A camping trip with our dog, Klink



Posted: Monday, August 16, 2010

by Kevin Schmidt
Pet Door Express

My family returned this past week from six days of camping on the beautiful shores of Lake Roosevelt. Joined by my husband and our two sons along with our elderly dog Klink. We have been camping since before our sons were born and our normal camp spots have been in Northern Idaho. Our dog, Klink, was raised on the water and her first camping experience was at 3 months of age. We were told years ago that Border collies do not care for water. I will say that this dog absolutely loves the water! She may have been 2 years old when we decided to give Lake Roosevelt a try. This past week I sat on the beach reminiscing on how the times have changed from our first camping experience. The boys were younger, the dog was full of energy and there was not a moment of down time. Klink would fetch the small boat bumper that we threw continually, wearing us out with her untold energy. We would boat camp on the shore allowing Klink the freedom to explore the area with the boys, without fear of her intruding on someone else's campsite. She would lay on the beach, swim with the boys, ride in the boat as the boys wake boarded for hours on end. When we were hot, we would all dive into the water with Klink making a running jump off the seat, landing in the lake, swimming around as a family. We had devised a way of holding Klink's shoulders to give her the support needed to climb up the ladder on the back of the boat. Great times!

Fast forward twelve years and I see just how much the times have changed. My sons are adults, my dog is elderly. No more running around with untold energy. We are now content to sit on the beach, read a good book, play a game of checkers, fish or swim. Early mornings included the guys heading out to fish the waters. My dog was content to lay in the tent until they returned late in the morning. She would then emerge, fully rested, greet the boys and then find a cool spot to continue her slumber.

This time we chose to car camp and I had my reservations regarding how Klink would handle camp spots within view of our tent with people coming and going. I packed the tether for her in case she chose to go explore the neighbors campsite. I need not have worried. Klink was content to sleep the majority of her days away. The sad part of this vacation is the fact that I saw just how much my dog has aged. A huge thunder storm surprised us one evening with lightning close by followed by loud cracks. Klink, who would normally shake in her skin, continue to sleep right through it. Could it be that my dog is losing her hearing? One more sign of how she is aging.

No more fetching the boat bumper thrown out in the lake for untold hours. One, maybe two times, thrown close to shore, and she has had enough. Come evening when we would build the campfire, Klink would stand by the tent door, requesting to be let in as she was ready to call it a day.

I had time to think back over the years from when the boys were young, the dog was a pup and life was busy. It has been a wonderful journey. We are now taking another step in our lives. The boys are older the dog is aging and my husband and I are content.

What a wonderful vacation this has been. An eye opener as I look at all the signs that showed themselves to me. I must enjoy the time with each of these guys and realize just how blessed I have been. One great husband, two great sons and a faithful dog, always by my side.

Kevin Schmidt, owner of www.petdoorexpress.com which offers pet doors and patio pet doors
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