Sophie and Winston Go Camping

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I took Sophie and Winston camping last week for the first time. I was bit nervous about it but it went smoothly all things considered. When I arrived at the camp site I had to tether them to a tree so I could put up my tent and unpack the car. They were not pleased to be bound as they really wanted to explore!

I bought a tent that had a seperate area for the doodles which I figured would help if they got muddy so I could keep my side clean. this didn't work out all that well because Sophie did not like being enclosed in the tent. She paced back and forth the first night and eventually I had to open the zipper to let her in. She finally settled down and we fell asleep wrapped up in each other's limbs, her head on my arm (she never snuggles so this was kind of nice). However, I didn't close the zipper properly in the dark so got visited by a pesky mosquito. I didn't want to move and wake her up so I was pretty stiff in the morning and didn't get much sleep. Oh the things we do for our doodles.

There were a bunch of kiddies with us and my brother seemed to think the dogs would be great entertainment for the kids. The downside is that I spent a good chunk of my time supervising while they got to relax and unwind. I sorted out more than my fair share of fights over who's turn it is to throw the frisbee while the others sat around oblivous to all the commotion, reading their books, poking the camp fire, etc.. The doodles loved all the attention for the most part though and I have to say that I'm very proud of how patient they were. Even though there were times when I could tell they had enough, and eventually had to shoe the kids away, the dogs were calm and patient and never let the kids get to them.

Thanks to my niece, Sophie is now a big fan of catching bubbles. I'm surprised her mouth didn't get all soapy!

We fit in some fun swimming time off the rocky shore - the only part where dogs were allowed. But it was hard to keep the doodles away from all the dead seagulls! yuck! But once we broke out the frisbee they forgot all about the seagull graveyard off to the side. Unfortunately, I had to be the one to wade in in my clothes to fish the frisbee off the bottom of the lake when it sank. (no picutres of me in my wet clothes!).

At night by the campfire the doodles were so sleepy from all the activity, which included a raccoon visit to our kitchen tent which got the doodles very excited (thank goodness they were on leash!).

Winston suffered a grave injustice at the hands of his uncle.

The second night went much more smoothly. The doodles slept well until the sun came up and Sophie noticed a chipmunk through the mesh window of the tent. Not realizing she couldn't go straight through, she bounded with full might into the mesh and bounced back - luckily the tent was firmly pegged down. Silly doodle. I think with a little practice the doodles will be regular camping pros and I really can't wait to try it again. My sister-in-law said she hopes we come back next year because the dogs are so great with keeping the kids entertained (and giving her a break :). I think next time we'll get our own site a little ways off, to create just a little distance between us and those playful human puppies so we can schedule some downtime for ourselves ;o)

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

What fun!  It looks like a great time was had by all :)  

[Pat and Traveler]

Sounds like the dogs were a great hit as campers.  :)  It's a lot of work, camping is.  But there are always a lot of great memories--as you've shown us!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Sounds tiring but fun and a great experience for you all.  The doodles were a big hit by all accounts. I used to enjoy camping and sleeping outdoors but I have a new theory regarding holidays as I get older and that it has to be at least one step up from my usual sleeping arrangements LOL

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sounds like a great 1st time out!  Hopefully you guys will get a little more down time next time.  Loved the pics.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Sounds like a success! Good for Sophie and Winston for being so patient!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sherri, You are very brave and quite the trooper. My idea of camping is a giant RV with air conditioning to drown out the dogs barking at every little noise. Your dogs sure hit the jackpot when they found their way to you!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Aw looks fun!!! I went on your page to look at more pictures of Sophie and Winston and saw all your posts about how you adopted Winston. So happy that he found you! :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm not a camper either, but I might change my mind if it included snuggling with doodles! Love the pictures, Winston has the patience of a saint. It sounds like you all had a good time, but that site a little ways off sounds like a good idea for the next camping trip. 

[Sheila & Finnley]

Doodle camping at it's finest ! Looks like fun and that that Winston and Sophie had a great time with the kids and wildlife !

[Willow and J]

"human puppies" :)