Spring Has Sprung Ingrid Braulini - Grantham, NH
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et’s see if we made it through winter with some semblance of our imagination intact. As we try to make sense of the fact that we have been locked up since “forever” between the pandemic and winter we need to start “doing things” that include our pets now that it is spring. Zoe the bullmastiff is pretty much fed up with the short breathers to pee and poop while Terrance the Lab has decided we have no idea what fun is and besides, why we can’t play in -10-degree weather and two feet of snow for hours on end? Trixi and Zelda have been spending the winter tearing each other apart while mock-hunting and not-so-mock attacking each other, and being bored out of their gourds… yes, even for cats. So now spring has sprung and we need to start coming up with things both out of the house and into the wild with our pets. I spent time hunting around for things to do. Somethings that are weather dependent, not so weather dependent, and things where who gives a hoot! Let’s do it! Of course, with dogs, the biggest thrill is the exploration of new and exciting trails, dog parks, swimming holes, and if you have a particularly smart dog: specialized training and interaction with other dogs in competition may be desired.
32 4 Legs & a Tail
I tried to pick things that cover areas, weather, and activities easily accessible to our readers, particularly those in Vermont and the Upper Valley, without recreating the wheel of usual spots. A great place is the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park in WRJ (that’s White River Junction, VT to you area newbies). This is a great place to let them run wild… but fairly well-behaved dogs, please. Looking for great trails for your lovable? Try The Northern Rail Trail which meanders along a remarkably long and scenic route including a stretch along Mascoma Lake. Or the also scenic Cross Vermont Trail from Montpelier to Vergennes. Another beautiful spot is the Equinox Preserve (fun for humans too) in Manchester, VT. Or, of course, there’s the Franconia Notch trail up north or the Winnipesaukee River Trail. A perfect place is Dog Mountain near Stowe close to St. Johnsbury (VT): doggy heaven. You can’t find a better spot for a dog. Trails, a swimming hole, other lovable mutts, a fantastic dog chapel (bring LOTS of tissues, a picture of a past dog, and/or written memorial to your pet to hang on the wall). You will cry a river…but it is so worth it! There’s even a tribute to Goldens (all dogs are invited) on May 21st and a special festival of remembrance for Stephan Huneck the Dog Mtn creator. Great gift shop too! For those of you who like some “competition” or “purpose” in June, in NH there is the Stratham Hill Paws Walk and The Run Dog Jog in Nashua both being fundraisers. Back up to May, all sorts of breweries are doing events where you can bring your dog (not sure exactly how much beer is involved, but hey! Sounds like a plan). There’s Yappy Hour, Tails n’Ales at the Red Hook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH as well as a Yappy Hour at the Smutty Nose Brewery in VT. In Vergennes, there’s Woofstock: A Festival of Fidos in June at the Basin Harbor Club with absolutely everything a dog festival could or should have. If they don’t have it, it’s not found anywhere, Spring 2022
