Camps let you enjoy great outdoors with your dog
Summer camp used to be swimming, organized sports and sleeping in cabins and lodges. Summer camp is still those activities, but now you can do them with your dog.
There are a variety of dog camps available to you and your pet. Some camps are vacation activities for you while your dog is boarded in a kennel. Others offer lodging opportunities where your dog stays with you and both of you participate in structured activities.
The camps also vary in activities, from a simple hike to classes and lectures. Length of the camps also varies from day camps to week long stays.
One of the best well-known dog camps that involves a bit of travel from the Midwest is Camp Gone to the Dogs, which offers a summer session in Marlboro, Vt., and two fall sessions in Stowe, Vt.
The summer session is located on the 250-acre campus of Marlboro College, with an on-site pond for swimming. Your dog sleeps with you in a dorm facility, a cabin, Marlboro North, a former inn, or several dog-friendly motels in the area.
This camp offers a variety of activities, including Herding, Breed Handling, Teaching Obedience Classes Positively, Tellington Touch, Loose Leash Walking, Retrieve for all Reasons, Reading a Dog’s Body Language, Flyball, Freestyle Dancing with Dogs, Doggie Square Dancing and activities involving competition obedience.
The website www.campgonetothedogs.com notes, “You can do it all or just sit around, kiss your dog and eat bonbons.”
A dog camp closer to home is Camp Dogwood in Ingleside, 48 miles northwest of Chicago. The camp is situated on more than 180 acres situated on Wooster Lake and offers spring, fall and winter UN-Camp 2013 sessions.
Your dog sleeps with you at the lodging facilities for Camp Dogwood, which include rustic cabins, seasonal lodges, tent camping and nearby dog-friendly hotels.
Camp Dogwood offers a variety of activities. You can plan your day by participating in the structured activities offered by the camp, or relax by taking advantage of the beach, trails and open fields.
Camp Dogwood activities include agility, rally obedience, tracking, Frisbee, herding, water sports and games, and behavior and training.
Activities for fun and relaxation include canine actor’s studio, dog treat making, canoeing, nature hikes, dog fur spinning and sewing for your dog.
Presentation and Demonstrations include traditional and holistic health/nutrition, cooking for you and your dog, Flower Essence Therapy, Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care for Dogs, Red Cross Certification Canine CPR & First Aid and Dog Massage.
The site www.campdogwood.com notes, “A true camp-like setting was the only choice for Dogwood. We found and created a place to relax and enjoy … a place ‘where your dog can be a dog.”
These are just two of the camps available for you and your canine companion. Others are located all over the country. The Buddy Foundation does not endorse either of the above mentioned camps, but presents the details for informational purposes.
Adoptables:
Ÿ Whiskers, a male, Norwich terrier, is about 2 years old and weighs 34 pounds. He was brought to Buddy because the last shelter he was at was going to put him down. One of Buddy’s volunteers heard about him and saved his life.
At first, Whiskers was a little scared, but is now getting used to life at Buddy. Sometimes he can get a little snippy when he’s nervous, so he shouldn’t go to a home with children.
With some work, Whiskers can really be a great dog. Once he knows and trusts you, he’ll climb on your lap and cuddle until he falls asleep. Give him at chance at a forever home.
Ÿ Fritz, a 4-year-old, male Schnauzer, weighs about 19 pounds. He has diabetes and is in foster care, so please call ahead to make arrangement to meet him.
Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights; or online at thebuddyfoundation.com.