Hello! I'm Jen. I'm a writer, photographer, dog mom, and outdoor enthusiast. When I'm not writing about awesome ways to get outside with your dog, I'm probably out for a long trail run. I also fancy myself a pretty decent vegan cook, and am always happy to whip up a batch of cookies for friends. I am based in the Pacific Northwest and I never leave home without my dogs.
This post contains affiliate links. Flying with a dog as cargo is a stressful experience for both the dog and their human. While the media report tragic incidents as a result of flying, the truth is nearly half a million pets fly annually, most arriving safely to their destination. The[...]
This post contains affiliate links. Harsh weather conditions like snow and ice, heat, or rough surfaces like sand can burn, tear, or cut your dog’s paws. Dog paw wax provides a barrier between your dog’s paw and the surface, protecting them from damage. Musher’s Secret[...]
This post contains affiliate links. A friend recently gave me an extra BioThane dog leash she had when I adopted Sitka. I had seen them all over Instagram, but didn’t really get what the big deal was over these leashes. I get it now. For someone like me who gets outside year round, no[...]
There is truly no coast as special as the Oregon Coast. I may be biased, but nowhere else have I found such expansive seashore available entirely to the public, for free. While a white-sand, tropical beach, adjacent to turquoise waters is lovely, I prefer the rugged and rocky, windy and[...]
This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. We have camped so many nights in our tent, that sometimes it feels more comfortable than our own bed. Our gear is always ready to go at a moment’s notice for any last-minute[...]
Undoubtedly, one of the most common questions we get from readers is our opinion on which pet bike trailer we recommend. There are a lot available on the market to suit different needs with varying price ranges and qualities. Hopefully this guide will help you choose the best dog bike[...]
It’s pretty remarkable how difficult it is for a human to get a foreign passport, compared to the ease of getting one for your pet! We liked to joke that Sora was Norwegian because she had the passport to prove it. If you plan on living in or traveling to the European Union with[...]
This post contains affiliate links. I never thought much about eye protection for dogs until we were in a teeny, tiny village on the Chile/Bolivia border preparing to pedal across the Salares de Coipasa and Uyuni. We kept reading read about the importance of sun protection for ourselves[...]
This post is sponsored by Dexas International. You can trust that I have used the products mentioned here and am providing an honest opinion and recommendation. All opinions remain my own and I think Dexas is awesome. When Dave and I first met Riia, we saw immediately that she was a ball[...]
During the holiday season, I try my best to shop small for gifts and Etsy is a great place to do just that! You can shop by location to find a maker in your region or discover work created by someone across the world. Either way, supporting small business owners is great for local[...]
The rain and gray skies during the winter months tend to keep most visitors away from the Pacific Northwest, which is exactly why it’s a great time to visit and plan a winter vacation with your dog. Where most who come this way in the winter head to ski resorts, it leaves plenty of other[...]
This post was done in partnership with Kurgo, a dog product company who has spent years perfecting the design for their gear, including the safety items mentioned today. I don’t just work with any brand and I think Kurgo rocks. All opinions remain my own. Also special thanks to Theo[...]
Please forgive me for publishing a Christmas post so early. I have already started to see advertisements for Black Friday stuff, which I think is crazy. While I personally choose to head outdoors and avoid all the shopping around this time of year, the fact is that most of us choose to[...]
The popularity of CBD Oil for dogs has surged in recent years since the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018. The bill legalized CBD derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC. With production restrictions reduced, manufacturers have been quick to jump on the scene. Aside from[...]
In 2017, a fire ripped through the Columbia River Gorge, leaving 153 hikers stranded overnight six miles into the Eagle Creek Trail. After this happened, there was a lot of talk about the importance of bringing along the 10 essentials for hiking. You just never know what might happen when[...]
We’re just entering fall in the Pacific Northwest, which means the rainy weather isn’t all that far away. Hiking in the rain scares off a lot of people, however I don’t mind. If I waited until the rain stopped, I wouldn’t go outside for five months. So, it’s just something I accept so[...]