Hey guys! This week I really wanted to focus on my pooch, Willow. For those of you who don’t know, Willow is a seven-year-old black and white Pomeranian. I rescued her from the Madison County Animal Shelter in February 2019. I decided to get a dog because I had recently moved out of my mom’s house and was alone in my apartment a lot. I wanted something that would alert me as to if someone was near my apartment or trying to break in. Although I had looked at large dogs (like huskies, German shepherds, etc.), when they plopped Willow into my arms, I was done for. I knew I would know the right dog for me. I just hadn’t anticipated it being six pounds and ridiculously fluffy.

Willow is one of the best dogs I’ve ever met. Yes, I’m a little biased. But she’s genuinely so intelligent it’s scary sometimes. She seems to understand everything I say. She doesn’t require a leash, and knows how to sit. I haven’t taught her anything new. One of my favorite things to do with Willow is walk around the park. My favorite park to visit is Morrow’s Meadow in Yorktown, IN. It has free doggie bags and a place to put pet waste. It also has beautiful scenery of woods, a butterfly habitat, and White River. Willow loves walking around Morrow’s Meadow and meeting new people and animals. It’s made her more sociable, outgoing, and free-spirited. I try to take her to Morrow’s Meadow at least once a week during the summer, and really want to make it a priority to take her there more before it gets too cold outside.

Another great outdoor activity to do with your dog is play fetch. As cliche as it sounds, they love it, and can’t ever get enough of it. There are multiple devices that can make playing fetch more fun now. Products such as “Chuckit!” Sport Launcher Dog Ball Thrower make it easier for people to play fetch with their dogs without straining their shoulder or arm. It also increases the distance at which the ball is thrown, with less effort. My grandma’s black lab, Hunter, really enjoyed this invention and would spend thirty minutes or so running after the ball and bringing it back, tail wagging the whole time.

Swimming is also a fantastic outdoor activity to do with your pooch. In Willow’s case, she will need a life jacket to swim because her fur can collect so much water and pull her down. Although this is the case, she doesn’t mind baths, and I really want to take her out swimming sometime. The Reservoir would be a good place to go, but I’m honestly terrified a catfish might eat her…. If you have a bigger dog this might be a great swimming location for both of you, though! They only charge $2 or so for admission.

Another great outdoor activity Willow and I love is simply sitting on the back porch watching birds and other wildlife together. She loves sitting in my lap, and I enjoy having her there. She’s very observant, and rarely barks at things like birds, leaves, squirrels, and rabbits. She is a very good companion, which is what having a dog is all about.

Lastly, going for car rides with your pooch can be a fun and memorable experience for both of you. You don’t even necessarily have to have a destination in mind. If the day is good and you don’t have much else occupying your time, why not grab your furry friend and drive around for a bit? Dogs love the change in scenery, the wind in their ears, and the sense of adventure. I always think of it as a special treat when I get to take Willow for a car ride and mix things up for her, especially since she doesn’t get to go outside as much as I would like.

These are just a few of many things you can do outdoors with your dog. Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more things to do in the great outdoors!

-Taylor