*bringing awareness into all our inner dog circlesOne of the complementary services I provide as hikes permit is clicking off a pic of your fav fur pal in action-or posing for a still. This is usually sent as your pooch winds down from the hike and returned home. Along with a quick text to say-your pooch is home now. The day the wildcat stalked us was an unofficial launch of petography. Only then things were then disrupted in so many ways that its taken the last 3 months to get refocused and back on track. I found that since you can't be with your beloved family pet at the time because of work or whatever reason I am asked to walk your dog, I like sending a peak into what we have been doing in that time we are away from home. Sometimes there have been such great pics taken and all I used was a old cel phone. I upgraded my cel (finally) and noticed a huge improvement in the shots being taken. My interest is growing with every pack walk. I enjoy this part of the hike to see your dog(s) running playfully, or swimming, sometimes playing fetch together. Its a great way to have fun and tire them out and want to expand on this so everyone can see how happy these hounds are. Their happiness brings me so much in return, it has to be shared. Let's face it. After the last 2 years with what everyone has been through. We could all use an extra smile or shot of joy to make our day. I am going to be able to capture these moments more closely. I decided to invest in a camera for the business and grooming room. There are multiple goals set to reach here. The grooming room will be getting a make over pretty quick, as well. So I can begin to vlog the grooms and upload on to YouTube to reach a much wider audience. Originally, it was to launch an online store, but now with the supply chain disruption, breakdowns and all out unpredictability with any item needed its just become too uncertain to carry on the idea of merchandise with this part of the business at the moment? Not ruling it out, but not acting on it at this time either. I am gathering intel atm to find the best equipment needed for this investment and will aim to launch Petography after Labour Day weekend. I look forward to this opportunity to share their happiness with everyone, because they are in their element on every adventure we have together. There's some things you have to see to believe- Until then-stay cool and enjoy the last few days of summer. Lori's pack
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*bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles After months of recon, searching and exploring our neighborhood in the outback, the pack and I we have found our new outdoor home. Where adventures began at the beginning of the month and we have been adding to them weekly. There is very little contact with other people or dogs. SO this is the best environment to have the pack run, sniff and play freely without stress so they go home tired and happy. There is a logging road that takes us to a swimming hole and many trails that interconnect beginning at Bear Alley leading to Homer, Covid trails to name a few. I know, I didn't make it up. The trail is called Covid!! The dogs are getting to explore all kinds of terrain that we can walk well into fall and adjust if the snow falls in the winter. I will upload pics of some of our adventures asap. I am short on time with the heatwave fast approaching.
Until next time. Cheers, Lori's pack *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles Due to continued run ins with wildlife, I made the decision to walk in two-packs until further notice. Some hikes are now leashed depending on each dogs outdoor behaviors. ie, recall, reactivity, hunter, herder etc. While others continue running off leash. There's so many factors to consider when forming a pack to due to the season we are in. I am certain things will calm down as the salmon run nears- I have been back to Jubilee since the cat attack, but found all the dogs to be quite reactive revisiting the scene and LOOKING for the cougar. There are some mighty defenders in the pack, but the hikes are about running and getting all that pent up energy out, socializing & reducing stress. Returning to the scene showed me that I needed to help desensitize the dogs from that encounter by going elsewhere for now before hiking one of our most favorite trails maybe in the fall. At the same time, I am still armed with my outdoor gear when hiking trails and woods. I would rather have it and not need than to need it and not have it. Even though there are rocks and sticks-you just don't know if you will have any reaction time to respond with looking for a natural defense in nature. An example was a dog with great recall got ahead of me and flushed out a deer herd. I could only stand still and let them pass me-this sort of brush with wildlife can still be frightening because they are spooked too and now in flight or fight. The idea is always maintaining safety of the pack and myself included-however some days the unexpected can happen. It goes with the territory. This trail is no longer walked as the wildlife are still in the newly developed neighborhood. This dog is run down by the river now until such time as we return to Jubilee. Like I mentioned a few dogs are walked by leash at the Sea Walk. More cougar sightings were reported in Beaver Lodge Lands. Followed by bears on multiple days last month and this month. Plus, I frequent a trail in Oyster River where off leash is permitted and of course, the beach runs are pack favorites. I look forward to revisiting our local happy trails once again this fall as wildlife will begin winding down therefore reducing our chances of our paths further crossing to disrupt our outdoor adventures together. Keeping all posted of what happens next. Cheers, Lori's pack
*bringing awareness into all our inner dog circlesI found a new spot to hike the dogs until the salmon run. At which time, it will become time to vacate the local watering holes the dogs love frequenting here due to the risk of bear encounters in and around that time. I am scouting back up locations all the time. I found some great trails in the B.L.L. however more sightings of bear & cougar have been reported. The shoreline seems to be the safest area for me to walk while the dogs run for now. As summer winds down, hopefully we can take some steps back in the areas we loved to walk before everything woke up. :) I will keep everyone updated here. This concludes our adventures in May 2022. We had a great time exploring new locations since our encounter with the wildcat. No new cat sightings, but several bear & deer sightings. Remember be safe and smart out there!! Until next month. Take care-
Lori's pack *bringing awareness to all our inner dog circles. This blog is dedicated to both Luna & Rocket for protecting our pack. Praying for a full recovery for Luna Bear, who was injured defending our timely escape from the cat at large. *please note web site disclaimer posted March 2019 under archives. I stand on bringing awareness-not advice into this post. Before I get started on what happened, what it was like and what it is like now, I want to point out how the cat blends into the rock? There are 2 images below. It is like that in most settings. The cougar we encountered did not want to be seen. It was sneaky and in stealth mode once it knew we arrived on the scene, the morning of the attack. Waiting for the right moment to pounce. It was in the middle of our hike, now cut short. The trail we hiked that day is shaped like a figure 8. With an additional trail going right ( West ) in the Jubilee Parkway trails. These two paragraphs barely set the scene of what's wrong with the incident I am describing. In the opening sentences I am all ready showing animal behavior is changing. What's happening to our wildlife? If anything can be a take away in this post-it's that. Wildlife behavior is showing signs of unpredictable change. Which means this was an act of nature. It took an even greater force to get us out safely and alive. Image by Michael Johnston from Pixabay Image by Margit Wallner from Pixabay These images are as close as I can get to show how easily they can camouflage themselves into the scenery. By blending right in. This is probably the most important blog I will ever write about and post, after facing off with a young mountain lion aka cougar, puma, this past week, while on an early morning pack walk. There is a lot of ground to cover on this post and its relevance concerns everyone living on Vancouver Island, the province of BC and neighboring province of Alberta. As well, I repeat making my disclaimer known dating back to March 2019 archives. This article is about awareness & asking many questions to raise awareness. The pack I walk, saved my life & then in turn by making me aware the CAT was now in our presence I had to save theirs as all our paths to exit were crossed. If you have never heard a cougar scream-listen to this video below. This is to make you think its a woman or child to lure you away. One thing I was told about wildlife is they can scream like children or can sound like a woman screaming. It's not just cougars, but coyotes, bobcats, lynx, even squirrels scream etc. All I can suggest is get to know your wildlife online before heading outdoors. Get prepared. I listened first online so I knew what to listen for-even though I was thinking I hope I never encounter such a sound. ACK! This is what it was like to encounter the wildcat. Worst fear realized once the dogs were on the cats trail. The hunter now the hunted. Now I am aware its the cougar screaming I hear the barking and a yelp. As I said to myself. Is that? NO!!!!!! Simple denial kicks in. Right? Really unclear as to what has happened in my mind. Giving an account of what someone might experience in that life/death situation. Denial is quickly smashed. I feared a dog being dragged away and survival skills take over. Flight or fight? In shock but trying to calmly assess and proceed. Scanning, looking-the dogs are never out of sight this long. Even though they were only a few feet away-it took forever to get the vision. Since my body, mind and soul is being flooded with cortisol and adrenaline. It's all happening at lightening speed. I hadn't seen anything yet and my first petography session with my new camera was over in an instant. From the last pic to the sighting was approximately 2 minutes. Then the rustle in the bushes became real so fast. The head of the cougar lifts from behind the moss covered log. What an ugly sight it was staring down this cat it had an angry evil look on its face. Not like the one above-it was mad its attack was exposed while the dogs are positioned one at the head the other at the tail. Our eyes locked. I have the other two dogs at my side as we are at the halfway point of the figure 8 trail in the center of the north eastbound turn of the trail. Nearing the exit, but not there yet. I was told always make sure you give the animal the chance to escape and exit the scene. Only we are all blocked. I can't call the dogs because they would be endangered of being attacked and we would have to double backtrack to get out of the spot we were in. So, I began back stepping my way out towards Rocket, as I slid my phone into my coat pocket and pulled out my bear horn and took it off safety slipped it back in my pocket to pull open my pocket knife. Now that the pack defended us, I was going to defend them. The cat was crawling towards me. I sounded 'NO' and blasted the recall whistle and reached for the bear horn to sound it praying this cat to flee while still continuing to back step us out of this intense scene and moment in time. The cat was free to retreat south, west or east as I was approaching north to our exit and could safely call the dogs to follow. With my eyes still locked on the predator at large as it didn't know what to make of us. In all my previous encounters with wildlife they all exited upon a sudden noise-and clapping of hands with "Git" & "Yeeha" spoken/yelled at them. Not this time. This one displayed no fear of human life whatsoever. It wasn't going anywhere. Nor did it. Which in the end possibly supports it's too sick to hunt anything other than human & pets. I am only speculating here. This can not be confirmed, but shouldn't be denied, either. Now the questions swarm my mind. Why? What is it doing? What's it waiting for? It's not backing off as it moves its way closer towards us. It's not behaving like previous wildlife had in the past. This really intensified everything. I could feel the fear overwhelming me. Fearing for my life and my pack. As I continued to watch the cat, the two defenders and other 2 dogs beside me-I knew I had to stay calm and keep the dogs calm. Any sudden movement the cat would consider us prey. It would be on. If the dogs hadn't alerted me, where the cat was. Its plan to pounce/attack would have been to of easily attacked me from behind as I turned into the exit of the last part of the trail. Totally unaware of the danger I was walking into -only the dogs thwarted the attack. What does Stealth mean? 1 : a cautious, unobtrusive, and secretive way of moving or proceeding intended to avoid detection Exceptional and outstanding dogs preventing an all out assault on the pack as a whole, at the risk & expense of their own lives. It would have been a different outcome all together, had things happened any other way. I doubt I would be here today nor would they, if they didn't intervene on our behalf. They knew what was happening and defended their pack. Both Luna & Rocket together flushed out the cat that was planned to take us all down. It would be an act of God that delivers us out of harms way & back to safety, this stand off and exit took 30 minutes. Before I could secure the dogs in the vehicle and begin to warn others by writing COUGAR 3x in the dirt on the side of the road and call conservation to report our encounter. About 20 minutes before the encounter was made known to me, but even now-seeing Rocket look in the direction of the cougar. He knew and so did Luna. Conservation at the scene. A team of three conservation officers were dispatched to Jubilee to tape off the area, post signage and escort me back to to the location on the main trail where I exited the forested trails. While waiting for the private contractor with two cougar trained dogs who would track, find and destroy this predator afterwards. Here's the scary part-it never moved from the location where our stand off occurred. It was located exactly where I said it was. Waiting for the next opportunity to attack. See-there is something very wrong with this cougar and all the sightings linked below. I say this knowing there is deer in the area, as we encountered deer without incident. They no longer want to hunt their normal prey. I can only say with my own observation and the past few days of intense research something more is going on. I don't say this to alarm or cause fear. This is where awareness comes in. Denial is not going help anyone. People don't even have to step outside their front doors. The attacks are coming to us unprovoked. We are under attack if you can grasp it or not. This is happening everywhere. It's not isolated or rare anymore. With that said and out of the way. My warning is this. Watch some videos on how to safely use and carry bear spray-do not walk at dawn or dusk. Whenever possible do not walk alone. Educate yourself and see what is happening locally and elsewhere. Google is at your finger tips simple searches can educate you quickly so you know what to do and are PREPARED. It's now a matter of life or death. Everyone is being targeted, children, pets, adults, livestock, chickens, goats instead of their deer or bear. Find ways to protect yourself and your pets. Practice at home. So if in event something does happen-you will know how to respond or react in any given situation. www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/spiky-armour-created-to-protect-small-dogs-from-b-c-cougars-coyotes/ The questions that flooded my mind during the ordeal with wildlife encounter lead me to start a google search. I was deeply troubled as to why I couldn't deter this particular cat's behavior. I stumbled across a research paper. It's a 20 page PDF reporting that 100/254 cougars were positive for FIV in 2010 during this study. It covered Montana, Alberta and British Columbia, but not Vancouver Island per-say. . After reading this paper as old as it is-it can explain that a number of the cougars were sick then. Sick cats unable to hunt their preferred habitat plus a rich vegetation that includes land cover due to the techniques used to stalk their prey. They hunt 10 - 500 sq miles. So with all the terrain they can cover why is our backyard now mile 10? What happened to the other 490 miles of territory? What is going on here?
I continue my google search and discover there have been a number of sightings and reports made that cougars are attacking livestock, chickens, goats, dogs, children, adults and reports continued to be made these incidents are rare. Meaning not very often. Really? To summarize-what's it like now? Wildlife is exhibiting bizarre behavior. Whether in the woods or our neighborhoods. Now is the time to prepare and learn what to do be safe in either situation.
Perhaps this will become my niche? Raising people's awareness to save lives, pets, livestock etc. What I do know is the pack I hiked outdoors will no longer be hiked in the woods, not even 10 minutes from my house. I won't put them at risk. Since I don't believe its a rare or isolated incident. It would seem I am at a crossroads again. It might be time to do something new or find new ways to follow my passion. Either way-I am so grateful to my fur pack. They are the best dogs in the world to me, to be touched so deeply by their unconditional love. Therefore ending with my disclaimer- WEBSITE DISCLAIMER Last updated [05/26/2019] INTRODUCTION The information provided by [Making Tracks Dog Hiking] (“we,” “us” or “our”) on [Making Tracks Dog Hiking] (the “Site”) [and our mobile application] is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site [and our mobile application] is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site [or our mobile application]. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site [or our mobile application] or reliance on any information provided on the site [and our mobile application]. Your use of the site [and our mobile application] and your reliance on any information on the site [and our mobile application] is solely at your own risk. PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER Last updated [05/26/2019] INTRODUCTION The information provided by [Making Tracks Dog Hiking] (“we”, “us”, or “our”) on [Making Tracks Dog Hiking] (the “Site”) [and our mobile application coming soon] is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site [and our mobile application] is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site [or our mobile application]. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site [or our mobile application] or reliance on any information provided on the site [and our mobile application]. Your use of the site [and our mobile application] and your reliance on any information on the site [and our mobile application] is solely at your own risk. PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER The Site cannot and does not contain professional advice. The professional information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals ie, Veterinarian, Dr., Lawyer, etc., . We do not provide any kind of professional advice. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site [or our mobile application] is solely at your own risk. *bringing awareness to all our inner dog circles.March was a busy month. Between pack hikes and solo walks-I can't think of a better way I would like to spend my time. I was busy between Campbell River and surrounding areas. Hikes are expanding as far as Courtenay frequenting Seal Bay Park, Black Creek Oyster River Hike at the beach & regular hikes at Jubilee Parkway-
*bringing awareness into all our inner dog circlesThat's sun shining through the forest. Not only is Watson in his happy place racing thru the trails, I am smiling too. Winter is officially on its way out.
*bringing awareness to all our inner dog circles In memory of all the fur loves that passed in 2021. So much happened last year in the grooming room from booking appts. to meeting new dogs, finding ways and means to work within the existing supply chain and what I refer to as end of life grooming. Some of the dogs I saw right up to the end of their dog life, while others were too sick to make their last appt.
It isn't easy for me to say good bye to your fur love, so I can only imagine how difficult it is when your fur friend passes. They are our companions, best friends, and always there when we need them. Piper is the first sign of a new day beginning, as she stretches or digs around the blankets nudging me to begin her day or end it. It's what she does. She likes to cuddle when we first get into bed and within a few minutes she will settle in and that's enough as she drifts off to sleep with a snore here and there. I have shortened my days to spend more time with her and reopened my dog walking/hiking service 3x per week to share that bit of extra time with her and the 4 & 5 packs we are working on building in 2021/22. I changed my whole life to be with my dog and yours-because to me, this is the secret to a happy life. :) So to be apart of so many other humans lives and their fur packs I saw lots of dogs come and go in 2021. SO much so, my heart broke with the pet parents soon after hearing of their loss or sudden passing. While others, I worked with for as long as I could and they were comfortable. Sadness came over me off and on as the days turned into months and looking back I grieved a loss or two every month. Then-right before Christmas I got a visit from a former client who shared she was going to look at a puppy. Suddenly, my sadness began to pass and joy returned. I have had a few calls recently, everyone is looking into finding a new pup. While others decided to add to their fur pack. I am so happy for those who found their new fur friend(s) and those still looking and understand those who decided against another fur baby. For those of who didn't, I have one question for you. How could you not want to wake up to this? ah hahahahaha Meet Big. The start of a relationship with my new little fur pal-was the best meet & greet ever! See you next time, Cheers, Lori *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles We were almost there. haha The trail had begun to thaw and icy snow began to melt. I was excited on this hike because it meant I could begin to expand the hikes. However the next day, old man winter showed up again. See the next post. *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles We had a great time loading up the Cruella Daville mobile, for an early morning pack hike. Building on a 5-pack today. Welcoming all dogs and the two new pooches are Bomber & Luna. It was a good hike; conditions are getting worse, while improving at the same time. The snow is still present, making hikes more challenging having to use more muscles. However, the ground is peaking through as well. Signs of spring. A big HOORAY! The terrain will be much better in the coming days and weeks-which goes without saying. It doesn't matter to the hounds, either way. They are racing back and forth in and out of tree-lines & puddles, while playing fetch with the ball. It's a good time to socialize and use up all their pent up energy together on this hiking trail. We even saw another human with a pooch, while on our adventure. I have a few pics to share, from today's pack walk. Then going forward I might just turn the blog into a photo gallery unless I find something new to blog about. Thanks so much for stopping by to view the post and have a look at the gallery. Goals are set to build on the gallery with new equipment this year-to capture the fun we have on all our adventures. I am really looking forward to spring when I can include a splash or two creek-side. There's so much to look forward to now that the worst of winter is behind us. Until then-here's to many pawsome adventures in 2022!! *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circlesIt was great to get back out in nature after such a prolonged cold snap that really pushed me to my limits to say the very least. At the most, as it passed my gratitude returned for the milder temperatures meant RAIN, not another dumping of the white stuff! I was seasonally affected for sure. haha The hounds were happy to be exploring, sniffing and running around on this soggie doggie adventure. There was a lot of snow still on the trails and slippery terrain as the rains set in, I could follow the trail made by others before me. I was happy to see the dogs engage socially and playfully. A true sign my life is making its way back to happiness. I always say a tired dog is a happy dog. Only, it applies to me too-Exerting all that pent up energy was the best release and I am in my happy place with your dog and mine. I am looking forward to longer outdoor adventures as the weather improves and returning to full time hiking with your fur pal and mine. There were only a couple pics taken on this hike as my cel lagged in such cold temperatures. A goal this year will be to upgrade it or purchase a camera to bring some true glimpses into our time spent together among the treelines. Rocket-lives up to his name shooting off in a quick sprint to return to the pack. Always engaging in playful behavior. Loves to fetch. Ball throwing is preferred over sticks to prevent chewing, swallowing and possibly lodging in the throat. Sticks can be left to be thrown by their humans on their watch. The other pics are too blurry. So I will work on this on our next hike when Rocket meets Bomber and Luna meets Gracie-Piper might sit this one out. Stay tuned as our pack hikes grow from here.
*bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles Merry Christmas to both 2 legs and 4! I am so happy to be home for the holidays with my favourite fur-friend. We woke up to the white stuff every where and I thought I best get this post up and published since its a simple winter snow hack for some dogs that love playing outdoors in the snow. However their furnishings are covered with snowballs in seconds after a good run in it. If you have children in the house? You have plenty of socks on hand. If you have an extra small dog, you might have to purchase new born socks. The idea is to make leggings for your fur pal by cutting off the ends and slipping them over-top of each leg. Voila no more snowballs....
Free to run around, back and forth and the snow won't accumulate on their furnishings anymore. Way more fun snowball free- Be sure to share this post everywhere, so anyone experiencing the winter wonderland can help their dog have more fun outdoors. With that said-Remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas once again. *Bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles I hope and pray you and yours are safe, warm and dry since this last storm ripped thru the island, lower mainland, & Fraser Valley bringing with it devastation that only few ever saw coming. I could get into that-but what's the point? I am not an engineer at any level of government. It is not my area of expertise. I am only an observer. My area of expertise is in the grooming room. There is so much going on in the industry with the latest set backs coming into focus the way I groom is going to change. SO, if a dog isn't groomed regularly and comes in occasionally, we will say seasonally. Its causing more wear and tear on this part alone, never mind the blade. When I could send the blade out for sharpening it was $10.00 per blade. It was a manageable fee. Only blade sharpening has now jumped to $18.00 per blade effective immediately. I groomed my last dog that was outside the recommended 4, 6, or 8 week rotation. This dog will remain anonymous. :) Grooms outside the recommended rotations again wear down equipment faster & this is now going to be passed along to the owner. For example, I am only using this pup to support and show why these changes are coming into affect Jan 1, 2022. This dog only came in seasonally to begin with. Maintained grooms two blades are used. The cutting blade & finishing blade. Plus a #30 for paw pads and a 5n1 for sanitary. This groom took 4 blades 2 cutting and 2 finishing, plus the #30 & 5n1 clipper. I used 2 clippers plus the 5n1. The coat was matted and in bad shape. Honestly, it needed to be shaved down. Only I understood the owners request and this pooch is super cute in the winter blade. It took 2 hours and I had to use three clippers and 6 blades total. This groom cost me $. It's the last time I do a groom this way. Only dogs such as a Husky, Bermese Mtn. Dog or German Shepard etc. can come and go seasonally as they use different tools and equipment for deshedding that have zero to very little overhead. We all have to make decisions. To accept the rate increases or not-I am still providing service, just on a smaller scale. While I focus on other parts of my business. I begin dog hiking in January. I am switching grooming to weekday afternoons & offer 1 to 2 weekend spots for those still working Mon-Fri. The bottom line, is if I have to pay for your groom, because the costs surpass the profit I will have to close my business. Unfortunately, this means I have to keep passing the increases along to you, the consumer. Just as they are being passed along to me. Only, I don't need a grooming room, shampoo's, blades, clippers, dryers, towels, brushes & combs. You do, so I can maintain your dogs coat. This is why its become supply chain woes, at the cost of doing business. I hope you and yours stay on-since I am willing to remain grooming. However, I understand if you want to go elsewhere. Perhaps another shop hasn't faced the costs of inflation and calculated the expense of the bottom line. Whatever happens going forward and into 2022-this is another new normal I could live without, while happily bathing the pooches that meet me in the grooming room for their next clip, dip and snip. God bless you and yours coming and going each and every day. We need His blessing to keep moving thru this time of uncertainty. I thank Him for you & yours as well as, I am still operating during this time plus all He has done for me during such a time as this. *bringing awareness to all our inner dog circles Where did the month go? I blinked and realized I almost missed the party to get out this months post. It's such an important topic too. Pets and Halloween.
There's so many things going on this weekend. Since it falls on the weekend. Parties, gatherings, activities, fireworks even if down graded due to cv-19, can still cause anxiety in our pets. Doorbells ringing. knocks on the door, shouting in the streets, kids running all over the neighbourhood. It will likely carry on for hours with the kids and as for the adults? It use to be both Friday & Saturday night parties. Maybe with "CV-19" still on the loose things may not be as active. If this is the case, its good for our pets. Still with fireworks & fire crackers just make sure all your pets are indoors as much as possible this weekend. Black cats are always at risk this time of year-so please keep them close to home until this weekend is over. Take precaution with the treat bowl. Chocolate is toxic to our dogs-it needs to be up high and out of reach. I know you all know this, but lots can be going on and it just takes a second. Most of you may know Piper-I brought her home on Halloween 6 years ago this Sunday night. She was never really affected by the noises; all the screechers that were set off, police road blocks, traffic and trick or treaters-then-but now? Haha, she is the mighty protector. Barking at every little noise. Its a night where I will keep her as comfortable as possible knowing this too shall pass. Whether its a big celebration or not in 2021. A go to, to keep her occupied is a raw bone. It keeps her busy and focused on that task. Another way to keep her busy is a Kong-same idea, but to make it last. Make it earlier in the day I would stuff it with her treats and freeze it. That way, it takes as long as a raw bone to chew. I find hikes are great too-so a big hike before its gets dark. If you do go hiking know where you're going and the terrain as its changing with all this wet weather. This will help her settle into the evening, as well. A tired dog is a happy dog has always been my motto. Before you know it Halloween will have come and gone we will be setting our clocks back 1 hour to regain that precious hour of sleep we lost to enjoy that extra hour of light in the spring. Its not a trick, its a treat! All of that was to say I can hardly wait for next weekend, because daylight savings ends. With that said-if you are outside be sure to have light and reflective clothing. Flashlights help, too. Just leave Fido at home to sit this one out or stay home with your fur pal and find your fav show. Popcorn anyone? Until next month-stay safe, be well. Lori & Piper Piper says woof! *bringing awareness to all our inner dog circles Just a heads up-it would seem inflation is coming at me in all directions now. As is, with most people, today. Therefore, I am providing as much notice as I can so everyone can plan for their pooches fees in advance.
I know I am on a budget. So being able to plan ahead whenever possible is the best strategy when it comes to setting aside a little something or a little something extra versus robbing Peter to pay Paul. In light of the regular increases, I will offer a spa bath at the same rate to customers and their fur pals without a increase. The spa baths are the best value and most of the hounds who come in for a spa bath enjoy the extra pampering. I just purchased new product for the spa bath and look forward to running a spa bath this weekend for a regular dog to see if her anxiety is eased. Most dogs are stressed and then relax when they are given a spa bath. Please feel free to book a spa bath for your pooch now or upgrade at the time of your fur friends appt. I will add some pics here to share what a spa bath looks like, once the pet owner consents and waives liability notice. Be back soon! *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles I offer solo hikes for hounds that require rehabilitation walks before they are introduced to a 4 pack. Plus, I am busy building 2 packs this month. Near months end I will be working on a 3 pack. See this months two-pack
My second two-pack this month...please contact 604.720.2394 if you would like to see your dog enter a pack today. Otherwise, check back soon to see how the packs grow and change as I upload a frame of time in our hikes, as time permits. *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles This is my 3rd attempt to bring forward an entry, but am having technical difficulties beyond my skills to address why I can't seem to get an article published. Its been going on for months now. Unless I upgrade the support isn't there. It should have been as simple as, copy, paste & publish. AN hour-on my day off. However, its here and done now just before dinner. My update for August is as follows. As things reopen, first, I want to say thank you to those of you who have been there for me in my grooming adventure. Plus, to those of you who have booked appts to board your fur love with me. Finally you get to take that vacation that was planned 18 months ago. Yet was put on Paws! :P Due to the nightmare that is lingering, as I try to put its effects behind me. So that, secondly, I am able to get back to my original business model of walking, hiking, boarding & grooming. As much as, I appreciate the opportunity to groom dogs, it's not my only skill set. It was never intended to be what it became. Covid turned it into only thing I do or offer. I want a well rounded and balanced life where I can walk/hike my 4-packs of dogs and provide grooming/boarding on the side for my clientele. I am headed back into shady trails and hiking in the outback for safe places to run my packs of up to 4 hounds. Eventually working towards, Mon-Fri early morning hikes, grooming in the afternoon & getting back to taking weekends off. I am so much happier knowing my fur companions love hiking and run to me because its an adventure they want to go on. :) I will still offer grooming plus a Saturday for grooming for those working Mon-Fri, but there are limited spaces. As well, if a booked appt & it becomes a no-show the cancellation list is the only way back into the grooming rotation. Please give me proper notice so I can try to fill the spot, when so many dogs are still being turned away. Looking after a few 4-packs is the best way to see the hounds get the necessary exercise they need, as well as getting my own cardio routine back in place. If there aren't enough dogs to fill the spaces. I will have to look for other work, as I have mentioned. The grooming room now has limited spaces available. As I move back into my main business of exploring the great outdoors with dirty dog adventures and little dog adventures. It's time to get back to passion-not fear. Fear has taken so much from everyone all ready. We only have today and I am not going to locked down into a fearful state where nothing is accomplished and wind up bankrupt. Once shame on you, twice -see- it's not happening. I will go down standing firm for what I believe in. Either stand for something or fall for anything. On that note-see you back here next month, in the grooming room, or maybe I will be sending you a pic of muddy doggy day in the outback. :) Cheers, Lori & Piper *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles Hello, Lori here with a quick update that there is no rate increase until Jan '22.
Everyone will see a rate increase Jan 01, 2022. Until then, rates are frozen. It's the least I can do to help give everyone some notice, versus like a trip down the grocery aisle and the $20.00 purchased 50% of what it did before. DO prices ever come down? Hmmmm. I will do my best to keep everyone updated going into the fall grooms. Until then-stay cool and hydrated!! *bringing awareness into all our inner dog circles A quick update to share I am now open for dog boarding. I have space for 2 dogs maximum per night. If time permits, hiking will be added into the overnight stays, as well. In other words, please give me as much notice as possible, so I can offer this service. A tired dog is a happy dog- Hiking is one of my fav ways to spend time with our fur pals. Sometimes, just walking out the back door will have to do if time is short. The following dates have been booked: July 27-31 is booked Tuesdays overnight are now booked until further notice Aug 28th is booked Sept 7-16th is booked Nov 26- Dec 4th is booked |
AuthorHi, my name is Lori and I want to personally welcome you to Making Tracks Dog Hiking Blog. This is where I will begin blogging posts about current adventures in the outback as well as, important topics regarding our furry companion(s), as Making Tracks leaves paw prints all over the web and I hope your heart and mine. Archives
April 2024
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