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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 It's too spendy to stay on in Everett, dog trainer decides By Kristi O'Harran, Herald Columnist Farewell to Stacey Neary of Everett. The high cost of doing business in these parts got to her. She is taking her latest published book, "Woof Did You Say? Effective Training Through Communication and Understanding" and hightailing it to Montana this week. The 49-year-old moved here in 1987. She's a traveling dog trainer who would have gone to your house to teach Fido to stop chewing the couch. Finessing home pooches is important, but her really influential work was teaching dogs air-scent skills for Snohomish County Search and Rescue. "The cost of gasoline and maintenance on my vehicle ate up my profitability," Neary said. "I have purchased property in Montana that will allow me to put a facility on the premises, thus cutting out my gas expense." n n n Imagine not wanting to use a spa getaway. Some folks prefer to relax at home. Toki Tonooka, a volunteer with Snohomish County Visitor Information Centers, was awarded a gift certificate to Best Western Navigator Inn & Suites in south Everett with a Japanese bubble tub for two, flowers, chocolates and other goodies. She is taking bids on the prize at tokitonooka@ hotmail.com. "Home is my most comfortable zone," Tonooka said. "Someone who is soon celebrating their wedding, anniversary or birthday might want to have this opportunity." And she is donating the money to the tourism bureau. n n n J.A. Jance, author of the Joanna Brady, J.P. Beaumont and Ali Reynolds mystery series, will speak and sign her new book, "Damage Control," at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Everett Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave., Everett. "Damage Control" is the newest of the Joanna Brady series, "challenging the Cochise County sheriff's investigative skills and experience as she balances complications of life with a new baby and consequent fatigue." The author splits her time between Tucson, Ariz., and Seattle. How did the Everett Library score a visit? "We were very fortunate that her publicist contacted us," said Liz Hawkins. "I might guess that's because her last time here, several years ago, was overwhelmingly successful." Hawkins, Evergreen Branch manager, said the earlier success was measured by the number of folks who turned out to see Jance. "And the number of books sold and signed," Hawkins said. It's no mystery that's how the bottom line works. n n n Fun fact: The most amusing roadside signs are usually at churches, car washes and chiropractic offices. Here's a case in point, a simple pledge from Martha Lake Chiropractic near Mill Creek: "The Wizard's of 'Ahhhhhs.' " Columnist Kristi O'Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.

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