Exploring the Henry Hudson Trail with the Woofuses

June 13, 2015 by janet

This past Sunday was a glorious spring day, sunny yet cool enough for a sweatshirt. We decided to take the three Woofuses for a walk on the Henry Hudson Trail. This trail wends its way along the bay shores of New Jersey, from Aberdeen to Highlands. Part of it is especially beautiful, between Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, and this was our planned trek for the day. This section sports views of the New York City skyline across the bay, abundant bird life and lapping waves just feet from the trail.

We got the harnesses on all three dogs and piled into the jeep. Lobo goes first, in the back seat. Then we open the “back back” and Fiona and Secret jump in. We’ve found this to be a comfortable set up, although often Secret jumps forward to join Lobo and then paw us in the front seats. She’s a problem child!

We drove all of five minutes to Atlantic Highlands and parked in the harbor lot. I was sporting my purple backpack with folding water bowl, water, treats and poop bags. This pet mom is always prepared!

The trail itself was badly damaged several years ago by “superstorm” Sandy, which devastated many area homes. The storm also tossed the boats in the picturesque Atlantic Highlands marina around like toys and heaped them up haphazardly in this very same parking lot. Now the marina is neat and orderly again and the trail is mostly back to normal. There is a sign warning of rough trail conditions but it really is over exaggerated now. A lot of work has been done and it is a pleasure to traverse the path.

The trail was busy with people, dogs, cyclists and walkers. We met a lot of dog enthusiasts and at least two other huskies! A whole troupe of cyclists stopped to pet and meet the dogs. The bay breezes were gentle and cool. The skies were blue and clear. The water was gently lapping at the rocks as we made our way along the trail.

It really was heavenly. There is plenty for both dogs and people to explore and look at, including a host of birds – seagulls, ducks, geese, hawks and even a single swan. Fiona loves to climb on things so you will see many pictures of her on the rocks looking out to sea.

From a convenience perspective, there are public bathrooms at both ends of this section of trail, a water fountain on the Highlands side, doggie waste bag dispensers in case you forgot your own, and strategically placed garbage cans along the way. Both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands sport small, free public beaches. The trail is about half in shade and half in sun, so plan accordingly with sun block for yourself and water for the woofuses.

Both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands sport many fine restaurants, although we haven’t checked them yet for outdoor seating for dogs – there is always the option of take out, eaten while relaxing on the beaches or in the Harbor. We’ve spotted seafood, bbq, Cuban, Mexican, and our favorite Thai restaurant which is Kunya Siam (they do gluten free options for me!).

As an added enticement, the Seastreak Ferry to New York City which leaves from both Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, is dog friendly – we see dogs getting on an off all the time! Wouldn’t that be fun?! We hope you check out the Henry Hudson Trail; it really has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor fun.

Read to a Dog? Fiona Says Go, Dog, Go!

January 24, 2015 by janet

Great news! Our girl Fiona has passed her Canine Good Citizen test. CGC certification is generally a requirement to becoming a therapy dog. Huskies are smart when it comes to training, but can be pretty headstrong. As in – I know what you want me to do – but I choose not to do it right now! The CGC test consists of ten steps of obedience and good behavior, and Fiona thankfully passed them all.

Our initial goal is to do reading therapy work. This is generally listed at “Read to a Dog” at your local library. Children who are learning to read, read to and pet the dog. The dog is an impartial observer and non judgmental of course, of reading ability. Children are encouraged and excited to read to the dog. Who knew learning to read could be so much fun?

My parents were avid readers and instilled a love of reading and learning in me from a very early age. I remember when I “got it” and reading made sense. I took off like a rocket, reading books way beyond my age level, voraciously and with great joy. I am hopeful that working with Fiona and young readers can give that same joy to others.

Fiona is very gentle with people and loves to love. She senses boundaries and knows intuitively what people want from her. I don’t know how she knows, but she knows. We took her to the nursing home where her Grammy Mervin lives (Rob’s Mom), and she had people ask to pet her who had been afraid of dogs their whole lives. She takes treats so softly that she almost drops them.

Fiona met one man at the nursing home who had raised huskies in his youth; he was in a wheelchair and she stood up gently to put her paws in his lap and kiss him, which is what he wanted. There was another woman who was fearful of dogs, but curious; Fiona slowly licked her outstretched hand and went no further. Both people were so happy to have met Fiona and she really seemed to brighten the day for them. Which is why I think therapy work will be very rewarding for both Fiona and for me, and very helpful to those she meets.

Our other dog Secret is not yet mature enough for therapy dog work, although I hope she will be ready in a year or two. She also is a very loving dog. She can learn by her older sister Fiona’s example for now!

Our next step is to find a therapy dog group, perhaps our local SPCA, although there are many others. We’ll keep you posted on our progress!

In Search of the Holy Grail of Pet Travel Gastronomy: Outdoor Seating with Heating

November 10, 2014 by janet

Our dogs are not phased by cold weather. Huskies thrive on it. So traveling with them in winter time is always an option. We live just south of New York City and love to traverse the city streets, shop, and eat. It’s a good cure for cabin fever. There are many places which allow you to eat at outdoor seating with your canines in warm weather. But what about when the mercury heads south and it’s too cold to eat outdoors?

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DOG PARENT'S CODE OF CONDUCT To travel (near or far) with my pet(s), I promise the following: 1. My dog is well groomed and reasonably well behaved 2. My dog is up to date on all his or her shots 3. I carry sufficient water, food and treats for my dog to be comfortable when traveling 4. I carry doggie waste bags and clean up after my dog 5. I support dog friendly establishments 6. My dog is friendly and non aggressive to people and other dogs 7. Both my pets and myself are respectful of the location, employees, and fellow patrons, of the establishments we frequent. 8. I never leave my dog in my hotel room. 9. I never leave my dog in a hot car. 10. My dog is microchipped and/or has a collar with name tag and contact info to reach me in case my dog is lost.

Exploring the Henry Hudson Trail with the Woofuses

Read to a Dog? Fiona Says Go, Dog, Go!

In Search of the Holy Grail of Pet Travel Gastronomy: Outdoor Seating with Heating

Our Woofuses

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