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High Country K-9 First Aid

Few things are as satisfying as a long day hike in the mountains or an overnight camping trip with your best friends. Miles from civilization sounds great. No cell service means no bothers. But when someone gets injured everything changes, especially if it’s your four-legged friends. Carrying the essential first aid gear for your pets […]

Backcountry spirit

She’s gone. The gut-wrenching implications of that phrase weigh heavy on my heart. My best friend and constant companion has crossed over the Rainbow bride. Spring. She always had a positive outlook on whatever we did. She was my co-pilot every time we climbed into the car. She got along with every dog and human […]

Hiking with my old friend

My old girl’s 12 years old. She was nearly one when we adopted her. She’s been an absolutely magnificent hiking partner and continues to be but now in her senior years sadly, she’s starting to show her age. And because of that it’s important to take extra care and precautions with our senior partners on […]

What’s Your Dog’s Best Operating Temperature

Dog Allergies

Dogs get allergies. Not just from food but from outside!!! How can this be? We mere humans can develop a cough or sneeze if the wind blows the wrong direction. But a dog? They run nose-first through their world and everything they encounter. Fearlessly they head into what’s before them. With that kind of attitude […]

Giardia Always

Giardia can attack your pet year round. Did you know that? I did not. Recently, I took my two German shorthair pointers on a short hike in an area we go to many times each week throughout the year. Today, as on any other given day my little girl needed to relieve herself. Stay with […]

Newbies First Trail

Simple ways to get your new dog to get with the program for an enjoyable hike.

Spring Runoff Dangers

Spring runoff is nearly in full swing. It’s one of the deadliest times of the season in the mountains for both people and dogs. Water is a draw for any thirsty dog or inquisitive child. Unfortunately neither realizes the force of high, fast flows during the spring melt. Take one step into the icy […]

Summer Paw Prep

Time to prepare your pups paws for long summer hikes. Those pads protect, cushion, and help regulate body temperature. It’s important to toughen up those spongy spots so your hiking buddy can outlast you in the backcountry. With early alpine flowers like glacier lilies starting to show up where the snow has melted, it’s […]

Nail Biting Pain

Losing a toenail hurts. When a dog loses a toenail you might not know it. They have a great tolerance for all kinds of pain. Recently my dog decided to split the nail cap off of one of her front nails. Underneath of course is that nice squishy soft, vulnerable nail bed. I didn’t think […]

Dog coats and capes

As humans we will likely throw on a coat when we go out and play in winter conditions. Seems sensible. Coats for dogs? Maybe. If I had really thick hair/fur and thick padding on my feet, I might prefer going natural to play frisbee or hike with my pack all winter long. Many dogs feel […]