Hello, and thank you for joining me.
Here it is! I’m excited to send your dog´s wish list.
I have six dogs of my own and foster from time to time to help out a local rescue centre. You´ll hear some stories and news about all the dogs in my emails.
I´ve nurtured, homed and owned dogs since childhood and look forward to sharing tips and information I´ve picked up along the way, and hearing some of yours.
I write stories for children about Sniffer, a little dog whose nose gets him into lots of trouble. I´ll be letting you know when you can pick up the books for free or at discounted prices.
There will also be some reviews on dog products I use or have heard good things about.
Finally, I always have a story to tell from up the hill. I live up a mountain with my dogs, cats, fish, birds, and wildlife. Oh yes, and my husband!
Enjoy the wish list and hope you actually try some of them. Do let me know how you get on.
Have fun,
Pippa Pennington
We all have things we like to do, so why should our two legged friends have all the fun? Who doesn’t feel like a change, or fancy doing something different now and again?
Let’s see if I can spark a bit of enthusiasm, and get a few days out organised for my four-legged buddies out there.
1/. Take a road trip
I’ve always fancied living life as free as a dog with its nose out of the car window. The feeling of the wind blowing away the cobwebs as it whistles past is exhilarating, not to mention the smells whizzing by.
A road trip can be as short as a couple of hours, or a longer journey across country. Dog friendly hotels are easy to locate in any area via an internet search. My favourite road trips are to some lakes not too far away.
John Steinbeck, the famous author, took a road trip with Charley, his French poodle. His best seller, Travels with Charley, is a wonderful tale of colour, light, smell, anger, culture, and wise observations. His respect for Charley, as a true companion, and taking on board the poodle’s observations makes the book a must read for human companions.
2/. Plant a tree
One tree can produce enough oxygen for two people. That’s a fact. Fact 2 is that your best dog friend and all his friends, can never have enough trees! Go plant a few together.
3/. National Parks
Pet friendly National Parks make a great day out. Try to visit one per year. You’ll meet other dogs, and you, and your people, will have a fantastic day out. Take a picnic to share and don’t forget the water and a bowl.
4/. Make a photo album
Take the camera and take shots in all the locations you visit. An album makes a great keepsake and you’ll have fun making it.
5/. Dance
Most of you will have seen the video of Carolyn Scott and her dog Rookie, doing some classic moves to the song from Grease, ‘You’re the one that I want.’ They enjoy themselves so much. Take a look here.
Dance classes have begun everywhere. If there isn’t one near you, turn on your favourite music and boogie away.
My Rottweiler friend once did a slow dance with a man 6 inches shorter than herself. Get that beat going and boogie.
6/. Swimming
Whether it’s a lake, non-fast-flowing water or the sea, there’s nothing like swimming to revive and stimulate. Ask your people to throw a ball or stick and you’ll both have hours of fun.
7/. Therapy dogs
Dogs are wonderful comfort to people in hospital, residential homes or rehabilitation centres. Did you know that stroking a dog can reduce stress, and add to contentment and even make people feel relaxed? It’s a fact. If you’re in the States, contact The Animal Humane Society for training classes and to determine if your dog is suitable. In the UK, all breeds of dogs can be part of a PAT (Pets As Therapy) team. Dogs must have been with their owner for at least 6 months, be over 9 months of age, and pass a temperament assessment.
8/. Watch a dog film
Settling down to a couple of hours with an easy watching film is one of the best wind down treats. Curl up with your two-legged friend and see one of the most popular movies. Don’t forget the tissues. Some of my favourites are 101 Dalmatians, Homeward Bound, Marley and Me, Marmaduke, Air Bud, Hotel for Dogs, Turner and Hooch, Benji, and Old Yeller.
9/. Be a record breaker
Is there something extra special about you? There are records for tallest, smallest, heaviest, and lightest canines. There are also categories for tongues, eyes, ears, and other physical features. Perhaps you have a talent for skateboarding, jumping ropes, or are you the most photographed dog ever?
10/. Pooch party
Hold a party for dogs. Invite like-minded dogs with polite, sociable owners, to spend a fun-filled few hours with you and yours. Throwing balls, treat time, and hunt the goodie, will all go down well.
11/. Camping
Get back to nature with your favourite people and sleep under the stars. What could be better than a few days together in the countryside?
12/. Ice treats
Give us a special ice treat. Suspend a favourite treat in water and freeze. On a hot summer’s day, while you enjoy a drink with ice, we can have our own healthy ice.
13/. Take a holiday
Why not try out a holiday at one of many pet friendly resorts or hotels? Just google ‘dog friendly holidays’ and away you go.
14/. A boat trip
Whether it’s sailing or a trip on a river, you and your people pets will enjoy getting into nature at its best. Most dogs like water and make excellent first mates as you and your people navigate the waters. Dog ahoy!
15/. A dog show
Whether it’s a local event or the greatest show, it’s still a great day out. Westminster Kennel Club Show in the States and Crufts in the UK are a must for every dog person and his pride and joy. Sit among the most prestigious and well trained dogs and feel inspired.
16/. Exercise
Any sort of training is good for stamina, health and it´s great to learn new stuff. See how much fun it can be for both you and your two legged friends.
17/. A dog´s eye view.
Not all dogs might have thought of a memory video, so this one might be more for the humans. Amazon has a selection of digital cameras that your dog can wear, so you get to see the world as he does.
18/. Cruising
Many cruising companies now offer facilities on board their ships, so you and your people can travel together and see a bit of the world on a transatlantic voyage. Some even offer pet play areas. Cunard is one I can recommend.
19/. Go shopping
Find numerous toys, treats and accessories at a pet superstore. It’s great to spend a while browsing, and a lot of stores welcome polite, leashed dogs. Return home with a few treats and a delighted dog.
20/. Sponsor a pal
Most of my pals are the lucky ones. How about sponsoring another poor sole in a rescue centre? They would all like a forever home, but some will never accomplish their dream due to numerous problems. Give a dog a break and give a small donation, even the price of a cup of coffee helps. My pet people sponsor a dog at Pat’s Rescue Retreat, a charity in Spain, where the problems are vast. You can see some of her dogs and news on Facebook.
21/. Keep a journal
Do your people record all your precious memories by writing a journal? When they look back, they’ll be amazed how much they’ve forgotten about the precious times you shared together.
22/. Take on a rescue dog
If you’d like a friend, consider taking on a rescue dog. They make wonderful friends and are eternally grateful that they’ve been given a chance at love.
These are just a few of my ideas for great times to share with your people. In my posts, I’ll be sharing more tips. Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? If so, please do let me know, I’d love to hear from you.
Happy sniffing,
Sniffer
adventureswithsniffer.com
All the best a dog can sniff out for his pals and two-legged friends. Pop in and pay me a visit now.