Spending Quality Time Outdoors With Our Four-Legged Companions

In all the years I’ve been camping, I can’t recall time when I didn’t see a fellow camper taking his four-legged friend for a morning, afternoon or evening stroll. Only a person who has a love and admiration for animals can appreciate just how much our pets really mean to us. In addition to the unconditional love and affection they provide, animals have a remarkable way of helping to reduce stress. It gives me a tremendous feeling of joy anytime I see campers connecting with animals, whether it be their own personal pets, or animals in the wild. Campgrounds have become extremely pet friendly over the years. And while many have specific rules in place regarding pet relations, campers are known to be well rounded individuals and very capable of cleaning up and looking after their beloved animals while camping.

As you’ve heard me say countless times on the show, we live in a multi-pet household. Our pets are the only reason I haven’t sold off everything I own to become a full-time camper.

A lot of times, campers will bring their dogs along for the journey. After all, they ARE members of the family. It’s not common to find campers bringing their pet cats for a weekend outing. As a long time cat owner, I know all too well that cats become easily stressed out if taken out of their familiar environment. Dogs, on the other hand, can adapt quite well outside the home and are usually found in very close proximity of their owners.

Of course, not every pet owner will bring their beloved animal on a camping trip. For folks like myself, a responsible designated house sitter will be on hand to make sure the dogs and cats are well cared for in my absence. Some owners find it convenient to board their pets at a local kennel or animal hospital. Then there are some who simply leave their pets unattended in the home, assuming they’ve left plenty of food and water to last the duration. These are the people who have no business owning a pet if you ask me. It bothers me tremendously when I hear that some pets are not receiving the proper care and attention they deserve. I live in a neighborhood where we have more than our fair share of stray cats. The good news is, most all of my neighbors are caring enough to place food out for those who have no place to call home. Not only will I help feed a hungry pet, I even go as far as to place an electric blanket out on a cold night to provide them what comfort I can. Sure, stray animals will come and go, but I’m more than happy to do my part and look out for the ones I can. It’s all about caring. And that what many of us campers are known to do.