Desert Diva

This weekend the sleepy city of Deming, New Mexico had their annual “Great American Deming Duck Race.” There are lots of corporate sponsors, and various activities are held around the city.  I stayed in the LoW park and the balloons ascensions were held at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Since the duck races and assorted vendors were downtown in a city park, I took Cali with me.  Within five minutes, I was told by a Luna County sheriff that “no dogs were allowed” in the park this weekend.  I took Cali back to the RV, and on the way back met a woman who was walking back to her car after being told the same thing.  I talked to two sheriffs afterward and asked how were people to know if the information wasn’t posted on the website or on the perimeter of the park.  This particular sheriff said it was posted on the website (it wasn’t), and got somewhat “snippy.” 

He also went on to say that a vendor with a “service” dog had gotten into an altercation with another dog.  (Later I saw the so called “service dog.”   According to the owner, she has a history of strokes and the dog knows when she is going to have one.  Her dog is actually a “therapy” dog that is part of a “treatment plan” and not a “service” dog for someone with an actual disability.) 

Another sheriff told me that he was “sick and tired” that for some it was enforced and others not.  Therefore, he wasn’t enforcing the “no dog” rule.  I felt sorry for folks who had traveled with their pets only to find out they couldn’t attend.  Therefore, I’ve attended my “first and last” duck race in Deming.

The best part of the weekend was visiting the St. Clair Winery  and having a chat at the tasting bar with a retired gentleman from NYC over a glass of Nebbiolo.  I still dream about Oregon…..

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