Date:         Sun, 7 Mar 2004 19:49:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Marcia Holm <mholm@ONLINEMAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marcia Holm <mholm@ONLINEMAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Taking dog first time camping...
Comments: To: Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <5.1.0.14.0.20040307185325.01589ac0@pop.umassd.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

WE have two German short-hairs that love the van more than us humans! We
use a couple long leads (15 ft. or so) attached to the door
handle/hitch/etc. depending upon the campsite for the dogs. One of them
loves the van so much that she would prefer to view the world from the
luxury of the van.

Multiple towels are important for wipe downs of wet or mud. I have also
found it helpful to carry some "handi-wipes" for the dogs just in case
they feel the need to roll in "delicate dog perfume" - also known to
humans as dead stuff. Hopefully we would also find a good swimming hole!

We have found that in warm weather - say in the 80s, with no humidity -
that finding a shaded area and popping the top will provide a nice
ventilated area for the dogs while we are gone for a small amount of
time. This works really well when we aim the front of the van into the
wind and open up the windows as much as possible. We seldom do this
after long stretches of driving since the engine heat tends to overwhelm
any natural cooling available.

Our dogs prefer to eat and drink while the van is moving (go figure!) -
so we put the dog kibble in a rubber maid container and the water bowl
inside a cheap plastic kitty litter tray - keeps the water in some sort
of container, rather than on the floor.

Dogs get used to whatever experiences their humans provide for them -
they will love it!

Marcia & Vern Holm
84 Westy
McMinnville, OR


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