Road Trip with Ammo – Thanksgiving in North Carolina

On my last full day in Asheville, North Carolina I got to spend Thanksgiving day with my friends and family.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

I spent most of the morning lounging on the front porch and soaking in the sun.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

It was nice to spend the day relaxing with loved ones.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

Eventually Trooper and I got bored though – and a wrestling match soon followed. It didn’t last long though, because dinner was soon to be ready.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

Inside I shared a feast with my friends, including me new pal Arlo.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

Arlo was way prepared for Thanksgiving in his tuxedo, and he had me feeling very under dressed.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

All in all I spent a wonderful Thanksgiving day in Asheville and next time I return I hope I can listen to my Uncle Taylor’s band….I’ve already warned them that I play a mean set of drums…should the need arise.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Thanksgiving Day

The next day Trooper and I stuffed ourselves back into the car and headed towards our home in Pennsylvania. It’s nice to travel and experience the world, but there is nothing quite like coming home to your own bed! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Road Trip with Ammo – Hiking Graveyard Fields in Asheville, North Carolina

My pet-friendly shopping adventures last week in Asheville, North Carolina were quite fun, but as much as I love scoping out a good deal, I enjoy being out in nature so much more.

I made sure to do my fair share of hiking while I was in North Carolina, and one of my favorite hikes was the Graveyard Fields and Waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

This particular 3 mile hike led me over bridges, up mountains and through scenic waterfalls.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Most of the time I led our pack of 6 humans and 2 dogs (me and Trooper), mostly because I’m a natural born leader, and also because Trooper was too concerned with herding our pack into a tidy little group than telling us which path to take (I blame his Australian Shepherd mother).

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m an adventuresome hiker, and took to the unbeaten path when possible – climbing rocks and jumping streams are my kind of fun.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

When we reached one of our waterfall destinations I wasted no time in urging everyone to climb the cliffside and reach the top.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

It was glorious from above, but I quickly realized the decent down wouldn’t be quite as easy.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Not to worry though, because even with my shorter than average legs I’m an excellent climber – not to mention I’m in peak physical shape – and I made it safely to the bottom.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

I wish I could say the same for my pal Trooper, but he ended up taking the fast track down the mountain over a sheet of ice.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Luckily he has spider legs, and quickly recovered after splashing into the water at the bottom. I only wish I had caught it on film, because I probably would have won the grand prize on America’s Funniest Videos.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

3 miles of hiking felt like a breeze to me, and I easily could have done another 10.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

Mom and Dad promised we’d come back again someday though, perhaps in warmer weather. I can’t wait to return to Asheville for more hiking adventures.

Pet Friendly Hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina // Ammo the Dachshund

At the end of the day it was nice to snuggle up in my blankies at the hotel, it feels good to be worn out, and I did need to rest up, because soon it would be THANKSGIVING!

Check back tomorrow to find out how I spent Turkey Day with my family. Ammo the Dachshund

Road Trip with Ammo – Dog Friendly Shopping in North Carolina

Yesterday you learned all about my 10 hour road trip which plopped me down in Asheville, North Carolina. Well, I’m back to share with you some more of my thanksgiving vacation adventure, more specifically….shopping!

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

When I awoke in the hotel the next morning I was so excited to start my new adventure that I bolted out of bed.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Ok just kidding, you know me too well…..I slowly dragged myself from my snuggle fortress; I am so not a morning dog. But once I got going it turned out to be a glorious day in downtown Asheville.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

I was super surprised to learn that most of the shops in Asheville were pet friendly, and not just the ones that sold dog items.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

One of my pit stops was the Funky Mutt, a tiny pet shop with a big attitude…..just like me!

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

One of my must-go places while visiting Asheville was the Three Dog Bakery.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

They must of known I was coming, because they decorated the shop with my brethren so that I would feel welcome.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Trooper and I wasted no time in picking out some delectable treats to bring home. I went straight for the peanut butter balls!

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Trooper was VERY excited!

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Next door to the Three Dog Bakery I popped into the ZaPow! Gallery to soak up some of the local art. It’s a talented bunch in this state!

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Then it was off to the ever enchanting Battery Park Champagne Lounge and Book Exchange.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

It was here that I met Jonsie, a local pup who frequented the establishment nearly every day with his owner.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

I tried my best to fit in with this sophisticated crowd in the Champagne Lounge, and I’m sure if I lived in Asheville I would be dawning a smoking jacket in no time.

Road Trip with Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Friendly Shopping in Asheville, North Carolina

Overall my shopping experience in Downtown Asheville was delightful. I’m sure in warmer weather (during my visit it was about 60 degrees) the streets would be bustling with patrons and their pets. I can’t wait to visit again soon.

Check back tomorrow to hear about all of my hiking adventures in Asheville! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Road Trip with Ammo – Asheville, North Carolina

So last week I went on a super fun and awesome adventure to visit my Uncle Taylor in Asheville, North Carolina. Many of you followed along with me via Instagram and Facebook, but I thought it would be fun to relive the adventure all over again on my blog!

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

I started my adventure by packing into the family SUV, me in my snoozer seat and my pal Trooper by my side. We buckled in and readied ourselves for the 10 hour drive from our home in Pennsylvania.

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

Rest stops were necessary along the way, and I had fun stretching my legs in Virginia.

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

Trooper made sure he left behind something to remember him by.

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

A few hours later we stopped for dinner.

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

It was here that I spotted my first Virginia Dachshunds! I didn’t get to properly introduce myself before we headed on our way ….but incase they’re reading this now….Hey Girls!

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

The rest of the trip was pretty much a blur to me, as I must admit I slept most of the way. But before I knew it we arrived at our hotel, The Days Inn in Candler, NC.

Ammo the Dachshund // Road Trip to Asheville, North Carolina

I slept pretty hard that night, but awoke bright and early, ready to start some wondrous adventures! I had heard that Asheville was one of the most dog friendly towns in the United States, so I was very excited to put it to the test.

Check back tomorrow to hear about my shopping adventures in North Carolina! Yippee! Ammo the Dachshund

Road Tripping Adventures

It’s true, I go on lots and lots of adventures with my family, but did you know that when I travel with my family most of the time it is to perform with my Painting Pony friends. All that is about to change though, because this week I’m traveling without the ponies all the way to North Carolina to visit my Uncle Taylor (the same Uncle Taylor who filmed our new Painting Pony DVD).

Road Tripping Adventures with Ammo the Dachshund

This will be the longest road trip I’ve ever taken, and the best part is that I not only get to travel with my family, but I also get to travel with my bestest buddy Trooper! Best week ever!

Over the weekend I helped mom and dad pack for the big trip, so I thought it would be fun to share with everyone exactly what ended up in my personal suitcase.

Road Tripping Adventures with Ammo the Dachshund

Ammo’s Suitcase:

Road Tripping Adventures with Ammo the Dachshund

I’m so excited to reach my destination, and I’ll be sure to post pictures of my road trip on Facebook and Instagram as I travel. But in case you miss any of the excitement, not to worry – I’ll give you a full recap of all my adventures when I return next week! Ammo the Dachshund

Frankenstorm

Most of you have heard that Hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm has been barreling it’s way towards the east coast. Being that I live in Pennsylvania, the hurricane was set to hit my area on Monday evening with full furry.

Hurricane Sandy // Frankenstorm 2012 // Ammo the Dachshund

I made lots of preparations like tucking my ponies safely into the barn, sandbagging up mom’s shop in town, and making sure I had plenty of kibble and water.

Hurricane Sandy // Frankenstorm 2012 // Ammo the Dachshund

I battened down the hatches and prepared for the looming Frankenstorm to approach.

Hurricane Sandy // Frankenstorm 2012 // Ammo the Dachshund

Trips to the farm in the wind and rain to keep my ponies safe were inevitable, but I tried my best to stay warm.

Hurricane Sandy // Frankenstorm 2012 // Ammo the Dachshund

I hope everyone that the hurricane has effected has stayed safe, and I’ll be sure to update everyone on how I weather the storm just as soon as it moves out of my area (hopefully by wednesday).

As always you can stay up to date on all my adventures in the storm on my facebook page. Wishing you all the best!

 

**update** I made it through the storm, and although I did lose power around 9pm at night it did come back a few hours later. My house faired well with just some down leaves and a few branches but the farm is still without power. I’ll be heading out soon to check on mom’s shop in town – and we’re hoping the water from the Brandywine River didn’t flood the area. I hope everyone else stayed safe!Ammo the Dachshund

Barn Raising

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Trooper and I were hanging out on the farm this morning because the Timber Frame has arrived for the new farmhouse.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

The Timbers arrived on the truck to be used in the construction of Trooper’s new post and beam house being built on the farm.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

My initial inspection earned a paws up review from me – and I told the boys to start loading up the crane!

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

After the crane piled all the timbers into the new house, Trooper and I were anxious to see how they would put them together.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

We watched from afar for a bit, but eventually we just couldn’t wait any longer to get our paws dirty too.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

So Trooper convinced his mom and dad that we would promise to be safe if they let us get a little closer to see just how a post and beam house is constructed.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

As you can imagine, Trooper was very excited!

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

I was enthralled with watching the construction workers help the crane lower the beams into the house.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

But the very best part – getting to watch Trooper’s Dad pound some of the very first pegs into the timber frame.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

It was a VERY exciting day, and Trooper even got to keep a souvenir of the day! Lucky! Ammo the Dachshund

Super Model Dachshund

You might remember that last month I had my photo taken by professional photographer, Brenda Carpenter, in the Mutt Room during the Devon Fall Classic Horse Show.

I love the photos Brenda took of me so much, that I could hardly decide which ones to order. But while I wait for my prints to arrive in the mail, Brenda was kinda enough to send me over some digital images to share on the blog with all of my friends.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

During the photoshoot I did my hardest to channel my inner Gisele.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

This is my “business in the front, party in the back” pose.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

I use this stone-cold look when I’m hunting groundhogs, if only looks could kill!

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

I even dressed up for the ladies with my spiffy bowtie from Silly Buddy.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

And my favorite pose of the day…… “please mom, can I have another cookie”. Works every time! Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

Apple of my Eye

Every year when Autumn rolls around I take the obligatory trip to Highland Orchards, home of the cider donut, pumpkin picking, fresh apples, canned preserves and goats!

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Like most of the children there I humored my parents with having my photo taken in the fall cutouts.

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

But we all know there is really only one reason to take a trip to Highland Orchards (besides a bite of cider doughnut)…

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

…the goats!! Now last year the goats gave me the stink eye, so I was careful to be a bit weary the second time around.

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

I have to admit those fellows are starting to grow on me, even with their sharp pointy horns.

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

Although I was still somewhat relieved that there was a fence between me and them, after all I was sorely outnumbered.

Ammo the Dachshund // Highland Orchards

I plan to visit the Highland Orchard goats again, if only to get on their good side, because Mom says we may be getting goats on the farm in the near future. Yikes! Ammo the Dachshund

The Mutt Room

On Saturday I took a trip to the Devon Horse Show Grounds for the Fall Classic Jumper Show.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

The Devon Show Grounds are known to be an uber friendly dog place, meaning dogs are allowed in the shops (many of which carry items for pets), we can sit in the stands with our humans, and we even have our very own water fountains.

Now I’m no stranger to Devon, however during this particular trip I did something a little unexpected and different.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

I took a trip to The Mutt Room! The Mutt Room is a mini portrait studio run by Brenda Carpenter (the official photographer for Devon events), and is designed so that your 4 legged friend can get a personal portrait session. Now seeing that I can never pass up the opportunity to get my picture taken, I just had to see what it was like to be in a professional studio.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Inside the studio it was filled with super fun dog portraits and there were treats and toys everywhere! This was totally my kind of adventure.

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Ammo the Dachshund // Devon Fall Classic // The Mutt Room

Brenda said I was a natural behind the camera as I showed her all of my amazing poses. I can hardly contain my excitement to see the results of my photoshoot – I’m sure my photos will make all the ladies swoon!

And now that I’m officially a pro behind the camera, I may just have to get an agent and start booking magazine shoots. I have no doubt you’ll see me on the cover of Vogue and Sports Illustrated someday soon!

P.S. Brenda does personal portraits of your pets! Check out her website to see how to book!Ammo the Dachshund