I was returning from 3 Cups Coffee House in Astoria (and a bonus, unexpected meeting of author Matt Love whom I have referenced right here and here). I originally heard about this park from a Native woman who considered it to be a sacred place. On the Reuben Snake Memorial Facebook Page I learned this: "Originally targeted for condominium development, a 20-acre site including Neawanna Point north of Seaside was donated to the North Coast Land Conservancy because of its unique historical and cultural value. In exchange for preserving the site, the developer created a memorial to Ruben Snake, a Winnebago tribe member who fought for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The memorial now overlooks Neawanna Point."
I don't know if this park has an official name. It's just north of Java Reef Coffee on Hwy 101. There is a parking area and a historical marker referencing Lewis & Clark, salt, salmon and Native Americans. In the same breath it talks about 'Extraordinary Friendship' and the fact that we ravaged the population with the disease we introduced . . . Hmm. That doesn't seem friendly at all.
Anyway, I saw the park and instantly pulled over. . . a totally impulsive moment. I got out of my car and walked the hundred yards toward a path leading into one of the beautiful, coastal, rain-forest-y woods I love almost as much as I love the beach. As I rounded a corner and came upon the Reuben Snake monument I was startled to find a dog tied to a fence. She growled and barked and I gave her a wide berth. I wondered why she might be there. Were her owners hiking in the woods? Odd. 20 acres doesn't seem to be such a large area that you wouldn't take your dog with you. I became more curious when I didn't run into any other people on the short hike. Coming out of the woods I approached the dog who still growled - but with considerably less conviction. She was shaking and nervous and there was something like pleading in her eyes. I sat near her and spoke softly; watched her step forward then back then forward again, this time with her head lowered. I sat there and watched her hesitate, think about it and deliberately choose trust. I won't soon forget that. I slowly moved closer and let her smell my hand. In no time she was nuzzling me and licking my face. You can probably see where this story is going.
I left a note on the fence post: "I'm sorry if I accidentally rescued your dog. She seemed alone." - along with my phone number. For today her name is Ruby. She is smart, loving, house-broken, sits on command and fetches like a fiend. She and Reggie are already old pals. I reluctantly left messages with Clatsop County and Seaside animal control. I hope none of them call back.
Addendum 4/26/14: 8 hours later no one had called about their missing dog. I went back to the park and retrieved my note. If animal control calls on Monday I'll tell them her people claimed her and there's a happy ending. It's the truth.
Addendum 6/10/14: Ok, so I actually worried that someone with a legitimate story might want their dog back so I did cooperate with Seaside Animal Control. The officer wanted me to have Ruby as much as I did, but we did our due diligence. Ruby was photographed and documented and scanned negative for a chip. Animal control was heading out on vacation for a week and it was going to be yet another week before I got back to Seaside. That was mid-May. She never called back and neither did I. Ruby is now licensed, micro-chipped and registered to me.
And they all lived happily ever after. The end.
