We took Brutus on his first overnight camping trip this week. We kept it simple, just one night in a quiet campground during the end of the camping season.
After a 2 hour drive we arrived at Little Pond State Campground. It has been about 18 years since we have visited this campground and just being there, brought back memories of our first dog Nikki and his time camping at the park.
Our campsite was on an outer loop away from the main pond area. As it turned out, we were the only campers in that area, so we had it all to ourselves. It was so quiet and made it perfect for Brutus to get his feet wet in the camping world.
One the first day, Brutus did not even close his eyes for one second from the time we arrived until we went to bed that night. He was so over stimulated and alert to every thing that was going on around him that napping was out of the question. It took less than a minute for him to find a comfortable position in the tent and fall asleep. lol
The chipmunks, which he normally ignores were now his tormentors. Chattering to him from all sides and taunting him just beyond his reach. I had half a mind to release his tie out, but then again, I didn’t want to chase him around as he goes from chipmunk to chipmunk.
I have to say that I was really glad I brought a whole bag full of tennis balls. They kept him so busy while we were setting up camp, packing up camp, relaxing with morning coffee or reading by the fire. I now have a bag full of very dirty tennis balls to clean, but it was worth it.
We took Brutus for walks around the park in the evening and the next morning we ventured up into the woods surrounding the park. The bear procedures and warnings you get when you check in had me more alert while we walked then I am at home, but the woods were beautiful and Brutus smelled every smell and stopped at every rock along the way.
By the time we packed up and got into the car to go home, we had one tired pup. He slept all the way home and pretty much for the rest of the day. But I am pretty sure he had a great time exploring the new places and being outside having fun. I can not wait until next spring when we do it again and hopefully extend our stay.
Do you have any camping out with your pup stories to share? Brutus and I would love to hear them.
Til next time!
Brutus and L
The Life According to Brutus 