Spring Has Sprung Ingrid Braulini Some great

Let’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.

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 fundraisSpring 2022

Ingrid Braulini - Grantham, NH

ers. 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, believe me. This includes a costumed pet parade, beach access for pets, cruises, an agility course, and on and on. Check out the web or call 802-475-2311 or email pr@basinharbor.com for more information.

Check the internet for restaurants and hotels that cater to you and your pet making an outing “oh so grand”! Ostensibly you can also, actually sign up for dog or goat yoga at several clever studios. Again you need to check out how and where because of the current, ever-changing situations. Yoga may require heading out to Massachusetts. Hard to say.

So, what’s in for the cats? Not much, sadly. Most of the entertainment is geared to the indoors which can actually be done year-round like cat puzzles, interactive toys with feathers and balls, tunnels, and cat trees. Besides, cats are incredibly good at entertaining themselves often to their pet parent’s dismay or horror. You can also set up a wonderful agility course which they have probably also already done for themselves…you know the one with jumping over the expensive one-of-a-kind pottery display from the Craftsman’s Fair and nailsharpening on Aunt Bess’s luxurious 1776 heirloom quilt.

There is, of course, the fabulous Seacoast Cat Show which takes place at the Everett Arena in Concord on May 7 and 8. You “could” take your cat, but I don’t think you can bring her inside unless she’s signed up for the show. She’ll have to show she can prance around on command without whacking the judge and getting points taken off.

What else can you do with animals in the spring? You can take them to a nursing home or hospital if they have some semblance of manners (PLEASE, check with the facility first!). There are great spots for pet picnics, paddle boarding, and camping throughout our beautiful states. With today’s internet you can find all kinds of places and things to do, but please always check out the dates and times. In these pandemic years, everything is fungible.

If the weather is not playing along well, there are myriad puzzles you can do or even invent such as hiding munchies under or in plastic or metal bowls around the house depending on your pet’s acuteness. If you have carpeting, there’s also stuffed-animal-fetch for dogs or cat-toy-fetches for cats. How about an indoor picnic complete with playtime and dry kibble? I also highly recommend taking a class with your dog such as agility or even simple training. There are great fitness and wellness classes throughout the area such as one in Concord called Canine Strong.

Please be sure that wherever you take your pet, they have good manners and that you come equipped with plenty of poopbags and drinking water for your pup.

Finally, get together with friends who have dogs and hike, take walks, or classes together, explore new places and sniff out new things…you never know what you and your dog’s next favorite adventure will be.

Ingrid Braulini is the retired owner of Pet

First Aid and Wellness LLC, a PetTech Instructor, a Former National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Board Member and an Education Committee Chair www.4LegsAndATail.com 5