A Day At Camp Bow Wow® by Scout

Blaze and Jet: Snuggle Bugs

2009-05-22T15:57:00.004-06:00

I’m Blaze, the one on the left. I used to be an only-dog until my parents brought home Jet (they found him through http://www.petfinder.com/). At first we didn’t get along so great – I was a bit jealous of the time he was spending with my parents. As you can see, we’re now the best of friends and love to snuggle together every night and nap. My mom later found some good articles on how she should’ve introduced us that she thought would be good to share with others who might be in the same situation. It would’ve made it a little more comfortable at the time had she done these steps:

1. Make the introduction gradually so that neither of the animals feels too threatened by the encounter.

2. Try feeding the older pet and bringing the new pet into the room slowly while watching the reaction of your older pet (me.)

3. You should allow a first face-to-face encounter but be careful not to get bitten in the middle. (I may have nipped a little, but out of love. Do you believe me? :))

4. Pet, play with and feed both animals just as much the same and try not to show any favoritism so jealousy does not arise.

5. If the older animal does not accept the new pet to the point of playing with it and forming a friendship of their own, at least they will grow to tolerate living with it if you are stern with your rules and behavior control. (I tolerated Jet for a while until I gave in and he became my buddy)

One more I think I would add to this list. I go to Camp Bow Wow regularly for doggy daycare (and boarding if my parents are out of town). That is my favorite place in the whole world and it definitely wears me out by the end of the day! I would suggest that a day at Camp would do wonders if meeting a new sibling that evening. Get the extra energy out so the meeting is of two calm doggies instead of two crazy hyper ones!

I’m glad they brought home Jet – not sure what I would do without that crazy mutt now! He makes a great pillow and keeps me warm (I’m always cold without him – and my sweater!).

Lobster Tails

2009-05-12T10:02:00.003-06:00

Hi! I’m Lucy and I’m a 10-month old black lab. I wanted to go to Camp Bow Wow when I was really little, but wasn’t allowed until I turned 4 months old. So I recently heard they have a new in-home pet care service called Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow – they’ll come stay at your house when your parents are out of town! Wish that existed about 8 months ago! Now I go to camp though and I love it! I started going once a week. Now I get to go 3-4 times a week since my parents are at work all the time and if I don’t get to burn some energy, I tend to destroy things (well, they call it destroying, I call it redecorating). I would never destroy my lobster friend who is in this picture with me – I’ve tried, but I think he’s made of steel. Off to Camp!

Couch Potato

2009-04-24T09:42:00.002-06:00

Hi! I’m Reuben – I’m 4 months old! I’m finally old enough to go to Camp and I’m so excited! My mom worked there as a counselor and Camp Scout for a while and she’s excited that I finally get to go to Camp and burn some energy. I may be small, but I’m not afraid of anything and I can take on the big dogs.

My mom gets to take me to work with her sometimes. There’s this other 10-month old puppy named Euli at work – he’s a Bernaise Mountain Dog and probably weighs around 100 pounds – big oaf. Euli thinks he can rough house with me just because he’s big, but I’ve been known to take him down. I have a technique of biting his leg and hanging off his long fur until he surrenders. Recently, we got in a little wrestling match over who gets the comfy dog couch. As you can see from my photo, I won. Watch out world.

I'm Adopted!

2009-04-13T14:19:00.003-06:00

You're probably asking yourself, how can anyone give this dog up?! I asked that too because I'm a loving, good and loyal dog and unfortunately, I ended up at a shelter one day when my family had to move and couldn't take me with them. Lucky for me, Camp Bow Wow took me in as their foster dog. So I got to play all day with other dogs and then I slept in my own cabin at night and even got a campfire treat before bedtime! I got lots of love at camp and they were so good at trying to find me a forever home with one of the current camp-goers. They noticed I was really good friends with Lucy, a 6-month old black lab, so they asked Lucy's parents if they would be interested in a brother for Lucy. They were! I went home with them last week and I'm so happy. I still get to go to camp for daycare during the week, so I see all the friends I made at camp, but I get to go home with my new family too, which is the best part. Thanks Camp Bow Wow for finding me a new and permanent home! I'm forever grateful!

Hair-Raising Event

2009-03-30T14:40:00.003-06:00

It was a shocking event by any dog's standards. The baby was taken to the tent.

It all started when Mom and my little sister, Ella (The Baby), came home from work. (Well, Ella came home from her daily play date while Mom was at work). I had been home alone all day and was really happy to see little Ella. So, of course, I had to play with her. We ran to the toy box and started to pull out the toys when we found it. The orange teddy bear. I never liked that bear. Neither did Ella.

Mom was in the kitchen. Mmmmmm - smelled like pork chops. And with pork chops always comes risotto. You know what that means. Focused attention on the risotto. It has to be stirred for 18 minutes straight. I know that kind of thing. I have studied the dinner time lines so I know just how much fun time Ella and I have together. Mom peeks in every few minutes but I know when that is going to happen because I hear the spoon or something sit down on the counter. That's our signal to behave. I know just how to touch Ella on the shoulder with my nose to let her know to act nice.

So back to the orange teddy bear. We were laughing and playing with it. Hard. I have to admit that we were kind of rough. I didn't mean for it to happen. But it did. And I wasn't sorry. The bear broke. Stuffing was coming out. It was funny. It only took seconds. Stuffing was everywhere. I heard the spoon hit the countertop. I heard the front door opening and saw Dad come through the door. Uh Oh. We were busted.

There was Mom standing in the kitchen door. There was Dad at the front door. They were looking from us to each other. I could see their faces straining to keep their mouths straight. You know how that is - they are trying to keep from laughing. They think we don't understand that. But Ella and I knew we are not in big trouble. We knew that we would be fussed at and Mom and Dad will keep turning their head away. To keep from laughing. But then it happened. Without a word being said. Mom went back to the kitchen. Dad picked up Ella and took her in....the tent. With the camera. He was in the back. Ella was in the door. He had the camera in his hand. Ella's hair was standing on end in fear. Then it happened. The flash. I came to protect her. Dad was laughing. Out loud. And then, another flash.

Tomorrow they are taking me to Camp Bow Wow.

Green Bean Diet for Dogs!

2009-03-23T15:12:00.003-06:00

Does it seem like every time you feed Fido he's still hungry? Is he always begging for table scraps? Now you can spoil him without a guilty conscious. And, it's likely you'll already have all the ingredients in your pantry!

Ingredients

Dry Dog Food (amt will depend the size of your dog)

14.5 ounce can of green beans

Directions

1. First, check with your vet to find out how much dry food you should be feeding your dog each day. Measure out a breakfast portion of your dog's favorite dry food.

2. Open a can of green beans and pour half the juice and half the beans over your dog's dry food (no need to heat the beans). Green beans add a healthy dose of fiber to your dog's meal, which will make him feel full. Plus, your dog will think he's getting something special - people food!

3. Pour the remaining green beans (left over from breakfast) on your dog's dry food at dinner time!

Have fun with this one, but be sure not to experiment with other vegetables until you do your research to determine which foods are safe for Fido.

Source: recipezaar.com

CLICK HERE to view the Green Bean Diet for Dogs online

Scout's Friend, Bella (and some other tasty 2-legged drooling baby)

2009-03-16T10:12:00.004-06:00

Hi! This is my friend Bella. She goes to Camp Bow Wow with me every once in a while. We love to play together. Well, actually, Bella is about 10 times my size, so she goes in the big dog play yard and we mostly play through the fence since I'm with my other small furry friends in the other play yard.

She told me all about her little friend in the picture. She said he tastes really good and she gets to lick his face all the time.

Since Bella and I are both white dogs, we get baths a lot! I actually love my bath time at Camp Bow Wow - they really know what they're doing and I leave very white and fluffy every time my parents schedule a bath for me after I play all day or after a long overnight stay - you can imagine the slobber I have on my head since I'm slobber-landing-level from the other dogs!

I hope Bella comes to camp this week - I love having my play dates with my furry buddies!

Until later, Scout

We Do Love To Eat!!

2009-02-06T12:46:00.007-07:00

Ooohhhh I just had to share! Most of us canines do love to eat! Here is a recipe I stumbled on when reading this month's newsletter from Camp Bow Wow Duluth, GA. It's yummy!

Enjoy!

Red Velvet Pupcakes

Not only is beet juice the secret behind these cupcake’s crimson hue, it's also a source of the ideal fiber dogs need to maintain healthy digestion. Iced with low-lactose cottage cheese, these trendy treats are also a balanced meal.

Ingredients

¼ cup canola oil

½ cup light brown sugar

1 cup applesauce

⅓ cup beet puree or fresh beet juice

1½ cups whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a 6 cup muffin tin with muffin papers

3. In a large bowl whisk together oil and sugar

4. Stir in applesauce and beet puree

5. In a separate bowl combine flour and baking powder

6. Slowly stir flour mixture into wet ingredients

7. Fill muffin cups three-quarters full of batter

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

9. Remove cupcakes from the pan and cool on a rack

10. Puree cottage cheese in food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds

11. Refrigerate frosting until pupcakes are completely cool

12. Frost pupcakes and serve

'Til Next Time! -- Scout

2009-01-28T23:07:00.008-07:00

Look, we got snow!!

Libby here! It's great to be back on Scout's Blog. I'm spending a long weekend at Camp starting on Friday as my parents are going up into the mountains skiing. Must be nice! Just kidding. It's really okay. I love Camp! I come for day camp once or twice each week, but this is a sleep over! Woohoo!

I just had a visit to Dr. V last week and got all my shots. Ouch! But I'm up to date and can now go to Camp this weekend. My parents take me to our vet regularily, but my Camp also sent us a reminder that my vaccinations were about to expire. Aren't they great? It's important that we all keep current on our vaccinations for our health, but we also can't go to Camp without them.

Vaccinations required for Camp are Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper. Your vet has to either fax over the confirmations or your parents have to bring a copy with them when they drop you at Camp.

Well, I'm off. Gotta pack for my sleep over with all my friends at Camp. Hope to see you there!!

I'll be back again soon! --Libby

Cough and Flu Season

2009-01-22T10:48:00.006-07:00

Wow! 70 degrees and sunny here in Colorado and we're breaking temp records all over the place! (Although there's snow in the forecast for the coming weekend!) It's been so fun out in the play yards the last few days. It's been nice to stretch out in the outdoor play yard and sun bathe (take a nap).

With the weather so up and down, I thought it would be a good time to talk about Canine Cough (sometimes referred to as Kennel Cough).

The media and internet have been full of stories about the new canine “flu” virus. This has created great concern among some dog owners. It is important we understand how this can impact our furry friends as Camp is an open play environment. The virus can cause coughing, high fevers, nasal discharge and a fatal pneumonia.

This canine virus, being referred to as New Canine Influenza, Greyhound Disease, and Race Flu, is considered highly contagious. It has been suggested that 80% of dogs exposed to the virus will develop an infection. Most dogs will only have mild coughing however puppies and older dogs are at greatest risk for fatalities associated with the virus. The number of dogs at risk from dying from this virus may be anywhere from 1% to 10%.

Dr. Ziegler, a CBW Veterinarian, spoke with a Vet on the State of Colorado level to discuss this issue. Here are his findings. To understand the Canine Flu it is important to understand what Canine Cough is and their differences and similarities:

Canine Cough:

Canine cough consists of 1 bacteria and a virus.
You can only treat the bacteria with medication not the virus.
The bacteria is treated with a Broad Spectrum Antibiotic- there are many types. Zithromax or Cipro is a Broad Spectrum Antibiotic but is used mainly if the dog with K-9 cough is not eating or has a fever.
The virus is treated with “supportive” care such as: bed rest, low activity/decrease activity, hydration, not pulling on collar, and keep warm.
The inflammation in the throat is the virus and thus can not be treated with medications but through the supportive care such as: bed rest, low activity/decrease activity, hydration, not pulling on collar, and keep warm.
The inflammation in the throat is the virus and thus can not be treated with medications but through the supportive care.

Canine Flu:

The Flu has the symptoms of a sever case of Canine Cough.
University of Florida suggests the flu has a second bacteria in addition to the bacteria and virus found in Canine Cough.
Only can be treated right now with Broad Spectrum Antibiotics because they are “miles away” from finding a vaccination for this particular bacteria.
Research for this is new and they are not certain how much of a problem this may be.
Primarily found on the East Coast in Greyhound racing track kennels. This could be due to stress in addition to the bacterial virus.
About 80 percent of the dogs in a kennel are affected by the flu once one dog contracts the flu.

Here are some commonly asked questions at Camp...

WHAT IS "CANINE COUGH?" Canine Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious upper-respiratory disease which is spread by an air-borne virus. The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 14 days. The main symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious but it is recommended to be treated by a vet. It can lower the dog's resistance to other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections.

HOW IS IT CURED? Just as in the common cold, Canine cough is not cured but must run its course. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself.

DOES CANINE COUGH OCCUR ONLY IN KENNELS? No. Since this virus can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog…even one which never leaves its own back yard. But canine cough is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel, veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs or playing in the park.

AREN'T THE CHANCES OF CATCHING IT GREATER WHEN A DOG IS IN A KENNEL? It can be because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions that do not exist at home which are proximity to a number of potentially contagious dogs, and the excitement of a less familiar environment, which can result in lowered resistance to disease. These same factors explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather than at home. But the more frequently a camper comes to overnight or day camp, the greater are the chances the camper will acquire an immunity to the disease.

IS THIS VIRUSE A CONSTANT PROBLEM? No. Canine Cough, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to hit an entire area at one time. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every kennel in town, dog park users, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs were not kenneled at all. When the virus has run its course, the veterinarians might not see another case for months.

CAN MY DOG BE VACCINATED TO PROTECT HIM AGAINST CANINE COUGH? Yes! Vaccines against Canine Cough however are not always routinely used as part of a puppy and an adult dog's yearly check up. Please explain to your veterinarian your pup comes to play at Camp Bow Wow and they need to be vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccination (either injection or intranasal). It is important to understand the Bordetella vaccination used to prevent this viral disease is made from only one strain of over the 100 different strains of the virus. Thus the vaccination is not as effective against some strains as others. Some strains are not included in any of the vacations. Therefore, in some cases there is not prevention against Canine Cough.

CAN'T THE KENNEL PREVENT MY DOG FROM CATCHING CANINE COUGH? Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from "catching" an airborne virus. All that we can do is to recommend immunization against Canine Cough. We also refuse to board any obviously sick dogs; we listen and watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it as quickly as possible. Strangely, the dog with Canine Cough does not usually appear ill, yet is contagious.

Hope that answers some of your questions!

Gotta go catch a few rays before the snow flies!

'Til next time...Woof! --Scout

Hotel For Dogs Promotion

2009-01-07T11:11:00.012-07:00

Hi all my furry friends (and their parents!)

Today I'm wearing my Camp Bow Wow mascot hat. I wanted to share some fun information about our partnership with Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks to help promote the upcoming feature film, Hotel for Dogs, in theaters, Friday, January 16, 2009.

(View the movie trailer by visiting www.hotelfordogsmovie.com.)

Many of our Camps have partnered with local theaters so don't be surprised if you see a Camp Bow Wow booth at your local theater on opening weekend! Camp owners and couselors will be there handing out bandanas and movie posters. Free stuff! Woohoo!

Hotel for Dogs Synopsis:

In this family film, NANCY DREW's Emma Roberts leads a star-filled cast that includes Kyla Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, and Don Cheadle. A pair of orphaned siblings (Roberts and Jake T. Austin) are forced to give up their beloved dog... In this family film, NANCY DREW's Emma Roberts leads a star-filled cast that includes Kyla Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, and Don Cheadle. A pair of orphaned siblings (Roberts and Jake T. Austin) are forced to give up their beloved dog when they move into a foster home. But since they can't stand to live without him, they turn a closed hotel into a home for their dog--and any other strays they can find. HOTEL FOR DOGS is based on the novel by Lois Duncan.

I don't know about you, but I love movies with dogs in them! Ha!

'Til next time...WOOF! -- Scout

It's Vacation Time!

2009-01-02T22:01:00.007-07:00

January brings the new year and resolutions for things that are important to us. It also brings the hankering for those in cold climates to hit the road headed for fun in the sun!

I travel a lot being the mascot for Camp Bow Wow and know there are so many things you have to remember when you travel with your pet. The first thing to remember is to take your furry family member to the nearest Camp Bow Wow to have fun at Camp while you vacation your heart out!

For that unique time when you just can't be separated from your pup, here are a few other things to remember.

Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off — especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.
Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle — even if it is a long drive.
Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be injured by flying objects.
Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Countdown to 2009

2008-12-29T17:07:00.009-07:00

Holy Moly! It's almost 2009!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and ring in the new year with lots of dog treats!

HAPPY 2009!

BRrrrrrr! It's Cold Outside!

2008-12-22T11:38:00.005-07:00

Wowwie! It's almost Christmas! So many of my friends are coming to camp later this week. I can't wait to see them all. I hope they all come prepared for the weather! It's been really cold here in Boulder. Much colder than usual. I'm so small that my mom makes sure I have my knitted sweater on and booties when necessary (there are days I wish I was a big macho St. Bernard...booties, you've got to be kidding me...unfortunately they are a must if I don't want to freeze off my paws)! I thought I would share some cold weather tips to keep your furry family member safe and warm!

Happy Trails! Until next time-- Scout

COLD WEATHER TIPS

ANTI-FREEZE - In cold weather, keep your pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze that spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets and is deadly, even in very small amounts.
Most urban pets spend the majority of their time indoors, and don't have tolerance for extremely cold weather. Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below freezing! Pets must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. Pets that get too chilled could develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite.
OUTERWEAR - Dogs with very short coats have the least tolerance for cold. Extremely short-coated breeds include Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas. These breeds shouldn't go outside without a sweater or a coat except for short times to relieve themselves. Small dogs with short coats (such as Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds) are especially vulnerable to cold. They may not tolerate any outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.
FOOT (PAW) CARE - Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops on his walks, his feet are uncomfortably cold. Be sure to get your dog used to wearing boots before cold weather sets in. Another frequently seen foot problem is the formation of iceballs between the pads and toes of the feet, especially in dogs with long fur. Once iceballs form, they are very painful, much like walking on rocks. When dogs get these, they often whine, stop walking and start chewing at the bottoms of their feet to remove the painful iceballs. To help prevent iceballs, trim hair around your dog's feet. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before taking him for a walk. Make sure you use oil that can be eaten; most dogs lick at their paws. If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his paws after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Many dogs will quickly start whining and biting at their feet after just a few steps on salted roads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off the road.
OUTDOOR PETS - If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, let him get acclimated gradually to dropping temperatures. Once a pet is acclimated to either warm or cold, a long dose of the other extreme is hard to take. Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well bedded with DRY straw, shavings, blanket strips or other insulating material that traps warm air. Also, remember that animals drag a lot of moisture into their bedding areas from snow, rain and mud. Check it often and change it whenever it is wet, or your pets can't keep themselves warm. Northern dog breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes who actually work in the winter pulling sleds need more calories.
INDOOR PETS - The rest of the pet population generally gets less active in winter. Consequently, cut back a bit on what you feed your animals, or your vet will be nagging you in spring about your portly pets.

Article Source: University of Minnesota Vet. Outreach Programs, written by Dr. Laurie Greene

2008-12-12T11:55:00.005-07:00

Happy Friday! Wow, hard to believe the month of December is half over.

Camp is starting to fill up for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. I'm so excited to see some of my fellow Camp Bow Wow'ers that I haven't seen for a while! Reagan, Munch and Cody will all be here for Christmas! Woohoo! All three are little dogs, so they are in my play yard and staying for 7 days! They are all from the same family and come and stay usually over Easter, July 4th and Christmas. I haven't seen them for 5 months!

I know all of our camps are gearing up for the busy couple of weeks ahead. Many are already booked full for the holidays and the rest are filling up fast!

We got snow here in Colorado last week! I love the snow! (But, when's it's too deep, I tend to get lost in it!)

I'm off to work, promoting our newest camp in South Windsor, Connecticut and two new openings next week, one in New Bern, North Carolina and the other in Salt Lake City, Utah. That makes 93 Camps total. More friends for me!

See you all next week!--Scout

Giving Thanks

2008-12-02T11:27:00.004-07:00

Hi fellow furry friends!

I just wanted to share my experience at the most fun camp I’ve ever been to! My name is Barkley and I was homeless just a few months ago. The great camp counselors at Camp Bow Wow were nice enough to take me in and foster me so I could play all day with other dogs and get royal treatment rather than being stuck in a shelter! Not too long after I got there, my new parents took me home with my new brother, Slick.

For Thanksgiving, our parents were going out of town, so they took us to Camp Bow Wow for the weekend! I was so excited, I nearly peed myself in my parent’s new car, but luckily I didn’t. I think I almost passed out from excitement when I went into the lobby – hard to remember since I was hyperventilating. Anyway, Slick and I got to play for 4 days straight with so many of our other doggy friends (a lot of them I already knew from my first stay there – hi to Molly, Gertie, Pal and Bandit!) and then Slick and I got to share our own big cabin since they must know we don’t like to be separated at night (although Slick is a bit of a bed hog). We knew our parents were watching us on the Live Camper Cams so I did my best to slobber at the cameras.

So this year, I’m thankful for my new parents and brother, but also for the kindness and energy of the Camp Bow Wow counselors and staff! Not sure where I’d be without them!

Hope my parents want to go away for Christmas too so I can go back – if not for an overnight stay, at least for some day camp fun! I know my parents love it when I come home exhausted.

See you soon!

Barkley
(Saint Bernard Mix – we think.)

'Tis the Season

2008-12-01T15:37:00.011-07:00

It's that time of year, when the world falls in love...every song you hear, seems to say....

Hey all! Scout here. I absolutely LOVE holiday music. (A couple stations here in Colorado started playing it the week before Thanksgiving!) For me it triggers the coming of the month of December. And, whatever holiday you may celebrate during the month, it kicks off the season of giving. Whether it's the bell ringers and red kettles outside of the stores, your local fireman calling and asking for help, or your local humane society asking you to remember your furry friends, they are all working to help those less fortunate.

As I am a dog (duh!), of course, I especially favor those that help my furry friends. I encourage everyone of you to reach into your heart and give this holiday season. There are many furry friends out there waiting to find their forever home, and thousands will be adopted during this holiday season. Check in with your local humane society or local rescue organization, where even the simple gift of a bag of dog food is appreciated. I know the economy is tough, and there is much uncertainty about the future, but giving even the smallest amount goes a long way in helping our furry friends. There are many pups out there waiting for their forever home. Supporting the organizations that help these pups find homes is an awesome thing! I was one of those pups...and now that I've found my forever family, I'll never let them go!

Helping others gives me a warm fuzzy all over. I hope it does you too!

Until next time! --Scout

CSU Trip

2008-11-17T10:14:00.014-07:00

Good morning my fellow Camp Bow Wow'ers, Scout here. Wow, what a crazy, but wonderful week I've had! Without further ado, I'll jump right in!

Last Tuesday, representing Camp Bow Wow and the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation (always working when you're a mascot, you know), I went along with six Camp Bow Wow corporate employees to Colorado State University to check out how the Bow Wow Buddies sponsorship is being used. We got to meet Jim Perry the DVM, PHD residency dude we're sponsoring at the Veterinary College at CSU. He's a fast tracker (at age 29, he's already a full fledged Vet and has his PHD!). Everyone liked him very much and the ladies I was with thought he was really cute (this is me rolling my eyes). Seriously, though, our sponsorship dollars are being put to very good use.

The research they are doing there to help fight and cure canine cancer is unbelievable. We were all humbled at what we saw and how much good is being done there. I was especially humbled at the time Dr. Withrow and Dr. Christine Hardy spent giving us a tour of the facility and answering all of our questions. Dr. Withrow heads up the entire program and the fact that he would take time out to tell us how important our sponsorship is and explain everything they are doing really blew me and the CBW staff away. On top of that, Dr. Christine shared that one of Dr. Withrow's cancer treatments that originated with dogs has since been used in children suffering from cancer. It's a radiation treatment for limbs...now children have the chance to save their arms and legs. OMG, Wow!

I'm exhausted just telling you about it and reliving the day! It was a fabulous experience. Check out the Morris Animal Foundation Cure Canine Cancer Campaign website listed in the right margin of my blog. They are a key partner with Dr. Withrow and CSU.

Talk to you all soon! -Scout

A Note From Liberty!

2008-11-09T08:32:00.012-07:00

Hi fellow Camp Bow Wow lovers! My name is Liberty and I'm a golden retriever. I'm a regular camper at Camp Bow Wow and a friend of Scout. Scout invited me to blog with him...so here I am.

Check out my picture...it was taken after a busy day at Camp!

We spend most of the day at Camp romping around and wrestling. Friday there were two new Campers at Camp- Buzz and Gus. New campers bring out the best in all of us old timers. We have to check them out, sniff and figure out who's in charge. Buzz is a Jack Russel terrior who yipped and jumped a lot the first few minutes he was in the play yard, but he settled down after a bit and played with Gina another seasoned Camper who resides in the small dog play yard. Gus, a huge shepard mix, hung out with us big dogs. Gus is older and very mellow. He didn't play much, but he didn't mind us sniffing him or playing around him. He played with us a little, then laid in the corner of the indoor yard and took a nap.

I went home before Gus, but I saw my favorite Camp Counselor, Sam, putting together Gus' First Day at Camp Certificate and Report Card when I was leaving. I'm sure they gave Gus an A+! They took his picture while he was in the play yard. Gus is good about pictures. He looked right at the camera and smiled! I remember my First Day at Camp Certificate. It was on our refrigerator at home for a long long time! I know Gus must love his Certificate too. I can't wait to see him at Camp again.

Thanks, Scout, for inviting me to be a part of your blog! I'll be back again soon!

Hello Fellow Pups!

2008-10-30T21:54:00.012-06:00

Hello fellow pups! I'm Scout and I can't believe my mom let me have my very own blog! If you could see me now, I'm jumping all over the place I'm so excited! You'd think after the day I had at Camp I'd be sound asleep next to my brother Ray Ray, a big black lab. He's a lot bigger than me-- and older, but I'm the boss in our house. At least Ray Ray let's me think I'm the boss. He's so much bigger than I am that he could crush me like a bug if he wanted...but he doesn't. He's just a big ole teddy bear and I love him.

I live in Boulder, Colorado, and my day job is mascot for Camp Bow Wow® premiere doggy day and overnight camp. That's me on the front page! I look forward to sharing our Camp adventures with you and all your friends! And, you'll meet many of my closest friends too.