Dog Park Pics

 Nothing beats a good time at the Dog Park.

plus a backyard run...

we love dog parks

Woof!

Puppy Bowl 2026

 If not watching the Olympics, try the Puppy Bowl today.

Puppy Bowl 2026 | Discovery

Our Puppy is Bubba-Doo!

Searching for his girlfriend

 Mr Bubba-Doo

Puppy Bowl XX

 Time to get your family and friends together to watch the Puppy Bowl.

Here is my rescue champ:

Sunday, February 11 at 2P ET/11A PT on Animal Planet.

See the other players here.

Dogs playing in 2002

 Nothin' better than dog movies to end the year.

Found these video clips on the computer.  Enjoy Biscuit and Callie playing.

I miss them.

Happy New Year

Another April Fools Day Joke

 I had first wanted to write a satire about some Republican Politician, and their greed, disdain for the needy and lack of support for the environment, but that is too much true.  So where is the fun in that?

Anyway, the actual registered head count for the season so far is more like 60 to 70 hikers per day.  Still crowded, but not as crazy at 1,000.

Here is a shot of Brindle, my hiking companion in the early 1980s.

Dog Parks

 Here are some videos of my dog and others at the Carbondale (IL) Dog Park.

Remember kids, play nice.

World's Bowl ...

... of Cuteness.

Annual Puppy Bowl today, check it out.

here is our cute boy.

To see my other postings on the puppy bowl, try this link.

Cricket

 I watched this Cricket game for a bit on Christmas day after taking Bubba-Doo for a walk in a local park.  I still don't understand the rules, but it was nice to see some folks enjoy the "spring like" weather.  Today, on the other hand is quite cold even though it is sunny for the dog walk.

The video had to be downgraded to upload from my cell phone so it is not that great.

For All Trailkind

 A new organization is out there and seems to be in place to promote responsible trail use.  The mantra is:

"No matter our differences in backgrounds or how we choose to enjoy the great outdoors, trails create common ground that connects us. Access to trails is a privilege we acknowledge and can only safeguard through our actions toward one another. Treating each other with kindness in how we share the trails and interact with each other is more important than it has ever been. Everyone deserves to pursue happiness in nature. Let’s rise together to ensure a positive trail experience for all."

It makes sense, since trails are a shared resource.

Trail conflict is nothing new, and recreation geographers have studied the issue for decades. See for example: 

Jacob, G. R., & Schreyer, R. (1980). Conflict in outdoor recreation: A theoretical perspective. Journal of leisure research, 12(4), 368-380.  You can fetch it from UVM.

So read this on a rainy day, but for now, got out and embrace a trail.  Me?  will head out shortly with my hiking companion to do the same.

Green Earth Nature Preserves, Carbondale, Illinois

Since moving to the wild wild Midwest, I have explored the local parks with Bubba-Doo.

 He is a willing hiking partner, and enjoys getting outside as much as his human companion.  One place, with actually five different hikes, are found in the Green Earth Nature Preserves.  We have visited each several times and most have loop trails so I can go clockwise or counterclockwise to offer some variety.

I see deer frequently on these hike and Pyles Fork Preserve has several turtles resting on a log as I pass the stream.  A other humans enjoy the parks too, but for the most part, these hikes are solitary.

So, this weekend, hike a local trail, ok?

Stratton Mountain (9 October 1974 on AT)

 I have climbed this mountain several times and camped on Stratton Pond a few times as well. 

Here are a few shots of the area.

As you can see the pond is beautiful.

Several views from the summit are found next including this one looking north.

The pond is to the west of the summit.

Let's get back to the pond and a few more pics.

This last one is a shot of Katie drying out in the old Stratton Pond LT.

Stray Dog Tourism

Stray dogs are something I tend to avoid.  While backpacking the Appalachian Trail, I had several potentially nasty encounters with dogs.  I simply held up my walking stick, yelled at them to back off and walked away.

Now, I am a dog lover, and for the most part am willing to say hi to a dog, ask the owner to pet or let the dog sniff my hand.  But in my foreign travels, I need to be a bit more cautious.

I am pleased there are many dog rescue operations around the world and there are some good success stories.

On Provo we have the Potcake Place.  This is a good start, but I would also encourage folks to donate to animal organizations for health care and neutering or spaying.  Dogs are great, and I love them all. 

I dedicate this blog today to all the dogs in my life.....and yours.

Need to smile?

When ever I need to smile, I go to YouTube and search for Subaru Dog Commercials.

I hope you agree.

Pet Halloween

Halloween is a BIG holiday in the States.  Some reports predict "HALLOWEEN SPENDING TO REACH $8.4 BILLION, HIGHEST IN SURVEY HISTORY" according to the National Retail Association.

In a recent stop at a Big Box pet food and supply store I noticed this display.

Don't worry Biscuit.  I won't dress you up like Trump!

Memorial Day 2013

Let's not forget our canine vets out there.  After all, dogs have been our companions for thousands of years.  Here is a shot of Biscuit who, between begging for scraps at the picnic yesterday, wants to honor our canine vets around the world.

Presidential Hopeful Mitt pledges $100,000,000 to Animal Group

Attempting the counter the growing campaign of Mutts Against Mitt as a result of his transporting the family dog on top of their automobile, Mitt has pledged $100 Million to support the animal group. When asked about his generosity, Mr. Romney replied he has always loved dogs and that even poor people can love dogs. Further he noted, $100 Million is a drop in the bucket. “I earn that much in interest every 23 minutes from my off-shore accounts.”

Questions have risen since it is only a pledge and a Society spokesperson reports that no check has been received in the local Cayman Island office, “not even a bag of kibble!”