On Labor Day 2015 we decided to take all four dogs up to the nearest “mountainy” camp area. We stopped at the first vacant picnic area. The whole trip was very spur the moment. I honestly was lucky I even convinced my husband to go in the first place. I grabbed a few sausages, condiments, water, and the dogs’ things and we were on the road.
The picnic site was gorgeous and being that it was only a hour away, I hope we can go again. Several small picnic areas were tucked into nature near a little creek. First thing I did was take my shoes off and go stand in that fresh mountain water.
The dogs however went on a pee/poo spree. They were going EVERYWHERE. Running around like they’d never been outdoors, marking and kicking up dirt. You see our dogs don’t get out much in the car. Four is a lot to manage, it instantly turns the smallest task into a major event.
Tucker, our first born ;), is very hyper and anxious. The minute he doesn’t have access to you or the object he wants, BOOM, puppy meltdown. We’re talking loud, screaming, temper-tantrum. And yes, someday I will link a video to prove it.
The 3 babies (Oliver, Silas, and Paisley are all siblings from the same litter) somewhat partake in the initial panic but the boys usually calm down quickly and return to their normal lazy behavior. Paisley is a curious, wild child that loves to be right in the action. Very similar to Tucker in the hyper aspect but less whiny. Individually though, any one dog on their own, must assume we are never going to return home to their friends and a very Tucker-like panic ensues. Long story short, every car ride with the dogs is a headache. We lose willpower all too quickly and we have yet invested the proper time to rid them of their bad travel behaviors. This trip was a test-run; to get an idea of what camping would be like.
Once everyone calmed down they doggies followed me into the water. Paisley, our only girl, was the most curious. We call her crazy paisey because of her ditsy, hyper ways. Our 3 boys; Tucker, Oliver, and Silas; we’re not quite as eager to leap upstream, but the #FOMO was strong so they did it anyway.
We enjoyed the scenery, roasted our sausages, & took these photos before another group came. I must say, I was a bit too preoccupied making sure no one ran off to fully enjoy the afternoon but beggars can’t be choosers. When this other group drove into the picnic spot is when the dogs started to lose it. Silas and Paisley charged at the new visitors and that was our cue to pack in up. I quickly gathered our things. My husband made certain the fire was out. We loaded up our now muddy wet pups and headed home.
one last shot of the pups in the water
As my back seat turned into a mud wrestling ring , we decided to stop at the gas station to get drinks and a snack. I volunteered to stay in the car with the anxiety ridden dogs. (Please refer to the bit about Tucker panicking as soon as he cant get to you, and daddy was out of the car) Once my husband was in the store, and I was trying to calm dogs, that’s when it hit me.
POO!! I smell poo. Yup, I stepped in a fresh, steamy, pile o’ poo. Imagine that, & I tracked it in the car; to add a nice fragrant layer to our already joyously loud drive home. I quickly jump out of the car to hop over to the grassy area and proceed to wipe of my shoe. All the while feeling very guilty we forgot to pick up the dogs mess. I’m too lazy to drive 30 minutes back up into the mountains, plus it’s nature right…
The lovely odor lingered the remainder of our drive home. Thankfully, the puppy “freak out” did not, everyone was tuckered out from playing, they all rested the majority of the journey.
Our “test-run” provided us with some insight, as long as we are far enough away from other people, our dogs do well enough. With 4, it’s probably a good idea to get some steaks and very long leashes to ensure no one wanders too far off and we can relax a bit and enjoy the view. Also, plan for a mess.. A BIG mess.
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