Pup Tent

On a recent hike with two of our four dogs, we decided that it would be fun to take all of them on a camping trip.  This is something that we've never been able to do, mostly because camping also usually involves hiking.  Not all four dogs are physically able to hike anymore - especially Andy.  Our walks in the neighborhood are limited to going a few houses down the street and turning around.
A plan was hatched.  We would camp close to home.  REALLY close to home - in our backyard.  We got home too late that night to set up the tent, since there needed to be a thorough poop pick-up first, and it was already dark.

The next afternoon, the tent went up and was filled with a queen-sized air mattress and multiple dog beds.  We left the flap open for the dogs to come and go as they pleased.  The firepit was lit and we all shared s'mores after sunset.  (Now that I think about it, the graham crackers could have contributed to the increased dog flatulence.)

As we settled in to the tent that night, Andy decided that his massive couch-sized dog bed - complete with doggy sleeping bag on top - wasn't good enough.  He immediately climbed up on the air mattress at our feet.  I tucked the sleeping bag around him and he was cozy all night.  My Sweetpea's feet were his pillow, while my own feet had to hang off the mattress or be curled up so as not to disturb Andy.  It reminded us of the old days when Andy could still jump up on the bed.  I think we should camp in the backyard more often.

Campin' Jack

Packed Jack

Back in April, we took Jack on what was probably his first camping trip ever.  For this special occasion, we chose Great Sand Dunes National Park.  It is one of the only national parks that allows dogs in places other than your car or the campground.

We chose this particular weekend because of the full moon.  What we forgot to check was the weather - specifically, the wind.  Jack could have used some doggles, for sure.  When the wind really whipped up, I would scoop Jack up and try to shield him from the sandblasting as much as I could.  Good thing that he totally loves to be cuddled like a little baby.

April nights at the dunes are still a bit nippy.  We brought a doggy camping bed for Jack and some blankets, but he refused to stay in his bed.  Eventually, I would give up and just tuck him under my blankets with me.  It didn't help that his sister, Sky, was with us and isn't a fan of being anywhere but her house after dark.  By the last night, both pups (and people) were so exhausted that we all slept soundly.

While we were in the area, Jack and Sky got to meet some other animals.  There is a local alligator tourist trap (not recommended) where dogs are welcome.  The gators didn't deter the puppies at all, but Jack was terrified of their giant tortoise.  Well, it WAS bigger than him, so can you blame him?

Stay tuned for another doggy camping adventure - this time with ALL of our pups!

Pretend that you see leashes