We had a couple traveling through from Mt. Vernon on Jan. 22. They told us they had immigrated more than 40 years ago from Holland and Finland.

They said they loved western Washington, particularly near Mt. Vernon and the surrounding communities where all the tulips are grown. They said the tulip festival during the month of April is a sight to behold.

I have never been to the festival, but their excitement for the beauty made me anxious to experience it for myself very soon.

I'm an animal lover.

I have two cats and two dogs and nothing breaks my heart more than to see a wandering animal which has either been lost or abandoned. I "like" the Adams County Pet Rescue on Facebook so I can share information and photos.

The Ridge Dog program in which they participate is fantastic. Shelters from across the area send eligible dogs to Coyote Ridge, where they are assigned to an inmate and given an obedience training course. It's is so cool to see something so positive for both parties.

One day in November a stray boxer mix showed up at the restaurant. She was a love. She was so nice we called her Sugar. Anytime the door opened she tried to come in and tried to get into a number of customer cars.

She obviously just wanted somebody to love her and to be their furever friend. I couldn't keep her, although I really wanted to, because I already have enough pets.

So I called ACPR to see if somebody could help us. They said if we took her to Othello the following day they could put her in the shelter there.

The next day Khrystal took her to the shelter and came back slightly traumatized. Apparently back in 2009 ACPR lost its building to fire and is in a temporary home while they try to raise funds to finish their new building.

The temporary shelter is less than ideal, but at least the animals get fed and have fresh water. And they don't have to worry about dodging traffic on a busy highway while trying to fend for themselves.

I just found out that ACPR has been selected to participate in the pilot episode of a new show called Animal House. A group comes in and remodels animal shelters.

Check out both of their Facebook pages to find out how you can help.