Dogward Bound! Pooping Pooches and Sacred Spaces

Unless you're living in a profoundly dog-friendly city, you've likely come across plenty of places where pups are not allowed. And even if dogs are not actually banned, there are certainly some rules of etiquette to follow in public places to ensure that the welcome banner continues to fly for our four-legged friends. Here, then, are five rules to keep your pup in favor wherever you tread.

(1) Are dogs allowed? Some public parks, landmarks, and cemeteries are not just unfriendly to pooches, they won't permit them. If that's the case, all of the information you're about to read is moot - go elsewhere. If you are in a town lacking in dog-friendly destinations, ask around to find out if there's any chance that a little lobbying (and education) may lift the ban. Until that happens, though, it's best to obey the signs and find a new spot for your pooch to roam.

(2) Where are the dog-free zones? Many public places will allow dogs in some areas but not others - be sure to stick to the areas where your pup is welcome. By ignoring signs or treading in no-pup quadrants, you are not only thumbing your nose at a place that is doing its best to accommodate your dog, but you're putting that dog-friendly status at risk and making all dog owners look bad. Be respectful of whatever limits have been set.

(3) Pick up after your pooch! Always come armed with a ready supply of "doggie bags" to dispose of your pup's waste. Don't rely on your destination - no matter how dog-friendly - to supply the bags, as you may well be disappointed. The bag dispenser may not have been restocked, or there simply may not be baggies available. I keep a box of sandwich baggies in my car for emergencies, and usually have a pocket bulging with said baggies whenever I go out.

(4) Be respectful of other people. One of the go-to locations for my pups and me is the local cemetery, since there are no public parks in town. I love the spot - it's shady, quiet, and has lots of grassy knolls for Adie and Killian to roll around on. But, just as with other public spaces, there is a very specific code of ethics when using such a sacred spot. In the case of cemeteries in particular, it is just good sense to be sensitive to those around you: keep your dog leashed when there are others around, be aware of service schedules and choose an alternate route on those days, and keep your voice respectfully lowered when someone is visiting a grave site.

(5) Leave a place better than you found it (or at least as good). I am horrified to admit that Adia has been known, on occasion, to steal toys from a grave site, start digging up the petunias, or kill a mole and leave the carcass in some appallingly inappropriate locale. If your pup does the same, be sure to right his wrongs before heading for home: put the toy back from whence it came, replant the petunias, relocate the mole to a more seemly final resting place. And of course, your pup should never be out of your line of sight, so that you can be sure and undo any atrocities he may have committed.

If all dog guardians followed these simple rules, it seems likely that a lot more places out there would be dog-friendly. Do your part as an ambassador for dogs everywhere, and you'll be amazed at the number of doors that open wide, inviting you (and your pooch) inside.

Dogward Bound! Merryspring Nature Center - Camden, Maine

Located just off Route One headed toward Camden, Maine, is a 66-acre, privately owned park known as the Merryspring Nature Center. Though I've grown up in this area, I had no idea of the existence of the Center until someone mentioned it in passing when I said I was looking for new places to take the pups. Barely a mile down a well-traveled side road just behind the Camden Hannaford shopping plaza, I found just that place. Though it was a warm, sunny Sunday when I arrived, there were only two cars in the limited parking spaces off to the side of the road. Park hours are listed as sunrise to sunset, trails are well-groomed and dog-friendly, and wildlife is abundant. Hooray for the fun of a new place to discover!

The Center is comprised of an entire network of trails, several well-kept gardens, picnic areas, and an open meadow in which dogs can roam free. Dogs are required to be on-leash in all other areas of the park, and there are a couple of places where they are not permitted. These include the central office and gardens and a children's garden just to the back of the office. All areas are clearly marked, so there's no question as to protocol when you're moving from site to site.

On this particular Sunday, there was only one pup - a handsome golden retriever - happily playing fetch with his people in the "dog meadow." I ran into a couple of mountain bikers on one of the trails, but otherwise seemed to be on my own for the majority of my time at the Center. Of course, it's early in the season yet; I'll be sure to update my blog as the summer wears on, to see just how busy this dog-friendly oasis becomes.

Though Merryspring charges no visitation fee, regular pup-visitors are encouraged to become "Merry Dogs." The fee for this is $35 for one dog or $50 for the multi-dog household, and helps to support upkeep of the grounds. I just sent off my check for Killian and Adia, as I expect we'll be regulars there in no time! Though the Center does not have an extensive off-leash area and there are a number of places where pups are not allowed to roam, I would still recommend this as a great spot for an afternoon of hiking and pup-friendly revelry. Check out the website for more information, or take a jaunt over to the Center and see for yourself. You and your pups will be happy you did!

Dogward Bound! The Wonder That Is Motel 6

There was an article recently in one of the many dog-related magazines to which I subscribe, all about pet travel. Glossy, full-page photos of pet-friendly hotels were scattered throughout; hotel rooms came equipped with hand-crafted doggie dishes, and there were even menus from room service especially for your canine companion. Which all sounds great, but... Here's the thing: Spending the night in one of these hotels was just slightly less than the gross national product of Namibia. Which is why I'm such a great fan of Motel 6 - the very same one that will "leave the light on for ya."

Motel 6 boasts that it is the "original pet-friendly motel," and I've seen nothing yet that says otherwise. During cross-country treks with my two monsters, Adia and Killian, I've been able to affordably and comfortably spend the night at Motel 6's from Nevada to New Hampshire. They truly do make traveling with pets that much simpler, with no added expense. If you are planning on staying in a Motel 6 - or any pet-friendly hotel/motel, for that matter - here are some tips to keep things running smoothly.

(1) Call ahead! The official policy of Motel 6 is that they will accept one well-behaved dog per room (as long as it is not in violation of local breed-specific legislation), however by calling ahead and giving some specs on my pups, they okay'd me having two in the room. And my guys aren't small - Killian is about eighty pounds, and Adie is forty-five.

(2) Be a considerate pet owner. That means cleaning up after your guys during walks, not leaving your pooches unattended in the room for excessive periods of time (particularly if they're barkers!), and bringing along a crate if your dogs are not well house-trained or are excessive chewers.

(3) Bring toys and treats. Once you're in the room, make sure to have some chewy treats handy for your guys, to keep them from chowing down on the furniture. A stuffed Kong, nyla-bone, or other heavy-duty toy should keep everyone happy and mellow while you recharge before hitting the road once more.

Follow these few simple tips, and you'll be on your way to having a great time exploring the globe with your furry friends.

Dogward Bound! The Doggie Diaper Bag - For Hounds on the Go

Did you know that even vaccinated dogs can contract and spread Parvovirus, the deadly virus responsible for killing hundreds of puppies each year? While your grown pooch may never actually get sick because he's been vaccinated, he may be putting others at risk with each step he takes. That's why whenever I'm traveling with my own pups - whether it's just around the block or it's a full-on cross-country trek - I make sure I have their "diaper bag." Unlike the ten-gallon sack your best friend is saddled with each time she wants to bring along her toddler, the doggie diaper bag is simple and unobtrusive, and yet very effective in keeping pups safe and happy.

The doggie diaper bag consists of just a few easy-to-find items. With the exception of a couple of things, I was able to find everything listed at the local All for a Dollar store for - you guessed it - a buck.

(1) The bag itself. I use a mini-backpack because it's easy to toss over my shoulder and forget about when I'm just taking the pups for a walk around the block. Similarly, I can pull over to the shoulder if I'm on a long trip, grab the backpack, and go. Just remember to keep the pack in a handy place wherever you go, and you'll no longer be scrambling for plastic bags, leashes, or supplies when critical moments present themselves. Prices range from $10 at Walgreens all the way up to $50 or $60 at trendier shops. My sister-in-law picked mine up for a dollar at a yard sale, so if cash is tight keep your eyes peeled for bargains.

(2) Plastic bags. For easy clean-up, bring along a good supply of plastic bags. There are special potty bags available at your local pet store, but I've found it more inexpensive to use the seemingly endless supply of plastic bags I'm given while out shopping.

(3) A small spray bottle filled with a 3:1 bleach/water solution. Parvo and other viruses can be killed with this simple, inexpensive solution. If you're walking your dog in a public place, take a little extra care and spray a light mist on the area where your pup just eliminated once the waste has been cleaned up. Parvo is passed through direct contact with contaminated fecal matter, so if for some reason your pup is carrying along a dormant form of the virus, this will help ensure that no one else is put at risk. Caution: I reserve this for public streets and rest areas; the solution can kill plants, grasses, and flowers, so if you're hiking the back trails of Yellowstone, hold off for the sake of the flora. Spray bottle and bleach both found at All for a Dollar.

(4) Pre-moistened towelettes. For messy moments, towelettes are a wonder. All for a Dollar.

(5) Napkins. You may never even open the package, but there are definitely times when these sorts of supplies come in handy. All for a Dollar.

(6) Collapsible water dish. If the walk unexpectedly turns into a hike, you'll be prepared. I prefer the Collaps-a-Bowl, $3.99 at Petco.

(7) A bottle of water. Particularly in warmer months, it's critical to keep your pooch (and yourself) hydrated. Whether for short or long walks, always have a bottle of water handy. Free from the tap, or $0.89 and up at your local mart.

(8) Dog treats. A necessity for every household - treats make the world go 'round. Make your own with all-natural recipes from bullwrinkle.com, or buy a bag or two to have handy. While I'm thrifty on a lot of counts, I've found that when it comes to foodstuffs, it pays not to scrimp. While dog treats can be found at the dollar store, I recommend a higher quality brand at a local pet shop. $3.00 and up at local shops, or make your own for the cost of the ingredients.

(9) Toys. When conditions are right, daily walks around the block may unexpectedly turn into all-morning play sessions for my guys. The weather's too nice, deadlines aren't quite so tight, or I just plain want to be outside. When these moments arrive, it's always nice to be prepared. I keep a couple of tennis balls in the diaper bag, and from there let the day fall as it may. Three tennis balls for a buck at All for a Dollar.

(10) ID and a recent photo of your pup(s). Bad things happen. Your pup may get loose and bolt, or - if you have a well-behaved or showy pedigreed pooch - may even be dog-napped when your back is turned. In either situation, by having all of the necessary items right there with you, you don't have to waste time running back to the house. Often in these kinds of situations, time is a critical factor... Within a minute of realizing your pup's MIA, you can be showing the photo to strangers in the area, and ideally can be reunited before the morning's out.

For a maximum of twenty dollars and a small time investment, you can assemble everything you need for a hike down the street or a day-long trek with your favorite walking compadres. Hang the assembled bag by the door so that you can just grab it and go when the opportunity arises, and it will make dog-walking a simpler, more efficient, and more enjoyable experience every time out. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back next Dog-Gone Sunday when I'll review Mammoth Cave, Kentucky - a haven of hiking trails and gorgeous views that's - you guessed it - very dog-friendly.

Dogward Bound! Safe Travel Tips for You and Your Dog

In March of '07, my foster partner and I packed up all of our belongings and traveled nearly 2500 miles - from Estacada, Oregon, to Columbia, Kentucky - in an old transit bus we found on Craigslist. While this in and of itself wasn't all that extraordinary, the rest of the cargo was; in Oregon, I interned with an animal rescue that was host to cats, dogs, goats, chickens, and other assorted furred and feathered creatures both large and small. Sixty-five creatures, to be exact. We spent weeks preparing for the trek, doing our best to minimize the trauma of the move by ensuring that we had the best accommodations, food, and entertainment possible for our budget. When we finally hit the road, we were pleased to realize that all of our planning had served us well: we arrived in Kentucky without incident, and our furry friends were soon comfortable in their new home.

Here are a few of the things we learned along the way:

(1) Don't overfeed. You'll have less mess to clean up along the way, and your pooch will thank you for making the travel time that much more comfortable without a full belly. A good rule of thumb is to give about one-third the usual amount of food, sticking with a pre-made kibble you can make yourself in advance, to avoid messy spills or the need for refrigeration. See the recipe at the end of this post.
(2) Remember cleaning supplies. Even the most travel-savvy pups may feel queasy during a long journey; stay tuned for next Sunday's Dog-Gone! post to get instructions on how to make your own Pet Travel Kit. It's inexpensive, and will do wonders in reducing your stress on the road.
(3) Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. With hundreds of strange animals passing through, rest stops are a haven for diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and the flu. If your pups are too young for vaccinations, it's best not to risk it by letting them set foot on foreign soil. You're better off cleaning up a messy crate than seeing your little ones suffer the effects of a deadly virus picked up on the road.
(4) Provide proper containment. Even if your pup loves the feel of the highway, bring along a crate for emergencies. If the car breaks down or there's an accident, your guy will be safely confined while you sort out the mess.
(5) Microchip, microchip, microchip. Particularly when traveling through a strange place, your pooch may become panicked and bolt at a rest area or gas station. Microchipping significantly increases the chances that your pup pal will be returned to you no matter how far you are from home.

Follow these tips and you'll have a great start to a happy life on the road with your favorite canine compadre.

One for the Road: Homemade Kibble to Make Things Simple

4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds
4 table spoons Dream Coat (may substitute corn oil)
1 cup chicken broth
4 eggs
1 cup low-fat milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, and sunflower seeds. Add oil, broth, and egg mixture, until dough is firm-textured. Let sit for fifteen to twenty minutes, then roll out on a large baking sheet to about 1/4" thick. Bake for approximately half an hour, until golden brown. Remove and cool. Once cooled, it should be the texture of a hard-baked cookie; use a hammer to break into kibble-sized pieces, and store in an airtight container.

If your dog is used to beef marrow bones, it's great to bring one along with you while traveling - they provide much-needed calcium, and will keep your favorite pup occupied for hours.