Haddie's Vacation!

Haddie went on vacation with us for a three day weekend! Our first time traveling with her for an overnight stay away from home.

We visit this cute town in the valley of Mountains twice a year. Once during the winter school break right after Christmas, and the other time during the summer right after the 4th of July. All things Snow related in the Winter, and all things Sun related in the Summer. Hooking up with a Condo-style place that sits on Front Street overlooking the town, we have found it to be the best local vacation for the last ten years!

We know the owners of this place, so sometimes it works out to get extra perks - like staying later than normal check-out time if there is not a booking for our specific room the next day. That was the case for this weekend. It felt extra long as a result; perfect!

When we arrived, the owners were cleaning the rooms that were currently vacant to be ready for the next guests. I was not sure how they would feel about Haddie, but we were going to do one of those "Ask for Forgiveness" situations rather than ask for prior permission.

The female owner was all smiles and wide eyed with glee to see Haddie. Her dear friend Puppy Raises for Guide Dogs in a bordering state and she knew all about Puppy Raising through her - and was in love with Haddie instantly. Whew! The two of us had a nice lengthy talk about Puppy Raising while my family unloaded the car - great timing! Ha!

The temps soared to the high 90's, so we finally got to experience "the rest of the country" and what if feels like to have a pup in the heat. Yes, it was a juggling act. We planned our days around Haddie, but it worked out perfect for us as well.

Early morning and late night walks through town, short hikes in the woods before Noon, and Frozen Yogurt outings before bed. During the heat of the day, she enjoyed napping in her kennel in the Air Conditioned Condo while we played at the outdoor public pool.

I figured the one thing that Haddie would learn to succeed in during our vacation was going up and down stairs with out racing. I am kicking myself for not taking a picture, but there were two staircases both outdoors leading from the Alley where we park to the Condo up above all the storefronts.

The one we usually take are wooden stairs, somewhat see-through to the floor below, and exposed to the sunlight - about four flights of 10 stairs a piece on a steep incline/decline. The second staircase is completely covered, which makes it exceptionally dark. There were about six flights of seven stairs each to this staircase which made it much more gradual.

Well, it took me until the second day to remember the covered staircase, so the entire first day Haddie spent on the steep, open staircase going in and out of the condo for every outing and bathroom break. Yes, it was crazy! Poor girl was trying so hard to overcome her fear, not pull, not race, and not look down all at the same time while panting up a storm in the 90+ heat. She started out as a C- in quality, but by the end of the weekend, she was at a strong B+.  I consider that success for Haddie! We will keep working stairs.

I found a small patch of gravel next to the Alley garbage cans where she did all of her business. It was so convenient considering the only other patch of non-cement for Haddie was around the corner and down the street to the Front Street Park. I know the pups have to be able to do their business on any surface, and Haddie has done her business on cement before, but I just don't think it is very polite for others - especially in the heat, and this Alley is more of a walk-through to get from one section of town to the other. I was so happy to find this tiny patch of gravel so close. It was certainly handy.

That is where we met Velvet - a six month old Puppy in Training with Guide Dogs of America. She was adorable and it was so fun to bump into them and watch how each of us made our dogs hold a Sit while we talked. Aww, great puppies!! Go Velvet!!

Haddie enjoyed her experience in a new town. She was her typical self, just a tad slower due to the heat. She loved the Air Conditioned buildings of shops, restaurants, and our home away from home. And - she LOVED one other thing that we treated her to, but I will save that for the next post.

This year she will be old enough to enjoy our Winter Vacation at this same place. Another extreme weather condition for her to experience - lots of cold and snow.