Ambassador Field Notes: Winter Yurt Camping with Tala

Ambassador Field Notes: Winter Yurt Camping with Tala

Story and Photos Contributed by Ruffwear Ambassador Becca Bredehoft

This winter my partner Cade and our dog Tala decided to explore the snowy backyard in style by renting a yurt in the Idaho backcountry.

I had a big grand plan — we would ride our fat bikes in and cruise the beautifully groomed trail system surrounding our little slice of paradise for two days. The approach would be quick and easy with our bikes, we wouldn’t need to bring much since the yurts are well-stocked, and they start grooming by mid December. It would be low stress–we would just load up with the essentials, and we could easily cruise the few miles out to the parking lot if we had forgotten anything. Tala absolutely loves the snow (and biking), and doesn’t generally get to spend much time in ‘real’ winter because of our nomadic van-dwelling tendencies, so I knew she would approve of the adventure.

My plans quickly got a big readjust as we discovered the the trails were not yet groomed on our chosen dates, and we hadn’t really made a ‘Plan B’ for where to leave the bikes for 2 days if we weren’t able to ride them in. So we did our best on the way in to ride the flat portions of the trail that were somewhat packed by snowshoers, and pushed the bikes through the deep crusty snow up the hills. Tala did a great job of post-holing through what was (at times) chest-deep powder for her, even with a fully-loaded pack. The yurt was indeed well stocked and super cozy, and we realized on the ride in that we definitely way overpacked for our little two-day adventure. We hadn’t really accounted for how challenging it would be to ride our bikes with 40-pound packs, even if the trails had been groomed!

That evening, we cooked a hearty dinner, stayed toasty by the wood stove, and settled in for our two-night getaway. The next unexpected moment came when we awoke on the second day to a fresh 8 inches of snow on the deck of the yurt. There were a few moments that we thought we could hear the groomers at work on the trails that morning, but we later realized it was actually the snowplow a few miles away clearing the parking lot down in the valley.

We laughed at our miscalculations, romped in the fresh powder, and enjoyed some peace and quiet of a snowy day in the forest. We even packed out a little downhill bike run below the yurt so we could at least get a little riding in while we were there. Tala went on squirrel patrol for us and kept the perimeter of the yurt safe from all rodents for the duration of our stay.

The sun goes down early this time of year in Idaho, and we made the most of the daylight hours and the long cold night. it was so nice just to relax, cozy up in the yurt, play some board games, and keep the fire going all night long.

On the last day, with a few more inches of fresh powder on the ground, we slogged our bikes out through the deep snow, and decided next time around maybe we’ll plan a little better. We’ll make sure we come in when the trails are groomed, and bring a little less gear. But we’ll definitely be back for more winter fun… because all in all, despite a few unexpected surprises, we deemed our little winter backyard adventure a massive success, especially by Tala’s standards.

from Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2N2mmQJ
via IFTTT

Ambassador Field Notes: Winter Yurt Camping with Tala

via Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2N2mmQJ

Bonding with a Broken Heart

Bonding with a Broken Heart

Story and Photos Contributed by Ruffwear Ambassador Maria Christina Schultz

Puppies are hard to resist, especially for dog lovers like me. But plopped in the grass in my neighbor’s backyard – surrounded by six chubby puppies who needed homes – I deliberated. At long last, our pack – Kona, Riley and me – was perfect, and I was hesitant to disrupt the balance. That’s when something else flew into the picture. A hummingbird.

The tiny creatures were special to my mom, and since we lost her five years ago, they’ve meant a lot to my family and me – all of us seeing them at unexpected and significant moments. I hadn’t seen one all summer, and so I knew in my heart my mom was there, trying to tell me something. Maybe she knew of the losses and gains that lurked in my future. Maybe a new puppy was meant to be.

This is the story of how three lives came together at just the right and wrong time – a girl who’d wound herself so tight around my heart I could not have believed it, a baby boy who’d fill the space she left behind, and me, heartbroken me.

It had been a great spring! We’d spent it celebrating birthdays. Riley turned 12, and Kona turned 7. “Happy Birthday, girlfriend,” I whispered to her, as the sun poked its way through the blinds that morning. “We’re going to have so much fun!” I remember how grateful I felt.

In classic Kona style, we’d overdone it. We hiked, took a Burley cart ride, and paddled, just her and me, howling together in the middle of the lake, taking selfies, and catching frisbees. Reliable and predictable, she was more content on the paddleboard than Riley ever had been. She had endurance, athleticism, and a remarkable loyalty to me.

When Kona’s brown eyes looked at me, something moved in my soul. I knew that no matter where we were or what we were doing, she’d always choose me over anything, and protect me. It’s difficult to describe the incredible bond we shared. She was my heart dog.

Three months after our epic birthday weekend, my perfect Kona was diagnosed with cancer, and our world came crashing down.

It all happened too fast. One day her gums were pale and she was lethargic. Then came the vet visits, bloodwork, medications and specialists. After a massive scary surgery, came the biopsy results and the word that ripped out my heart: Hemangiosarcoma. It’s an aggressive cancer that attacks the spleen.

Kona was given two months to live. And I was angry.

At 7, she was in the prime of her life, and we still had big plans – bike trips and overnight hikes, and those adorable puppies. If we were to get a new dog, I’d need Kona to help me train him. Older dogs, especially remarkable ones like Riley and Kona, are wonderful teachers, and Kona was magnificent with puppies.

I was surprised when my husband said we should get one. Even if the next member of our pack only got to know Kona for two months, he said, he’d learn so much from her. It would give Kona and me a job – training a young one – to distract us from the inevitable. And we’d be embracing life, maintaining a forward momentum, despite the pain that lay ahead.

It was hard for me to argue his case. I called my neighbor the next day. It just so happened there was one male left who needed a home.

But the new puppy – we named him Bodie – did not get two months with Kona. He got six days.

Three weeks after the surgery Kona started internally bleeding again, and I could not let her suffer. It was unexpected, awful, and the hardest decision I’d ever made. I still needed that girl, but I loved her too much. I thanked her for all she had done for me by giving her one more day of overdoing it, and said goodbye with the dignity she deserved.

Through the fog of grief that followed, reality made itself known. With all my heart, I wanted my perfect Kona back by my side. Instead, I had a biting, jumping, not-all-that-into-cuddling monster of a puppy. I’d need to start from scratch, training and socializing, and building a bond, all with a broken heart.

Most mornings, I just wanted to stay in bed, bury my tears in Riley’s coat and beg for the pain to go away. But that wasn’t an option with Bodie.

It was Riley who carried me. He picked up Kona’s jobs, following me around the house, waiting by the door for me to come home, sleeping closer to me, letting me hold him. And something else, something even more shocking. It had taken almost a year for Riley to let down his guard and play with Kona, and though he was much older now, he took Bodie under his wing.

I have to remind myself every day that bonds like the ones I’ve had with Riley and Kona take a long time to form, and Bodie isn’t even six months. As much as I’d like to sugar-coat everything Kona was a pain in the butt as a pup just like him. He’s testing me daily. Even as a dog trainer who knows all the puppy stages inside and out, I break down inside every time Bodie does something Kona would never have done. It’s really hard.

But here’s where it’s not hard. He’s just a puppy! He’s silly and fluffy, crazy and cute. He makes me laugh every single day. He plays with Riley and my heart melts. Teaching him and watching him learn is rewarding, and it’s in these moments I forget how sad I still am, how much I miss Kona. Bodie is a beautiful distraction.

He’s confident, athletic, brave, charming, and has all the potential to be another adventure buddy. I know someday he’ll choose to stay close to me on trails, and not jump off my paddleboard every five minutes. I just need to be patient. Bonds take time.

The universe sent me this dog, and I bet I’ll learn as many lessons from him as he learns from me.

I know my mom was there that day in my neighbor’s yard. She knew I was going to need Bodie. My mom was always right. I hope months from now, when Bodie and I are inseparable, she’ll be back to check on us, when the hummingbirds return in the spring.

from Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/34td6uJ
via IFTTT

Bonding with a Broken Heart

via Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/34td6uJ

But I Love Wyoming

But I Love Wyoming

Story and Photos by Ruffwear Ambassador, Katie Pollack

I like a lot of places we have ventured, but I love Wyoming. Last summer, I spent 4 days in the Wind River Range with my dogs Chipper and Quin trying to wrap my mind around its beauty and variety.  It’s filled with alpine peaks, colorful valleys, water sources, high desert, mountain towns, and friendly faces.

We spent the first day exploring near Pinedale, WY. We walked along the Green River, explored some dirt roads, and spent the evening in a small, rustic AirBnB cabin. We would be heading out on a backpacking trip, and we wanted to rest up and buy some last minute gear before getting on the trail. In town, we found the friendly and local Great Outdoor Shop. They had the gear we needed, and provided guidance on the snow levels and accessible trails. After a cozy night in our log cabin and a sun shower wash up, we were ready to hit the trails!

Day 1: Big Sandy Trailhead to Big Sandy Lake (6 miles)

The drive in through Big Sandy Wash was beautiful and very Wyoming.  We even got caught in a traffic jam caused by some ranchers moving a herd of cattle. The dogs loved that one!

The hike itself was stunning, gradual, and most importantly – dog friendly!  This was the main reason we chose the Wind River Range. Unlike the nearby Tetons, this range has miles and miles of dog-friendly trails through its breathtaking wilderness. The trail into Big Sandy Lake meandered through fragrant pines and opened up to beautiful views of meadows and snow-covered peaks. The dogs couldn’t get enough. The most luxurious part of the trail? Having a freshwater source running alongside the entire trail.  This left us Arizona desert rats feeling very spoiled!

We arrived at the lake around midday, giving us plenty of time to set up camp before exploring more. After finding the ideal campsite, with views of Big Sandy Lake, East Temple Peak, and Haystack Peak, we decided to load up our day packs and see what the range had to offer. We made our way to Clear Lake and Black Joe Lake, making the first tracks through the snow that still remained from a heavy winter. Making tracks led to a fun change of pace and some humorous falls from the humans, but the views…the views were worth every misstep!

After adding five wet and soggy miles to our day, we relaxed at camp and stuffed our faces. I think humans and dogs can agree that everything tastes better when you’re in the wilderness! The food was magical, but the mosquitoes were pesky, leading us to start our fire well before dark (which also served as a dryer for our sloppy socks and stinky boots. The dogs hid from the bloodsuckers in their Clear Lake Blanket, the perfect place to rest and hide – creating quite a cozy, homey scene, in this rugged range.

Day 2: Big Sandy Lake over Jackass Pass to Cirque of the Towers (5 miles)

Day two was full of “WOW” moments! I’m still reliving the magic of this day. I’ll be honest though – the dogs were more into the millions of marmots than the view.  But, as long as we all enjoyed the journey…that’s what matters.  The hike was a fun mix of gradual uphill, boulder hopping, trekking through some serious snow pack and hopping across quite a few overflowing creeks. 

On our way up to Jackass Pass, we passed by a couple lakes. The first was unnamed, but we quickly named it Infinity Lake (since it resembled an infinity pool) and the second was Arrowhead Lake (and it was appropriately named).

Just passed Arrowhead Lake was Jackass Pass – our final ascent to the Cirque of Towers. We made our way up an alternative climbing trail since the primary trail was covered in snow. Even before we made our way all the way up Jackass Pass, the views were indescribable. So much granite!

My heart could hardly stand what my eyes were seeing, it was so much to take in. Surrounded by towering granite walls, so raw and real. The dogs, on the other hand, were mostly interested in the marmots…

I could’ve stayed on this pass all day, just trying to comprehend how amazing nature is, but a storm was brewing and we knew our time was limited to taking some photos, a quick rest, and some snacks. And back down the pass we went, followed by a 3 hour nap while the storm made its way over our campsite.

After a delicious dinner, a cozy fire, and a restful sleep – it was time to head back to the trailhead, an easy 6 mile jaunt. However, our Wyoming fun wasn’t quite over. We enjoyed one more night of car camping in the Big Sandy Basin – what a place!

Our campsite was near perfection – complete with privacy, stellar views, a meadow in front of us, trees behind us, a secure fire ring and a winding river that we were able to float down over and over…dogs and all! What more could you need?

Wyoming left me utterly speechless. This desert dweller fell in love. I can’t wait to return to the Wind River Range to continue exploring the miles and miles of dog-friendly trails. 

Now, let’s talk gear!  I would only use gear I have complete trust in for backpacking — there is minimal room for error when you’re in the backcountry. Here are our go-to gear items:

Chipper: Approach Pack, Flat Out Leash, Climate Changer Jacket

Quin: Webmaster Harness, Powder Hound Jacket, Knot-a-Leash

Both dogs: Trail Runner Bowl, Clear Lake Blanket

Katie, Chipper, and Quin are an Arizona-based adventure trio that hike, backpack, and camp together, frequently picking up trail litter as they explore. Follow all of their adventures on Instagram.

from Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2Y5EX2R
via IFTTT

But I Love Wyoming

via Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2Y5EX2R

All Work & All Play

All Work & All Play

How avalanche rescue dogs inspired, tested, and fell in love with our new toys.

As snow blankets ski areas across North America each winter, avalanche rescue dogs go to work keeping us safe on the slopes. These highly-trained dogs and their ski patroller handlers train at their home mountains every day during ski season.

They work in the most extreme weather conditions and demand a lot from their gear – making them excellent partners for wear testing and developing new gear. This season, that gear came in the form of two new toys: the Pacific Ring and Pacific Loop.

Photo by Jay Dash

THE INSPIRATION

Avy dogs learn to find and dig out victims buried in and under snow by practicing in staged avalanche rescue scenarios. As reward for a successful search, they enjoy a play session with their handlers or the “victim” they dig out in digging drills.

Current methods use webbing and rags to engage the dogs in play during a successful dig, but those tools can be cumbersome and distracting to handlers / people in the hole. Attention should be keen on engaging the dog, and it’s a problem to have cold, gloved hands fumbling and failing to hang onto the item engaging the dog.

As Ruffwear product designers participated in these drills over the years, they saw first-hand where the current tools were falling short.

Our goal became clear. Let’s create a better solution for avy dogs and their handlers. Let’s make work more fun, enjoyable, and effective for everyone participating. And hey – if it works for them, it should work for a whole lot of other dogs and folks.

THE APPROACH

Spoiler alert: we started this project in search of a single solution, and ended up with two. Through initial development, two versions of a tug toy seemed to rise to the top. One was ring shaped, and the other was a bit loopy.

Both products were pitched to a bigger team with the intention of picking one and moving on to the wear testing phase of development. But the two toys each held promise – and the dogs in the Product Development room added their two cents by displaying a passionate enthusiasm for both.

The next step forward was clear: let’s test them both.

THE TEST

Field testing is an integral part of product development at Ruffwear. The rougher the dogs are on their gear, the better. Avy dogs and other working dogs like Conservation Canines fill this role perfectly. They get more hours of use and play in a week than most dogs do in a year, quickly revealing areas that need improvement.

For the Pacific Ring and Pacific Loop, we tapped into our network of avy dog teams, Conservation Canines, and some additional wear-testers that have historically proven to be extra tough on their toys.

Here’s a sampling of feedback we received that would impact design.

---

Pacific Ring Feedback

Don’t care for it as a “tug,” like it more as a Frisbee play toy.

He prefers to bite/tug on the fabric instead of the rope. He started to cause
some tearing in the fabric.

I love the fact you can throw it like a Frisbee!!!

We’ve been using it a few weeks (heavy use, working dog) and it’s holding up. Love the combo fly/tug.

Pacific Loop Feedback

I’ve seen no signs of stress on the seams. Everything is holding up well,
even dragging a 70-pound dog around with it. It has been taken and used as a chew toy. Again, fabric is tough as nails.

The seams appear really robust and give me confidence that it will hold up to rough playing.

I’ve been unintentionally nipped (front teeth grazing the knuckles). Bite Pad needs to be longer and thicker.

Dog doesn’t bite the foam pad. Always goes for thinner area near handles (and my hands).

Avy dog pulling a “victim” from the snow with the Pacific Loop in a digging drill.

THE RESULT

Test, feedback, adjust, test again. It’s a dance our product development team executes with every product.

With this season’s new toys, materials evolved, construction methods were refined, geometry and sizing shifted, and performance was dialed. Testing and feedback even unearthed the unintended appeal of the Pacific Ring as a fling-and-fetch toy in addition to its tug-worthy construction.

Evolution of the Pacific Ring (top) and the Pacific Loop (bottom).

These toys were years in the making and shaped by the very working dogs that inspired them in the first place. Seeing gear perform for them gives us (and hopefully you) confidence that it’ll work for just about everyone else.

Product Designer Monica gets first-hand experience with an avy dog after a successful dig,

Our post on our most recent trip to Wasatch Backcountry Rescue dives deeper into why we love working with avalanche rescue dogs and their handlers. You can learn more there, or feel free to leave a comment below.

from Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2NZbqEt
via IFTTT

All Work & All Play

via Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2NZbqEt

Ruffwear Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you’re searching for just the right gift for your own furry companion or for the ultimate dog lover in your life, Ruffwear is here to help. We’ve curated a gift guide based on outdoor activities. From the dog park to the dirt trail, from a powdery snowscape to a long stretch of road in the middle of nowhere, our collections offer something for everyone.

STOCKING STUFFERS GIFT GUIDE

Gifts under $30 that will please any dog and human duo while leaving enough left over for treats.

Toys that float and toys that fly, toys that bounce, roll, and hold rewards: our toys offer something for everyone including our newly released Pacific Ring and Pacific Loop Rope Toys. Leashes and collars, including the light and minimalist Front Range Leash, the go-anywhere Knot-a-Long Leash, and the Hoopie Collar enhance the connection between dog and human. The Beacon waterproof and rechargeable safety light, Treat Trader, Stash Bag, and Ruffwear hats and tees are nice-to-haves for any human companion, and our Quencher Cinch Top packable, closable food bowl keeps the furry ones fueled up for the next adventure.

EXPLORE STOCKING STUFFERS

HAPPY CAMPER GIFT GUIDE

Gifts for those whose dreams are a little sweeter when they’re sleeping outside under the stars.

Our camping collection includes our Highlands Sleeping Bag and Pad for a comfy, cozy night out, the newly released Flagline Harness, Flat Out Leash and Hoopie Collar – with webbing patterns inspired by wild places, the Gnawt-a-Cone and Gnawt-a-Stick natural rubber toys, The Beacon safety light, and the collapsible, ultralight Bivy Bowl. The Knot-a-Hitch keeps your furry camping pal on leash with room to roam at camp, and the Approach Pack allows your happy camper to carry his/her own gear.

EXPLORE HAPPY CAMPER GIFT GUIDE

TRAVELER GIFT GUIDE

Warning: May cause increased wanderlust. Symptoms include acquiring guide books and maps, changing oil in the car, and organizing gear in the living room.

Our Travel collection includes the waterproof and abrasion-resistant Dirtbag Seat Cover, Mt. Bachelor Pad portable bedroll, cozy and packable Clear Lake Blanket, Basecamp Bowl, The Beacon waterproof and rechargeable safety light, and the climbing-inspired Knot-a-Collar and Knot-a-Leash. The Kibble Kaddie portable dog food carrier holds 42 cups (10L), and it all fits nicely into the Haul Bag dog gear bag. Ready, set, road trip!

EXPLORE TRAVELER GIFT GUIDE

URBAN EXPLORER GIFT GUIDE

For those on your list who believe style and function go hand-in-hand. This collection blends clean, modern design with outdoor performance.

Our Urban Explorer Collection includes the Stumptown Jacket, made with quilted insulation and abrasion-resistant materials, the customer-favorite Front Range® Harness, the Basecamp Bowl and Basecamp Mat, and the eco-friendly Restcycle Bed. Pair any of these with the Flat Out Leash and Hoopie Collar, featuring webbing designs inspired by our favorite wild places. The Treat Trader means tasty rewards are always close at hand, and the Stash Bag makes it easy and convenient to be a good steward wherever your adventures take you.

EXPLORE URBAN EXPLORER GIFT GUIDE

POWDER CHASER GIFT GUIDE

There are those who count down the days until summer and those who do snow dances. This collection is for the dancers.

Snow days are better with the Powder Chaser Collection. It includes two of our warmest jackets: the Powder Hound and Cloud Chaser, as well as our warm, insulated Polar Trex dog boots. The Web Master Harness and Patroller Leash are two pieces of gear inspired by the avalanche rescue dogs and handlers, made to hold up in harsh winter conditions. The Beacon waterproof and rechargeable safety light helps extend adventures when it’s nuking snow, and the brightly-colored Hydro Plane floating disc stands out against a landscape covered in white. Cozy up together in the Clear Lake Blanket, a packable dog blanket that goes anywhere.

EXPLORE POWDER CHASER GIFT GUIDE

TRAIL RUNNER GIFT GUIDE

For the dog and human on your list that will likely squeeze in some trail time before the holiday festivities begin.

Our Trail Runner collection includes the Trail Runner System (Trail Runner Belt and Ridgeline Leash), Hi & Light Harness, Trail Runner ultralight and packable bowl, and the trail-ready Grip Trex Boots. The Singletrak hydration pack allows trail dogs to carry their own water, treats, and pick-up bags, and the Jet Stream cooling vest pairs well with harnesses or packs — it can be worn underneath, providing evaporative cooling to the chest and belly.

EXPLORE TRAIL RUNNER GIFT GUIDE

If you have any questions or feedback about our holiday gift guide, or any Ruffwear gear, please contact us.

Happy Holidays,
Ruffwear Pack

from Ruffwear Blog | News, Events & Adventures https://ift.tt/2O7AibV
via IFTTT