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Annual Guide 2009: Dog-Geared |
Dog-Geared
Your canine can carry it in and carry it out
By Oakley Folwell, Angus Hofschneider, Maggie Kilgallon and Magni Sorrell
Maybe you've been there, in that remote lean-to, about to settle in with your best pal, Guinness. (He earned that name not just for his deep amber color but his penchant for drinking anything dark and tangy, even putrid puddles.) You've got your backpack meal, your eating utensils, your bivvy sac, your water filter, your flashlight, hygiene products and even a little candle lantern to hang from a rafter so you can read Call of the Wild to him. But as night falls and the coyotes kick up the chorus, that 90-pound hound tries to bundle right into your bag. He's cold, he's anxious, he's a pain in the neck.
As human outdoor gear has made leaps and bounds into lightweight, safe, durable goods, so have products for canines who go camping, hiking and paddling. The only limits on comfort and convenience for person and pet are your wallet and your imagination.
Hiking dogs can benefit from plenty of paraphernalia. If you're heading out for an overnight, pack along a portable pad like REI's Adventure Dog Dream Bed (www.rei.com, 800-426-4840, $49.50–$74.50) to cut down on unexpected nocturnal visits. And it's only fair that Duke totes his own duffel. The Ruff Wear Approach Pack (www.ruffwear.com, 888-783-3932, $74.95) fits comfortably, although it's pretty standard behavior for a dog to try rolling while wearing a load. With training and treats he or she should get the picture.
To avoid tossing food on the ground, where Lady may also discover indigestible tidbits, bring a collapsible nylon dish. Some, like Granite Gear's Grrrub Bowls (www.granitegear.com, $22.95), have drawstring closures so they double as kibble containers. Include concentrated calories in your provisions with snacks like Zuke's Power Bones or Hip Action treats for the active, aging pup.
For boating dogs—some breeds are more suited to the water than others—there are life vests for the hapless and hopeless. The Kyjen Company's Outward Hound Pet-Saver Lifejacket (www.kyjen.com, 800-477-5735, $21.50–$40.50) fits dogs up to 70-plus pounds and has a handle in case you need to fish Pedro out of the agua. Most pets require training to make them good companions in a vessel, and starting with puppies works best. When you're ready for water play, try out the Zogoflex Tux by West Paw Design (www.westpawdesign.com, 800-443-5567, $14.50). This sturdy toy floats, with a large cavity for Fido's treats.
Dogs love beaches as well as people, particularly sandspits with rotting fish. Shouting "LEAVE IT!" is a useful command, but don't expect it to work the first time. If Bosco rolls in fragrant debris, dispel the smell with Olly's Odor Out (www.ollydog.com, 800-655-9364, $12). And the OllyDog Marin Collar, an odor-resistant band of urethane-coated nylon, makes clean up just a spray away.
As you're hanging out on the shore, be aware that fair-skinned dogs can get sunburned on noses and other sensitive bits. And yes, there are sunglasses for dogs, which protect against harmful rays. Doggles (www.doggles.com, 866-364-4537, $21.99) are quite the accessory for a trend-setting setter—but only the most patient and forgiving.
Part of your trip prep should include brushing up on canine care, and Field Guide to Dog First Aid by Randy Acker, DVM, is an excellent reference. Rufus can strain muscles, tear a ligament, even sustain a nasty burn around the campfire. Any simple emergency kit should include aspirin (never Tylenol or ibuprofen for dogs), antibiotic ointment, bandages, pliers (for removing quills), paper towels and plastic bags. Or you can buy prepackaged supplies like Orvis's Ready Dog First Aid Kit (www.orvis.com, 888-235-9763, $39).
Properly prepared, there's nothing like sitting quietly with your arm draped over a tired pup on a star-peppered Adirondack night, looking skyward at Sirius, the tiny, steadfast beacon honoring our ancient bond.
Buy local at Jones Outfitters (518-523-3468) or Jake Placid Doghouse (518-523-6701), in Lake Placid; the Mountaineer (518-576-2281), in Keene Valley; and Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company (315-369-2300), in Old Forge. For the best pup paths, see Dog Hikes in the Adirondacks: 20 Trails to Enjoy with Your Best Friend (Shaggy Dog Press, www.shaggydogpress.org), which benefits area animal shelters and is available this summer.
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