By SUE RYAN
News staff writer
July 4, 2007

Olive Brace tenderly balanced Missy on her lap Thursday afternoon at Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Center in Hood River.

One of the stars plain ran out of energy and slept lightly while laughter and talk swirled about her.

Brace wasn’t holding a baby but rather a miniature dachshund puppy. She came to the puppy shower, put on by the Heart of Hospice Foundation, for two of the residents there.

Paw print designs dotted balloons and decorations about the room. Tiny dog dishes full of dog bone candies were set about. Puppies chased balls through, about and around wheelchairs and walkers.

Executive Director Jodi Goatcher said that their clients unexpectedly ended up with six puppies to find homes for.

Violet and Jay Hobbs own a female miniature dachshund named Velvet. Their daughter, Sharon Hobbs, owns a male miniature dachshund named Ozzie. He has his own partner, Sid, but that apparently didn’t stop him from becoming well-acquainted with Velvet during one visit.

Goatcher said after the puppies all found homes, the Heart of Hospice team decided to throw a puppy shower for the Hobbs.

Other residents at Hawks Ridge flowed into the room reserved for the occasion. Hazel Guthrie held one pup with a star-spangled bandanna knotted about its neck.

“I’ve never been to a dog party before,” she admitted.

Despite cake, punch and lots of attention at one point the puppies decided to make a break for it and explore the environs of Hawks Ridge.