An Urban Hike

Hog's Back Falls

This weeks hike was an urban hike at Hog's Back Park, which covers 20.8 hectares and includes Hog Back Falls. The rushing water was scary to Charlie and he didn't like to stand near it at the top of the falls.

Charlie stayed out of the water as it was very fast and  levels were very high. Until a big wave took him by surprise on the trail.

While walking along the trail and seeing all the views Charlie practiced his balancing skills by walking along beams, trees and curbs.

The falls are great to visit during the spring when the water is highest and not diverted to the canal. The park is filled with signs and plaques like the one above so you can learn lots about the geological history and heritage of the park.

South March Highlands

Another Hiking Adventure

This week Charlie went hiking at the South March Highlands Conservation Area not once but twice! Two days in a row because he loved it that much!

The trails wind through the woods and pass by small lakes, we found one still snow covered with a beaver lodge right in the middle of it!

Part way through we found another small lake this one just had a small layer of ice and Charlie was able to take a quick drink.

The last loop of the trail we decided to take a seat on a fallen down tree while we let some cyclist drive past. Mountain bikes and fat bikes are allowed throughout the conservation area, so you have to make sure you share the trails. 

The conservation area is also home to endangered species, the Blanding's Turtle and the Butternut Tree. So make sure you leave the species to themselves, look but do not disturb them!

If you want to visit the conservation area or learn more about the area and the species that live there you can check out the website South March Highlands.

Maple Syrup Time!

🍁Maple Syrup Adventure🍁

Today, Charlie spent some time at Fortune Farms learning about maple syrup and looking at all the maple trees.

He got to see how the used to collect all the sap! 

And how people used to boil the sap down to syrup a long time ago! 

It was tons of fun, you get to walk around the property. We visited the Kettle Boys, the Shanty Man and saw how they make syrup now. At every step of the way Charlie's parents got to try the syrup!! Yum!

If you want to go to a Sugar Bush this season I highly recommend going to Fortune Farms! Charlies parents have been going here for over 20 years and still love it!

For more information about the Fortune Farms Sugar Bush visit the below link. They even have a blog so you can keep up to date on all things maple!

 https://fortunefarms.ca/

Charlie's weekend adventure- MacKenzie King Estate

Dogs too get bored of the same food, the same walk and the same dog friends. We to get bored too. That's why every weekend we try a new walk or hike. We are lucking that we live in Ottawa since we have so many trails and walks that we can go to under half an hour. We have shared some in the past. See below links to MacKenzie King Estate and other hiking trails in the Gatineau.

Walking and Hiking in the Gatineau

Hiking and Walking at the Mackenzie King Estate

How to tell your dog is cold.

Some dogs have a great coat to keep them warm in the winter and other dogs don't. So how how long can they endure the cold?  You need to look for signs and recognizing when it's time to go home.

First Signs of a cold dog.

1. Ice between their toes or on their body
2. Dog is shaking or shivering due to wetness, cold or both.

If you don't take action early your dog will have blisters and/or swelling as well as some frostbite.

Second Degree 

Second degree frostbite will result in skin blisters. Skin turns a very pale/gray colour on their ears, feet,toes and tails.

Third Degree

Third degree may result in gangrene resulting in amputation of affection area and sometimes death.

Dogs like Charlie have a double-coated fur to protect him from the cold weather and wet weather but they too have their limits. If you have a hairless dog, a dog with little fur, or you live, walk and run in a very cold climate, I recommend a coat made for your dog. You can also buy boots for your dog as well.

Always monitor your pet. Keep them safe. They rely on your judgement.

Charlie at The Mackenzie King Estate

Charlie at the Ruins

Most don't know that MacKenzie King, former Canadian Prime Minister in 1921–1926, 1926–1930 and 1935–1948 served was a devoted dog owner.

He had Irish Terriers, first three he named Pat. He praised his terrier friends as "a God-sent little angel in the guise of a dog, my dear little saviour"

MacKenzie King was not a people person but he really loved his dogs! I think he would have enjoyed seeing all the dogs walking in his estate.

Charlie enjoyed the Estate, he liked the ruins, paths, water fall (even if it was frozen), the trails and the cross country ski trails. Snow shoeing is good here too!

Charlie heard that the gardens are nice in the summer and a great place to have high tea.

Link for more info
http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/mackenzie-king-estate/visitor-information

Dogs making their own fun.

We can't always take Charlie for a walk or play with him so he has to make his own fun.

1.  Chewing on a good stick or bone from the butcher is something Charlie can do for hours.
2.  Kongs with frozen meat fillings are good too.
3.  A clean stuffy to chew on.
4.  Provide a place in the house that your dog can look out the window.
5.  Make a dog popsicle. Get a bowl, add some broth and freeze. Give to your dog outside.

A beautiful feathered tail, constantly moving back and forth.

Duck Tollers are known for their beautiful flashing tails. Some tollers have a white tip at the end of their tails. Charlie's tails is long and always up when walking or excited. Toller tails are full of action depending what the toller is thinking or doing,

Charlie enjoys chasing his tail as well.

All wet!

Most dogs hate bath time usually due to the confined space, the scrubbing and the water. Below is some tips for dog bathing.

Bathing tips for dogs.

1. Use Lukewarm water and a soft spray of water.
2. Use soap made for dogs, its less harsh on their fur.
3. Give direction to your dog in a soft mild voice.
4. If possible be silly, try to make it fun for your dog.
5. Get some help if needed. An extra hand can make the experience quicker.
6. Wash the face last.
7. Have some some treats on hand and praise your dog when finished. It's a good idea to have a playtime or a good snuggle after bath time.

Dogs that love to cuddle.

Want to cuddle with your dog? Cuddling with your dog is good for you in so many ways. Cuddling can lower your stress levels, lower your blood pressure, lower your risk of a stroke, can beat depression and help reduce pain and it's good for your dog too!

Studies have also shown that cuddling with your dog releases oxytocin in both you and in your pet. Oxytocin has a calming and soothing affect on pet and human. So enjoy cuddles on the couch and good long walks with your dog.

Here is a list of dogs that like to cuddle.

1. Duck Toller- Charlie loves to cuddle.
2. Labrador Retriever.
3. Golden Retriever.
4. Basset Hound
5. Maltese
6. Pug
5. Maltese
6. Collie