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DOGS LOVE....CANOES
It was back in the late 90's when Nissan proclaimed "Dogs Love Trucks!" Well, the same can be said....sometimes....about canoes. But the fact is, not all dogs love canoes.  Each year we have a number of groups that venture into the Canoe Country with their favorite traveling companions. Over the years, we've seen many different results with Fido along for the ride. Bringing a dog with you on a canoe trip requires some extra thought and planning. Overlooking some basic issues can result in an experience that's miserable for both dog and master. Here are a few suggestions to consider for your dog's canoe adventure. First, how does your pet feel about tight quarters for long periods of time? If your canine friend is wound up as tight as that extra parachute cord in your pack, it may be quite a challenge for the human folks to ever feel very comfortable while canoeing, especially in wind and waves. When they do settle down, dogs (especially bigger ones) never seem to be able to find the center of the canoe and really like to lean against the smooth round sides of the canoe. Knowing and handling you dog's temperament is important for maintaining "smooth sailing". A small pad or piece of rug on the canoe floor helps keep your dog comfortable and calm. Next, how does your dog react to wildlife? Some dogs really get "spun up" at the sight of even the smallest critters. Having control of your pet is very important in these situations. I've had a dog jump from a canoe, nearly dumping it and us, just from seeing a beaver swimming along the shore. If your dog chases things...an island campsite might be a good idea. The Boundary Waters is a big place and a dog could run for a long time. A dog lost in the Boundary Waters is a very difficult situation to deal with. Besides the companionship, it's pretty well known that people that have dogs (even little ones), don't usually have issues with bears. The mere scent of a bear typically has a dog barking instantly. Bears would just as soon avoid the confrontation. Be sure to properly calculate food and extra first aid for your furry friend as well. Pay close attention to their feet (pads) as this is a common area of concern with the rocky and sometimes sharp terrain. Dogs are required to be under voice or leash control in the Canoe Country and in Quetico Park, current proof of vaccination is mandatory. We welcome dogs here at the base but we ask that your pet is friendly around all guests, tended to by its owner(s), confined to the floor in lodging (or kenneled) and generally quiet (especially at night).  | |
Are We There Yet?
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So, when planning to bring your canine friend, make sure you are prepared. Feel free to call us if you have questions about bringing your dog and remember...Happy Hounds make for Happy Campers!
Dave (Our thanks to Tom Winston and Shasta Grenier for sharing the great pictures of Kirby)
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Around the Base
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It seems we can't send a newsletter without at least mentioning the weather. Snow totals are a bit down, and as the case has been the last few winters, we could use some more. The crazy temperature swings are what's been a little weird though, with swings in the last month ranging from 35 above to 35 below zero. We even had nearly an inch of rain during one of the warm spells early in January....what a mess when that froze!  All the usual suspects (wildlife) have been hanging around and even a not so usual suspect. After a few winters in hiding, our friendly cross fox (a less common color phase of a red fox) has been making the rounds.  Being the optimist, I am starting to notice the daylight getting longer. The nice thing is that we can enjoy our favorite winter activities and have more daylight to do them. Dave
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