House Rules... kind of

Going coastal

We're in the midst of planning a coastal wedding for October this year which has meant many a roadtrip down South with our faithful fur-babies in tow.

 

A few weekends ago we were off again with a full itinerary of appointments and a Jeep loaded up with two excited cattle dogs.

 

 

 

Our first stop was in Ulladulla, NSW at a lovely coffee shop called Boardwalk Cafe, from the outside it looked like a normal sidewalk cafe - nice but normal... However they also have a back entrance which opens up onto a courtyard that overlooks the water.. it is also dog friendly!!!! We had a lovely time, met the establishment dog who came over straight away to greet our two, and another beagle who was enjoying the morning sunshine! (We felt very special as we'd been told that he usually ignores the other dogs and let's them come to him!!) Belle tried to convince us she was human and jumped onto the bench, but she was quickly removed!

 

 

 

the resident dog... what looked like a blue heeler cross

After this the dogs went for a walk along Mollymook Beach whilst we were in our first meeting (with their paternal grandparents, not alone don't worry!!), then into the Jeep and onto Milton.

 

It was a brief stop at our cake makers home, where we met her border collie and our pups enjoyed the country surrounds of fresh air and serenity before our final pit stop in Lake Conjola. Here they met another friend, a chi/maltese/poodle who had a big personality and wanted to have a good play with the big dogs.

 

After all this the pups were ready to call it a day with just one more visit to the beach on the way home.. and this time a swim was not to be escaped!!!

 

On the Sunday morning we went for a long bush walk around Malua Bay, before one more quick frolic on the beach and then onwards to home.

 

The dogs were so exhausted but had had a lovely time meeting new friends and finding new dog friendly places along the way.

 

Don't let a pet stop you traveling - in our experience they love coming along!!

 

Forever love your dog,
Emma

The Fetch Fiends

As has been previously mentioned here on the blog our two working dogs are fetch mad. To the point where Occa can turn anything into a fetch toy. Husband to be took off his socks last night after work and Occa started carting them around dropping them at our feet, he's even used a toy spanner as a fetch toy before...
 

With all this it is safe to say that as a family we need to have a constant supply of appropriate fetch items for playtime. Our Kong Flyer is great (reviewed previously), but we've started really getting into combination walks where we as humans also get some exercise, so having a smaller fetch toy has become more important. Enter the 'high bounce Spalding ball.'

 

 

A ball intended for things such as handball and general horseplay it's not one you'd immediately think of when searching for a dog toy. Well it is fabulous. It's hard rubber surface, which makes it a great bouncer, also gives it a strong defense against blue heeler teeth whilst being soft enough not to knock any of them out. It's also easier to fit into a standard ball thrower, lighter so it goes further and seems to hurt less when it accidently hits them!
 

It's also an amazing price at only a few dollars per ball from your local sports store. 

 

The only problem we've had with them is losing them down drains, in long grass or at sea..

 

 

Definitely one for a fetch fiend.

Forever love your dog,
Emma

Tackling Mt Taylor



Being practically born and bred Canberran the bush has long been my backyard. One of my favourite childhood haunts which has no become a favourite exercise regime in my adult years is the infamous (for Canberra anyway) Mount Taylor Reserve.

 

Mount Taylor is Canberra's second highest peak at an impressive 856 metres and is one of the most well known mountains in the Canberra region. A popular walking mecca for families, horse-riders, hikers, exercise enthusiaists and of course my dog lover comrades it is always a good place to meet like minded folks and socialize your pup of and weekend morning. Note - if you're not feeling up to and by sort of socialization I would avoid this area due to its popularity! !! 

There are several different routes up the mountain depending on which suburb you are keen to start from. I regularly take the curving path from Chifley, or the steep path from Torrens. Only a couple of times have I taken the fire truck path from Chifley as it is killer!!!! 

A few weekends ago we went out with the family and started walking from the Chifley suburbs, took the curving path and headed on up. We then went back down the curving path and went back via Chifley Shops for a coffee and some ball time. 

The path features a few break points which are great photo opportunities, and we also met the friendly neighborhood dog water carrier on the way up. A lovely gentlemen who carries 2L of water on his back to keep the bowl on the top of the mountain full!! The world needs more selfless people like him - he's a hoot! 

  

At the top, taking a well deserved break.

Belle basking in the warmth of the sun.

The dog bowl at the top which is refilled regularly by a friendly neighbor. 

Towards the end of the walk Belle trod on a thorn and decided she needed to be fireman carried for a little while. Her daddy happily obliged. 

All in all we did an 11km walk in two hours, which was enough to tire the pups out for the afternoon. Usually the route up the mountain only takes us an hour round trip.. but our stop at Chifley Shops was well worth the extra time.

 

Forever love your dog,

 

Emma