Blazing the trails with IZ

Another busy weekend hiking on the Appalachian Trail.  This weekend's walk was off of Rt 9 in West Virginia at Keys Gap.  The terrain is a little rocky in places but for the most part nice and smooth.  It is important to prepare for any hike by taking plenty of water, having bug repellent and proper footwear. 

I carry my water and an Outward Hound travel bowl in my Granite GEAR backpack.  Make sure your pack is not too heavy.  Full grown dogs, like me, can carry up to 10% of their body weight, but it is important to workup to that weight. Check with your vet for the optimal weight your pet can carry. Don't forget to take breaks.  Your humans will need it!

The rocky terrain can be a strain on the pads of my feet so I also wear Ruffwear boots to help keep the pads of my feet from getting torn or rubbed raw.

Sometimes you can find snacks along the way but it is important to know what is edible both for you and your human(s).  On our hike we found some black raspberries for a tasty snack.

Iz the working dog

No kayaking this weekend.  Instead I stayed at a first class resort (kennel) for a couple of days, where I was pampered, played ball and bathed. 

Kayak Season Begins

June 8, 2014 Iz the Kayaking dog

Today was the first day of the kayaking season for me and my family and I'm extremely excited.

I love getting out in the summer after being cooped up for the winter, and it was a long cold winter.

  I enjoy the snow, but getting out on the river is my favorite.   Although I am a strong swimmer, I like to sport my Body Glove life preserver; safety first!

There are quite a few places to launch the kayak in the Potomac River, but at this particular spot; I can swim, run along the bank or just drift in the kayak.

Sitting in the kayak is not the most comfortable but after swimming and running it's a nice break.  There is always a lot to see: like other kayakers (who get the friendly bark), fisherman (have to be quiet for them), birds of all kinds, deer, and turtles, just to name a few.

Great Grey Heron