Top 7 Things Dog Lovers Must Remember

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7 things dogs

As a fellow dog lover, I completely understand just how much information we have in our minds about dogs. We want to give our pets the best possible care and want them to have enjoyable lives.

However, since it is so much to remember, I decided to write a quick list of the top 7 things that dog lovers must remember.

Dogs have a short lifespan.

While humans can live nearly 100 years, dogs have a much shorter life span. Dogs typically live between 10-20 years, so it is important that we enjoy them while they are a part of our families!

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Dogs must be groomed regularly.

It is important to keep your dog clean. Although they may protest against a bath, it is essential for their physical health (and for your home). Always make sure to find the time to bathe your pet, trim their nails, and groom their fur.

Human foods can be toxic.

I’ll admit that I am guilty of this at times — feeding your dog human food is not always a good idea. When our dogs are giving up puppy dog eyes for a bite of our food, sometimes we give in. But one thing dog lovers must always remember is to ensure if the food you are about to feed your pet is toxic.

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Dogs may act aggressively out of fear.

My dog is afraid of other dogs, particularly larger dogs. However, he doesn’t hide behind me out of fear; instead, he growls and snarls at the other dog. It is important to remember that although your dog may behave aggressively, he/she could be afraid of the situation they are in.

Dogs are sensitive to their environment.

Dogs are sensitive to both indoor and outdoor environments. Your dog should be treated for fleas and ticks, you should always check to ensure that the ground is not too hot before taking them for a walk, and they should not be left out in the heat or cold for too long. Dogs are also sensitive to things inside of your home, such as air fresheners, some essential oils, or even stress that may be occurring within your home.

Remember that although your dog is an animal, they are sensitive to the environment around them.

Dogs may change their behavior if ill.

If your dog’s behavior suddenly changes, it is important to visit their vet. Dogs may begin to eat less, drink less, or behave lethargically if they are ill. Make sure you always observe your dogs behavior for any changes.

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Dogs reduce human stress.

If you’re already a dog lover, you know this! Dogs physiologically reduce stress — it’s proven!

Dogs want to make their owner happy.

Your dog loves you unconditionally. Every time you walk in the front door, they behave as if they haven’t seen you in twenty years.

Although our dogs may behave poorly sometimes, they want to make you happy! Did you know that sometimes a dog will give you their toy if they think you’re bored? Yep. They want us to play and have fun too!

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Adventure Paws: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

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Bernheim header

Have you ever wished that you could enter a magical forest and find giants? Would you like your furry, four-legged friend to join you on this search?

If so, I have found the perfect place for you: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

Always free (donations welcomed), Bernheim Arboretum is a great location for both you and your dog to receive some exercise, while appreciating the wonderful views! As you hike, you’ll see gorgeous plant life, ponds, and even giants.

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Located nearly twenty minutes from Louisville, the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a beautiful location full of nature, wildlife, and giants. There are over 40 miles of trails to explore, as you can see on this map.

Although Jackson and I didn’t explore any areas of the forest except for the giant trails, we had a wonderful time! If you ever have the opportunity to visit this location, I would encourage you to do so. However, take some advice from me — do not wear jeans! It was all I had to wear that weekend, but I deeply regret that because it was hot. 

Remember: Your dog must remain on leash. Also, if you go during the summer months, make sure you bring a bowl for water for your pet. Jackson couldn’t get enough water after walking the trails!

 

If you ever visit, share your experience! Follow my Instagram or Facebook page.

Tips To Handle A Dog Attack

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dog attack

Recently, another dog attacked my dog. Long story short: My neighbor let her dog outside without a leash and it bolted straight towards mine (who was leashed) and began attacking him. Jackson was much smaller than this dog, so it was not an equal fight. However, I am beyond thankful that Jackson is okay! He is in a little pain, but no punctures from biting.

Since I have experienced this for the first time, I decided to do some research about dog attacks and thought I should write an informational post about what to do during a dog attack and how to care for your pet afterwards.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Attacked

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Do not pick your dog up. If you pick your dog up in an attempt to protect them or end the fight, the other dog may begin attacking you in an effort to get to your dog.
  • Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. If the dog attack is serious enough, you may need to file a report and witness information will be helpful.
  • Note any details you can about the dog and where the owner(s) live. Once again, this can be helpful if the attack is severe enough to file a report. However, keep in mind that you should not be hyper-focused on collecting information because your dog needs you in that moment.
  • Get your dog to the vet, even if you do not see any external signs of injury. Jackson did not show any external signs, but his vet explained that sometimes a tooth can puncture an organ or the rib cage but may not be visibly noticeable. These punctures can impact their breathing. It is important to seek medical attention to ensure your dog’s health is good.

How To Care For Your Pet Afterward

  • Once again, take your dog to the vet. It is important to allow your vet to perform a thorough examination.
  • Make sure your dog is eating and drinking. Loss in appetite and lack of drinking can be an indicator that something is wrong. Be observant 24-48 hours after the attack of your dogs’ eating and drinking behaviors.
  • Soothe and comfort your pet. Give your dog a little extra love, but remember to be gentle. Your dog may have sore locations that you are unaware of. Be careful as you extend this comfort to your pet as they may bite if you touch a painful location.
  • Keep in mind that some dogs’ need time for rehabilitation after an attack. Your dog may become uneasy or aggressive around other dogs after the attack. This is a fear response. If the aggression persists, it may be helpful to consult a trainer. Remember: your pet notices your body language. If you are relaxed and calm, your dog will feel more relaxed as well.

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Dog attacks can be traumatic for both your dog and you. Remember to care for yourself as well. If you received a wound during the attack, seek medical attention immediately and determine if the dog who bit you has been vaccinated. Once you and your dog are physically examined and found to be in good health, or on the mend, take some time to relax and rest.

7 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

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An open letter to the single woman on valentine's Day (8)

Summer heat is amazing, right? We all love warmer weather and the opportunity to dive headfirst into an ice-cold pool. However, summer can present some dangers for our pets.

With that said, here are my top ten tips to keep your pet safe this summer:

1. Mind your walking hours.

Something many dog owners may not consider during the summer is how the heat warms the pavement. It is important to avoid walking your pet between the hours of noon-3PM. Personally, I wait until around 6PM to walk Jackson.

In addition, avoiding walks during the middle of the day can help prevent heat exhaustion.

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2. Provide plenty of water.

When I first became a pet owner, I would find myself forgetting to bring a bowl for Jackson to drink. It may not be something you think of immediately, but always make sure that you provide plenty of water for your pet.

Dehydration and heat exhaustion are potential threats during these hot months.

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3. Medicate your pet against fleas and ticks.

Fleas make your dog feel horrible and can spread from pet-to-pet, or even to humans. Fleabites are no good!

And ticks can be deadly. If your pet gets a tick and develops Lyme disease, it can become life threatening. You can purchase flea and tick medicine from a local pet store or from your vet.

4. Purchase a life vest.

Unlike Jackson, many dogs love water! The idea of bringing your dog along with you to the lake, to kayak, or simply to swim in a pool is a great idea.

Important things to remember:

  • Your dog may not know how to swim well the first time he/she is placed in the water. Watch them carefully if you have not provided a life vest.
  • Dogs can tire out. If you know that your dog will be swimming for a while, or having a day full of exercise in general, a life vest may be helpful.

5. Know the signs.

Your pet can overheat. It is important to know what signs to observe. The following is a list of symptoms of overheating:

  • Heavy panting
  • Dry or bright red gums
  • Thick drool
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Wobbly legs

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6. Keep their paws cool.

As I mentioned in a previous section, summer heat warms the pavement. Your dog may be burning his/her paws during a walk, but will not stop walking. It is important that you be mindful of the heat of the pavement or that you purchase a pair of boots for your pet to wear.

7. Don’t shave your pet.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving your pet is not a solution to prevent overheating during summer. Your pet’s coat is designed to keep the animal cool during summer months and warm during winter months.

You can groom your pet, but make sure to leave at least a full inch of fur.

Stay cool out there, y’all!

An Open Letter To Owners Of Rescue Dogs

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An open letter to the single woman on valentine's Day-2

When I adopted Jackson, I had the desire bubbling in my heart to take my new dog on trips, to hike, and to the park. As a person with an adventurous spirit, and as someone who loves the outdoors, I couldn’t contain my excitement about having a four-legged friend to tag along with me on all of my endeavors.

But…

Jackson is a rescue. He was found abandoned, freezing, and malnourished at a coal mine in Eastern Kentucky. Also, he has an immediate fear of men, which has led me to believe that he may have been abused by a man in the past. If you consider all of his past trauma, it makes perfect sense that Jackson struggled when I first got him, and all of those adventures I had dreamed about did not go as planned.

Have you rescued a dog? Have you felt the same frustration?

When you rescue a dog, you know you’re doing a good thing. And honestly, you are very excited about it. But no one tells you how difficult it is going to be. Of course, if you do your research you probably understand these difficulties, but no amount of research can prepare you for the heartbreak of realizing how hurt your new pet has been. 

And not only does your heart break, but you may even become frustrated. I become frustrated when I take Jackson to the park. If he sees another dog, he absolutely freaks out. When I first adopted him, he would become panicked when we would pass a man. Over time, we have worked through a lot of those problems, but I cannot tell you how many times I walked away from the park on the edge of tears.

So, if you own a rescue dog, give yourself a little grace.

You are facing challenges that are unique to you and your pet only. If you need to have a small cry when you notice your sweet dog flench around a human, do it. If you need to rant about how hard it is to have a dog that you cannot take somewhere because of the fear that has been instilled within them, do it!

One thing you should not do: Do not blame the dog.

When I adopted Jackson, I said the words once, “My dog is broken”. And he may have been a little broken at the time, but through words like that I found myself placing blame on him. The blame should never be placed on the dog. These animals are a product of their environment. Many rescue animals have been raised under harsh conditions and have potentially been abused.

We must give these rescued animals a little grace as well.

Sure, it’s hard, but we can do it! After all, if we don’t, then who will? These animals cannot heal themselves — they cannot speak up for themselves. We have to be their voice, their healer, and their protector. Rescue dogs have a lot to offer; they just have to be taught that not all humans are dangerous.

So, if you are frustrated with owning a rescue dog, please do not give up. It may be difficult, but you can do this. You are the only light this sweet animal has had in its short life — don’t throw it back into the dark. And when your dog behaves in a that (and I hate this term) isn’t “normal”, give them a little grace. This is how they have survived; it’s what they have been taught.

Take a deep breath, have a good cry in the shower, keep your head held high, and be the best dang rescue dog owner there is!

Adventure Paws: Red River Gorge

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RRG Post

Red River Gorge is a large wooded area located on the Red River in east-central Kentucky. Consuming nearly 29,000 acres, Red River Gorge offers plenty of hiking trails, camping, cabins for rent, kayaking, zip lining, and even more adventures that are fun!

If you have never had the chance to visit, I would highly suggest you do! In addition, a great part about Red River Gorge is that most of their hiking trails are pet-friendly.

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Rock Bridge Loop

The Trails

Jackson and I have already hiked several trails at Red River Gorge! A few of these trails included:

  • Rock Bridge Loop: The image featured above is actually from this trail! Dogs are not allowed on Natural Bridge, but they are allowed on the Rock Bridge Loop, which closely resembles Natural Bridge! This loop is an easy 1.5 miles long with several beautiful views!
  • Chimney Top Rock and Princess Arch: These two trails are accessible from the same parking lot so I have grouped them together. Both of these trails are short (1.8 miles), easy hikes with beautiful views!
  • Others: Jackson and I have hiked other trails as well, but sadly, I cannot remember the names of these trails.
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Princess Arch

Some trails at Red River Gorge are more difficult than others, but with so many options available, there is definitely a trail for you and your pet!

Hiking With Your Pet

Remember to always be prepared when hiking with your pet. As fun as hikes are, it is important to remain cautious of any snakes or dangerous wildlife in the area before going (i.e. bears coyotes, etc.). Additionally, it is important to remember to pack things to care for your pet during a hike.

 

Click here to read a few tips about hiking with your pet!

Update / Future Adventure

Recently, I got engaged! And yes, Jackson was there for the whole thing – you can find photos on my Instagram account and I may even write a post about that on this site soon.

Anyways, Jackson is actually going to be joining my fiancé and me in Key Largo, Florida next summer for our wedding! The current plan is for Jackson to walk down the aisle as well, which is going to be so cute. Stay current with Jackson and this plan through my Instagram or Facebook page. I cannot wait to write an Adventure Paws post about it next summer!

Much love, friends!

Stay adventurous!

5 Ways That My Dog Saved Me

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Simple steps to a healthier you-3

When I adopted Jackson, I was not in the worst point of my life. But I also was not nearly close enough to being in a good point. I was lonely, I was lost, and I needed something.

For years during college, I had tried to find that something through people pleasing, being a fun and well-liked person, and some things that definitely were not healthy for me. So, as most 20-something aged girls do, I went on the search to adopt a puppy. Yep, a puppy. I was going to take the big leap, even though my apartment at the time didn’t technically allow dogs (oops!).

After weeks of searching online and at PetSmart, a woman from my hometown posted a photo of a sad-eyed dog on Facebook. The moment I saw the image of that dog, I messaged her to ask if someone had requested to adopt him yet. When she said no, I sent “I want him”. There was no doubt in my mind this dog was for me. Read more about this story by clicking here.

And although Jackson came with his fair share of problems — he has suffered abuse so he struggles with humans and other animals at times — he has been one of the best things to happen in my life thus far.

With that said, here are five ways that my dog saved me:

When I want to lay in bed, he makes me get up.

When you don’t own a dog, getting out of bed (on the weekend, anyways) is an option. Ask any of my old college roommates and they will tell you that there were days I wouldn’t emerge from my room until midday. When you don’t own a dog, you can wake up and turn on Netflix. You can spend hours binge-watching TV and putting off any of the things that you need to do.

But when you own a dog, he has to pee. And after he relieves himself, he has to eat and drink water. He also has to exercise. He needs love. And from what I have found, they can be excessively needy so they refuse to let you stay in bed.

Owning a dog makes you get out of bed on days that you want nothing more than to stay there.

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When I want to lock myself away indoors, he makes me go outside.

On sunny days, there are still moments when we do not want to step foot outside. We all have days when we want to lay on the couch and waste the day away — once again, we want to binge watch Netflix. Okay, maybe I just have a problem with watching way too much Netflix!

Anyways, owning a dog makes you go outside. Not only does the dog need to go outside to use the bathroom, but he also needs exercise. And if you don’t truly consider exercise for your dog, you will have a strong desire to take them outside when you see them staring outside from the window.

When I want to cry, he makes me smile.

Do you have those moments where you just lay in your floor and cry for what feels like hours? Well, when you own a dog, that’s no longer such a problem!

If you lay in the floor, you are going to be licked. No questions asked.

If you are crying, dogs actually tend to have a sense that you’re upset. Often, they will bring you their toy. This isn’t actually them wanting to play for their own personal happiness; they bring you their toy because they want you to be play and be happy.

When you have a creature that loves you that much, there is no possible way you can sit and cry for hours.

On your worst day, a dog will make you smile.

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When everyone else cares about what you said or did, he doesn’t.

When someone is upset with you or when people are judging you, your dog doesn’t care. Your dog will never judge you. Your dog will never be upset with you… okay, he may be upset with you but it will only last for like 5 seconds max. Seriously, dogs — or at least my dog — have terrible attention spans.

The point is: your dog doesn’t care what you did wrong. Your dog doesn’t care if you said something that was perceived negatively, or if you fail a test, or if you dye your hair six different colors. Your dog still loves you, no matter what.

When it feels like you are alone, he is there.

On days that it feels like everyone has left you or that no one cares for you, your dog will be standing there, bright-eyed and wagging his tail. Your dog will always be jumping happily when you walk through the front door.

Honestly, you can’t get away from your dog! Seriously. My dog follows me into the bathroom.

You’ll never be alone again.

Featured Animal Shelter: Lexington Humane Society

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Simple steps to a healthier you-2

Originally founded in 1889, the Lexington Humane Society is the largest animal shelter in Central Kentucky. This shelter, which offers a tremendous amount of services, works closely with surrounding community animal shelters. Since LHS is the largest in the area, they take in animals that other animal shelters do not have the capacity to hold.

On March 29, 2019 I personally visited LHS and interviewed with one of their staff members. Throughout this interview, I received a lot of great information and even a tour of the facility.

So, allow me to give you a personal inside look.

What types of animals does LHS house?

Surprisingly, LHS houses much more than only dogs and cats. At the moment, they have eight pigs on their property, a rabbit, and even a Gekko! They have also been known to house horses. LHS takes in most animals that are brought to them, or that are in need of a place to stay until they are adopted into a forever home.

Do they hold the animals until they are adopted? What if that process takes years?

LHS actually keeps all of their animals until they are adopted. That’s great, right? Although they dislike using the term “no-kill shelter”, they do not euthanize their animals simply because they are not adopted quickly. LHS keeps their animals for years, if needed. Something that really helps with housing these animals for lengthy periods of time includes fostering and help from volunteers.

What services does LHS offer?

Honestly, this list could go on and on. LHS offers a variety of services! A few include: Fostering, First Contact Service, Check Me Out, Train-A-Bull, Spay’sTheWay, Veterinarian procedures, and more!  To keep this post from being a novel, I have linked the services that are offered so that you can check them out, if interested! I highly suggest looking into these services, especially if you love animals or are looking for a pet to adopt.

What does housing look like for the animals?

I learned about housing for the animals from the tour, and let me just say, I absolutely loved what I saw! Three of the pigs, one of which is named Notorious P.I.G. which I think is hilarious, are housed outside in a paddock. They have plenty of room and there is actually a staff member that is directly responsible for caring for them, since they are very social animals.

The kittens/cats are housed, for the most part, in kennels like you would normally see. However, they do have a large room with windows, where the cats are able to walk around freely (I cannot remember the specific name of this room). Visitors and volunteers have access to the room, so the pets (which are rotated in and out of the room so each animal gets recreation time) receive a lot of love. Additionally, visit rooms are set up near the cats so that you can take some time to get to know the cat before you decide to officially adopt.

The puppies and dogs, which are separated into two different rooms, are kept in kennels. Although these dogs are kept in kennels, there is actually a yard area where the dogs are let outside to play. The dogs also have a visit room where you can get to know your potential future fur baby!

What can volunteers do?

The limit does not exist. If you didn’t get that reference, please watch Mean Girls — you won’t regret it! Volunteers are able to do things ranging from answering phones and working with files all the way to caring for the animals and helping with events.

During this interview, I learned about two amazing things people can volunteer for that I did not know existed. The first is that you can volunteer to walk the dogs. If you are cleared (luckily, LHS checks to make sure that their volunteers have never received any animal cruelty charges), you are able to come inside and take a dog outside for a nice walk. Sounds great, right? Well, let me tell you about something even better! Through the Check Me Out program, you can actually check a dog out for the day! You are given the dog, along with supplies for the animal, and have the freedom to leave the property and spend the day with the dog. Personally, I think this would be great to do if you are interested in adopting a particular dog, but it would also be great in general because… well, who doesn’t want to spend their day with a dog?

Statistics

Although I am a person who hates a statistics course, I love reading through statistics that are offered from animal shelters! So, here are the statistics for LHS.

Every year:

  • 23,000 hours of service contributed by dedicated volunteers.
  • 4,700 animals adopted into loving homes.
  • 3,500 free and low cost spay/neuter surgeries performed through LHS.
  • 2,600 individuals educated through campus, school outreach, and shelter tours.
  • 700 animals provided life-saving, in-home care by volunteer foster parents.
  • 600 animals adopted through First Contact service.
  • 97% exceptional save rate.

Review

I particularly enjoyed my time spent at the Lexington Humane Society. Before this interview, I had previously visited the shelter, but I had never viewed the shelter in its entirety.

Lexington Humane Society is doing excellent work. Since 1889 they have expanded greatly, and they are continuing to grow, which is great news for all of the animals that they will house in the future! When asked what they wish the general public would know, staff members responded that they simply want more exposure (follow their Instagram by clicking here) and would like people to understand that although they work closely with Fayette Animal Control, they are a different organization.

If you are interested in helping the Lexington Humane Society, here are your options:

  • Donate money.
  • Volunteer.
  • Foster parent.
  • Adopt!

If you live near Lexington, Kentucky and have never visited LHS, you definitely should. The shelter is amazing and members of the staff are very friendly!

LHS has one mission: They give love, teach love, and adopt love.

Tips For Hiking With Your Pet

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Simple steps to a healthier you-2

If you’re anything like me, you love doing fun things with your furry, four-legged friend. Dogs seem to make everything better! After all, they are man’s best friend.

But sometimes, our dogs can make fun things a bit more stressful. You realize as your hiking that you forgot a bowl to pour water in for your dog or they are trying to sniff every blade a grass and keep choking themselves by pulling too hard on their leash. Whatever issues you have encountered in the past, this blog post is dedicated to providing you with some tips to make your hiking trips a bit less stressful this year!

Use a harness.

The most common method for keeping your dog tethered to you on outgoings is a basic collar and leash. However, this method is not always a good one. A helpful tip is to purchase a harness for your dog. By using a harness, your dog will have the freedom to explore and pull against the leash a bit without choking him or herself.

You can see a harness pictured on Jackson below. I prefer to purchase my harnesses, leashes, and collars from Top Paw. These can be purchased from PetSmart. Click here to find the link to Jackson’s harness, which is featured below.

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Use a short leash if it is a populated trail.

Many hiking trails will actually dictate the length of the leash that you should use with your dog, but even if the trail does not, I would recommend that you always use a shorter leash. If a trail is highly trafficked, you don’t want your dog running far ahead of you and jumping on other hikers. You also don’t want your dog to wander off to far and find anything dangerous or harmful off the trail.

In the photo below you can see the short leash that I keep Jackson on during hikes. Short leashes can be helpful for your dog’s protection as well in case another animal on the trail decides to become aggressive.

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Bring a portable water bowl.

A portable water bowl is super easy to forget and sometimes we don’t even think to purchase one before going on hiking trips. If money is an issue, don’t worry! You don’t need anything fancy. Before I purchased a pop-up water bowl for Jackson, I used to take a small plastic bowl from my kitchen for him.

No matter what you use, make sure that you always have a way to provide your dog with water. They get thirsty too!

Bring treats.

Treats are especially helpful for hiking if your pup isn’t completely trained yet. When hiking, dogs find many things to stimulate their senses and become incredibly distracted. So, if you bring a treat with you and reward them when you are able to grab their attention easily, you can continue to train them during a fun activity!

Even if your pup is trained, treats are still a good thing to bring. It is always helpful to reward your dog for good behavior and sometimes they simply need a good snack just like us.

Make sure your dog has current I.D. tags.

In case your dog does become separated from you on a hiking trail, it is important to make sure that your pet has current I.D. tags. A dog tag should at least have the dog’s name and your phone number. This way, if a stranger finds your furry friend, he or she can contact you to return him.

Doggie bags for waste.

Our state and national parks are beautiful. When visiting these trails, we want to #LeaveNoTrace. So, it is helpful to bring doggie bags for your dog’s waste. A helpful tip for bringing doggie bags is to purchase a bag holder that can be latched onto the leash.

If you look at my hand in the photo below, you can see exactly what I am referencing. It is very helpful!

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Bring a doggie seatbelt.

If you are traveling to find your hiking destination, it is important to use a doggie seatbelt. People have mocked me to buckling Jackson in when I drive him in my vehicle, but it’s always better safe than sorry. In the event of the crash, we want our fur babies to be just as protected as we are!

You can find these for a decent price on Amazon! Click here to find the one that I use for Jackson (featured in the photo below).

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I hope these tips help make your summer adventures with your furry buddy a blast! If you have any tips you’d like to share, contact me on my Facebook page or Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Adventure Paws: Hocking Hills State Park

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An open letter to the single woman on valentine's Day

Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful hiking area located in Hocking County, Ohio. From where I live, this is nearly a four-hour drive. Yep, it’s lengthy. However, my boyfriend and I decided to visit, along with my furry companion, Jackson.

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The Four-Hour Drive

I have previously written about how Jackson is surprisingly well-behaved on long drives, and his behavior was no different on this drive. He sat, patiently, in the backseat. However, the moment we parked our car in the parking lot, he sprang into action.

The People

Surprisingly, there were more people at Hocking Hills State Park than there were at Niagara Falls. If you have read about Jackson before, you already know that he has a troubled past with abuse and he becomes nervous around a lot of people, and especially men. For the most part, he did well on this trip. I brought his short leash (as pictured above) so that he couldn’t venture out too far, however, we did run into a small bump when we first arrived.

A group of young children rushed over to pet Jackson, and overwhelmed by this, he instantly began to back up to me. Thankfully, the children’s father noticed my discomfort and urged his children to walk away.

Aside from that moment, Jackson did very well. Everyone that we spoke with at the park was incredibly friendly!

The Park

If you have never been to Hocking Hills State Park, you need to visit. It is absolutely beautiful, and there are several things to see (including waterfalls). Additionally, the trails are not difficult to hike. There were several older individuals there who were able to walk the trails just fine.

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The trails are clearly marked so it is very simple to follow. While we were there, only port-a-potties (did I spell that right?) were available, but they were in the process of constructing a brand new visitors building. We visited in September of 2018, so this building is most likely completed now.

Lessons Learned

I learned two things from this trip. First, if you are going to drive four hours to hike somewhere, find a hotel. My boyfriend and I thought we would be able to drive four hours, hike all day, and drive four hours home. We survived, but I questioned our sanity several times on the long, exhausting drive back. Second, if you are driving late at night and you’re exhausted, try to be cautious. We hit two small animals on the drive home and tore up the front of his car which caused it began to make a clicking noise before we got home that night. Not so fun, ha!

However, would I visit Hocking Hills again? Absolutely! And you should too!

I’m going to write more posts about all of the places that Jackson has visited. Hopefully through these posts you will find inspiration to travel with your pet and to visit some of the locations that I am writing about!

Where have you been with your pet that was memorable? Let me know! I’d love to hear all about it. You can contact me on Instagram or Facebook.