Griff Tale: Camping  
 

We expected our griff to tolerate camping.  He surprised us because he really loves it!  Why?  It isn't the tiny chipmunks, although they do entertain him.  It isn't the beautiful great outdoors, although he adores the long multi-scented walks and the chance to dip his toes in calm waters.  It isn't even the aromatic foods he may sample.

• It's that he is with us almost every second, of course . . . and 
• He can hop onto the large air mattress bed any time he is in the tent!  At home, his jumps can't reach the high bed.

Security griff:  While sleeping in out tent, late one night sniffing and soft snorts woke the humans.  It was from outside the tent!  One of us, who shall remain nameless, was nearly deafened by the pounding of her heart!  It couldn't be a grizzly, but it sounded a heck of a lot bigger than a chipmunk!  The snuffs and snorts continued outside the tent.  Inside, our little griff snored gently atop the sleeping bags.  Our griff slept soundly, happily curled up in his sleeping bag pile with his loving family members beside him.  He continued to sleep through our scrambles for a bright flashlight.  We unzipped the tent flaps to check outside, knowing that the flashlight beam should scare away the snorting creature.  Even the zipping didn't rouse our griff enough for him to bother opening his eyes to more than slits.

Boating:  We weren't sure how he'd enjoy canoeing.  Would he try to jump out of the canoe?  Would he get really excited and bark too much down the quiet river?  We packed lots of fresh water and a few goodies for him.  We shouldn't have worried.  He loved it . . . probably the peace and quiet!  He settled in on the lifejacket, laying on top of my feet.  That way, he could sleep knowing that he would wake up if I was to go anywhere. 

Luckily, it was a mostly cloudy day and we needn't have worried so much about hats, shade, or the heat.  Our trip was the most beautiful and peaceful we've ever had.   

Camping tips:

• Always walk your dog on his leash.  Our pet is normally not aggressive.  He was leashed in the shade to a beach chair.  A black lab sauntered by with his owners.  Our dog went after him, barking like a maniac, with his little 12 pound body dragging the chair with him.  I received minor injuries, when I ran to step on his leash to stop him.  Moral of the story:  Tie your pet to something immobile. :)
• His feet might get sore from all the hiking.  Be aware.
• It's good to have something like a placemat for under the dog food dishes.  Bugs and dirt are more enjoyable if they are not in your dog's mouth or beard!
• Have the kennel/crate with you.  It should be his home away from home.
• Shade is always necessary, just as it is for you.
• Always have drinking water accessible.
• Dog lifejackets are important for boating enthusiasts.
• Don't forget to bring dog food and treats or munchies.