Thursday, June 25, 2015

14 Tips for Traveling With Your Dog

With the beginning of family vacations, it is time to once again remind our Bark Park members and friends to follow some simple guidelines when taking Fido along on a family vacation.  For many pet owners, they can’t even imagine leaving their canine buddy behind.  Below are 14 things to remember when traveling with the dog.



1. Bring food and water from home to avoid any digestive problems.

2. Pack all medications and supplements to avoid missed doses.

3. Carry an up to date shot record and a picture of your pet in the glove compartment at all times.

4. Attach current up to date name tags to your pet’s collar.  Make sure rabies tags are on the collar.
Make sure the collar is snug enough and the dog cannot back out of the collar.

5. Exercise your pet prior to departure. A tired pet is usually a better traveler.

6. Plan pet friendly places along the way for stopping, eating, overnights, dog parks, etc.  There are many free apps for your phone that will help you locate pet friendly establishments.  Here are some to look at http://www.techhive.com/article/2089981/five-essential-apps-for-traveling-with-your-pets.html

7. Be sure to pack a lead and place it on the dog before you open the door to let your dog out.

8. Pack toys and possible favorite chew toy.

9. Have a pet first aid kit handy at all times.  These can generally be purchased at local pet stores or you can make your own.  Here is a good start http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html

10. Be sure to stop every two hours for exercise and potty breaks.  Carry poop bags.

11. Travel on an empty stomach to avoid car sickness.  Try to feed at least four hours prior to
departure to prevent car sickness.  

12. Restrain your pet with a harness, pet seat barrier, or a wire cage, to keep the dog safe in case of an accident.

13. Consider these additional items:

  • Dog Bed or blanket the pet uses
  • Terry towels and paper towels for possible clean-ups
  • Two leashes, a short one and a longer one. 


14. Location of a vet at your destination.




Vacationing with your dog may take a little extra work, but it can be a wonderful experience.  Have some tips to share?  We'd love to hear them.  Comment below!


Dock Diving Diva, Mandy and Sherry

Sherry and Mandy


Hi everyone. I am sure most of you know more about my dog Mandy “best dressed dog at CLBP” then you know me.

I have lived in the Springboro area all my life. I enjoy snowmobiling, quilting, and silk screening. I went to Vo-Tech for commercial arts and graphs during my high school days. My biggest project while there was creating a new logo for the Crawford County Humane Society, which included a new sign for in front of their shelter and their down town Thrift Store.

 I have always had animals in my life. I grew up with a mutt named Sebastian, a yellow lab named Bud, a pup we rescued in a blizzard named Stormy, and my current dog Mandy a boxer/lab mix. We’ve always had horses and at one time we had up to three horses at once, and too many barn cats to name.

Mandy, the best dressed dog at
the Conneaut Lake Bark Park
I showed horses in the local 4-H club. It wasn’t till I got Mandy that my eyes really opened to the world of dog sports. In 2010 my eyes opened up to the Therapy Dog Program. During a carting accident my horse fell on my mom and crushed her pelvis. She spent 2 months at Wesbury where Mandy went with me every time to see her. After what I saw with Mandy and my mom I decided to join Paws Hand Delivered and bring that joy to others as it did for my mom.


Then in the fall of 2010 they started doing dock diving demos at the Bark Park with hopes to have a full season of events in 2011. In the spring I signed Mandy up for a class and that was it, we were both hooked. In 2012, I took over the dock diving with what I was told “just for a while to help out.” Well, three years later and guess what, I am still running it. I love the sport and could not imagine my life without it. I even get to use my artsy side in making all the ribbons and trophy’s given away at each and every event. We are slowly making updates and improvements with the help of my mom Jan, “Mrs. Home Depot”. This year the dock has officially been named, "Mandy's Dock".


Mandy's Dock at the Conneaut Lake Bark Park


Cute Saint Bernard Puppy Chasing A GoPro!







Oh the cuteness ... and the slobber!



What's sure to make your workday better? An adorable St. Bernard pup chasing a GoPro.  This 10 week old baby made our hearts melt.  How about yours?