Grab a Stick – it's time to play Outdoors COVER STORY

What's your favorite adventure outdoors? Whatever your answer, take your best fur-friend along. Hiking, swimming, boating and camping are great ways to bond with your dog, while you enjoy the fresh air and exercise. A little pre-planning make your trip easy, safe and fun. Once you've got a successful outdoor excursion under your belt – and her collar – you'll be ready for many more!

Meet Luna. Luna is a two-year-old golden retriever that lives with her family and best friend, Bear (an eightyear-old Landseer Newfoundland) in Shelton. Bear and Luna love being on the water. In fact, given the chance, they'd stay on the beach all day chasing sticks, and hunting crabs and flounders in the inlet.

Luna also loves going for hikes with her humans but every once in a while they need to be reminded what to do when she's taking them out in the wilderness.

1. Stick to Pup-friendly trails

Trails located in the Olympic National Forest, DNR Land, County or State Parks are mostly dog-friendly. While you're welcome in Olympic National Park campgrounds, picnic areas and paved or dirt roads; most trails within the Olympic National Part profit you from walking in them.

2. Care for Tender Paws

Make sure your people have proper hiking shoes and that your pads are toughened or purchase booties and get used to them before heading out.

3. Take it Easy Luna suggest start with an easy trail and slowly build up stamina.

4. Yield to oncoming traffic

Step off the trail when hikers pass and let other dogs know how friendly your humans are

5. Leash Control

If the trail requires leashes, keep a short leash (6') on your human. Long leashes may get tangled in the bushes.

6. Leave no trace

Remind your humans to take out the trash and pack waste bags. If you are backpacking overnight, show them how to bury it at least 6" deep and away from camps and water sources.

Lake Limerick Community is Shelton's hidden gem

Have you had a chance to explore Shelton's lake communities? One that shouldn't get a miss is Lake Limerick, a HOA community located near Shelton with lots to offer members and public.