite a personality and I love her very much.
Jake - Golden Retriever. I lost him in 2004 when he was 8- it took me a long time to deal with his loss. Both of them are from the same California breeder who is extremely responsible about her dogs.
Hi, Andrea... You asked what kind of writing I do. Mostly journalistic-style articles based on interviews and/or research. I am the editor of the newsletter for the Oregon State Bar's Elder Law Section, and I sometimes write articles for it--e.g., on elder abuse, retirement communities, community resources. I also am a perpetual graduate student and write a lot of papers—mostly on on art history. Carole Barkley
I appreciate your help and encouragement! When I decided last spring to move to Portland in a year, I knew it would be a challenge, but I felt sure that with enough diligence, networking and confidence in what I'm doing, the right housing opportunity would come along. A friend of mine on Twitter posted a quote: "Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock." I'm thinking it may be like that, and that's all right with me. Thanks again!
thanks for the photo comments! What a cool site, Ellena at PNWPBR invited me here. I help them out with home checks in the Puget Sound area. I'll tell Kasey you like her pics, she thinks she's a bit of a model. Your golden has a great smile, and radiates such happy energy even through his pictures!
Thanks for the greeting!
The Braque du Bourbonnais is one of the less common breeds. There's estimated to be approximately 2,500 in the world with approximately 450 in North America. I have several photos and videos along with information regarding their history and breed standard on my site if you want to check them out! http://www.RufnitKennels.com
Thanks for the note! I saw an ad for the site on neighborhood notes, and am excited to familiarize myself with the site. My dog is only 6 months old, so I am still figuring out all the ropes of being a dog owner! :)