My Day as a Dog Paddling Adventurer

By: Jessie Howell CDO (Chief Dog Operator)

I wake up and find an unusual sight…mom and dad are already up and moving around. What's going on? Something's happening… and I intend to find out! I think I'll stretch, and then (reluctantly) jump out of my cozy bed and see what all the commotion is downstairs.

As I walk into the kitchen I notice that there is stuff packed up all around! Big giant backpacks, barrels of food, paddles, lifejackets, and look, that one's mine! Alright! I know what's going on here…we're going out on another canoe trip! Woo-Hoo! I think I'll wag my tail a bit to let mom know that this is a great idea. Maybe I'll bring over my Chewber to make sure they don't leave it behind. Alright now that I'm packed, when are we leaving? Let's go!

The truck is a good place to rest up and think about all the fun I'm going to have. I'm so glad mom and dad started Dog Paddling Adventures. I get to meet all sorts of different dogs from small ones to big ones and their humans. I get to go out into some awesome provincial parks and paddle, run, hike, swim, eat, snooze…Faster dad, faster! Alright, alright…I'll stop trying to jump in the front seat, but only if you open the back window…ahhh, that's better. Lots of great things to sniff out here!

Wait a minute…we're slowing down. We're here! Alright! No more leashes, no more rules…what's that mom? O.K., I'll stay close for now. Anyway, here come more dogs, and that will give me all I need for fun around here. Hey look, there's my buddy Kyla. I think I'll sniff her butt while dad tells people all the stuff they need to know. He's telling people about the tents, canoes, food, trip itinerary, paddles…everything they need to know to have a great and worry free trip. Lifejacket's on, canoes are all loaded up, let's go! Now I can just sit back and relax while Dad teaches the new humans how to paddle, boy are we lucky all we have to do is sit and enjoy the ride!

Hey Casey, look! I think we're arriving at our campsite already. Let's get out and run around crazy over here while…wait a minute! What's that smell??? Hold on mom, I'm coming! I'll help you with those snacks you've got there! People treats, dog treats…so many treats, I'm in heaven!!! Oh look, Jasper's barking at a squirrel up in the tree…maybe I'll join him! And over there, that human is swimming, and she's got a stick!! So many things to do! Sniff, Sniff…could that be chicken stir fry cooking? Don't burn it dad! You know I like it as juicy as possible! Maybe I'll flake out under this tree while mom and dad make my supper…I wonder what the others are going to eat?

As the sun goes down, and the humans and my new buddies sit around a roaring camp fire enjoying their delicious meal, Dad is telling us all about tomorrow's a hike around another lake, and he says there is also an awesome sandy beach to play at. Mmmm, smells like dessert is cooking, and the stars are beginning to come out. Love to stay and reminisce with the humans, but I'm so sleepy…maybe I'll take a quick nap before sharing some dessert. Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. A quick nap is all I need. The tent looks like a good place for that, I can steal dad's sleeping bag and that comfy sleeping pad too, if I hurry. Nice…

Dog Paddling Adventures is Canada's first outdoor adventure company geared towards dogs and their people. Dog Paddling has a trip for every season! All Dog Paddling Adventures include camping accommodation, delicious meals, all equipment, park permits, lifejackets & backpacks for both people and dogs, & services of a wilderness guide. No experience needed for most of their trips! For more information, visit: www.dogpaddlingadventures.com.