Tag Archives: doxie blog

Beating the Heat – Canoeing down the Brandywine River

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Last weekend I took an expedition down the Brandywine River via canoe. You may remember that I went on a similar adventure last summer.

Ammo the Dachshund - Canoeing down the Brandywine River

This time it was a much bigger family affair as even my Uncle Taylor came too while he was up visiting from North Carolina.

Ammo the Dachshund - Canoeing down the Brandywine River

Since we only have one canoe at the farm we had to make room for our extra passengers by adding some blow-up rafts and even a snow tube.

Ammo the Dachshund - Canoeing down the Brandywine River

It ended up being quite the adventure with frequent pit-stops to re-pump said rafts, a couple of spider incidents (with one wolf spider hitching a ride on mom’s leg – I screamed – but she brushed it off like nothing happened), and a nest of ants and their babies threatening to eat us alive when we accidentally tipped the canoe – all of which we had a good laugh about later.

Ammo the Dachshund - Canoeing down the Brandywine River

Ammo the Dachshund - Canoeing down the Brandywine River

All in all it was the perfect way to spend a hot summer day!

So what do you do to beat the summer heat? I’m thinking for my next canoe trip I’ll have to bring along some pupsicles! Yum! Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Pet First Aid Kits

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This week I got stung by a bee! I know the horror! My mom noticed pretty quickly that I had been stung because I stopped barking at a deer in my backyard to lick my leg. After a few minutes my leg started to swell a bit – and then about an hour later I started to get some swelling under my eye and on my nose. So at 9:30pm my dad rushed off to the pharmacy to get me some benedryl, and after eating 1/2 a tablet and sleeping it off, I woke up in the morning feeling much better.

After my little bee sting incident it got me thinking about being safe – and keeping a pet first aid kit with me in the car and at home just in case anything were to happen.

So I decided to do a little Friday Fetch round-up today of some of my favorite pet first aid kits out there.

well fed mayday pet first aid kit via ammo the dachshund

Well Fed Mayday Pet First Aid Kit

AKC pet safety kit - via Ammo the Dachshund

AKC 20-Piece Pet First Aid Kit

lixit pet first aid kit via ammo the dachshund

Lixit First Aid Kit for Dogs

Any pet parents out there have a first aid kit for their dogs at home? Have suggestions for must-have products to include? Leave a comment below, I’d love to hear from you! Ammo the Dachshund

Super Heroes Unite – Chincoteague Pony Minnow gets ready for Pony Penning

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My stay-cation last week may have you thinking that all I did was go paddleboarding and flying, but this super dog never gets to relax completely – and I had to mix in a little bit of work too (if you can call it that).

My bestest pony friend Minnow the Painting Pony and I got our photoshoot on and took some promotional photos for this year’s Chincoteague Pony Penning held at the end of July.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Each year my friend Minnow (aka Super Minnow) travels to Chincoteague Island, Virginia to perform for a week during the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Not only does he paint original art during his stay on the island, but he also gets to show off some of his amazing tricks by performing a skit during the nightly shows at the Chincoteague Pony Centre.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Mom and I work very hard for months in advance to help Minnow learn a new performance each year before pony penning – and I think this year’s performance is one of the best yet!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

This year Minnow is going to Super Hero Bootcamp – and as you can see by his rolly polly belly that he certainly was in need of a bootcamp!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

The only way to see Minnow’s new performance is to visit him on the island at the end of July, but since I knew not everyone would make it I talked mom into having a new DVD made of the performance that will be available for purchase hopefully next month. (meanwhile you can check out Minnow’s other DVD featuring yours truly HERE).

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

I’m a bit jealous that I won’t be able to watch Minnow’s performance live either, as dogs aren’t allowed many places on the island and I have to stay home with Dad, so I’ll just have to wish him luck from afar.

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

It’s a shame really, because what’s a Super Hero without his sidekick?

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

I’m sure Minnow knows I’m his biggest fan though, and I’ll be cheering him on from home! Go Minnow!Ammo the Dachshund

To see more photos of Minnow during our Super Hero Photoshoot make sure you check out the Painting Pony Blog.

Dachshund Takes Flight – Flying High in a Piper Single Engine Plane

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Yesterday I shared with you my paddleboarding adventures on the lake during my stay-cation, and today I have an even more thrilling tale to tell!

Last week I took to the air for my very first flight ever!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Adventures in taking a Small Dog Flying in a Piper

Now as you may already know, I’m not your average dog, so when I took to the air I didn’t just book a flight on some commercial jet for a week-long getaway. No instead I decided to fly in style by hopping aboard my own single engine plane – aka the Piper Archer II.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Adventures in taking a Small Dog Flying in a Piper

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I didn’t have to look too far to find a pilot for my first flight either, because my mom’s dad has been a recreational pilot since 1986, and I was to be his very first canine passenger.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Adventures in taking a Small Dog Flying in a Piper

Being that this was my first flight, I dressed in the best piloting attire I could find. I couldn’t risk looking like I didn’t know what I was doing.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I was pretty darn excited to take to the air, so much so that I even practiced my airplane yelling just in case it was anything like riding on a roller coaster.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

As we took to the air I kept my eyes glued to the window – it was nothing like riding in a car!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I was fascinated by how tiny everything looked from the air, and the cars on the roads below looked just like little rodents scurrying all around.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

We flew over many places that I recognized, like my house, the shop where I work, and even the farm – where I waved hello to all my pony friends below.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

We even flew over Marsh Creek Lake where I had taken my paddleboarding adventure the day before.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

I was having so much fun looking out the window that I almost forgot we were so high in the air.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

But then I caught sight of all the dials and buttons and nobs, and remembered that we weren’t in kansas anymore   firmly planted on the ground anymore.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

The dials and buttons and nobs had me so excited that it made me want to get my pilots license too! Check it out as I help navigate the plane during a take off and landing:

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

After we landed I couldn’t stop beaming from ear to ear!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Flying in a single engine plane was one of the most exciting things I have ever done.

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

Who knew this super hero was born to fly!

Ammo the Dachshund takes Flight - Small Dog takes to the Air in a Single Engine Piper Plane

So cross flying in the sky off my bucket list, because this dog has earned his wings! Maybe next time I’ll have to try helicopters! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Stand up Paddleboarding with your Dog

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Last week I took a short stay-cation in my hometown of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. While I didn’t actually travel anywhere exotic or new I did get to have a whole bunch of brand-new adventures. I hope you’ll come along for the ride with me this week, as I have lots to share!

One of the first things I did on my vacation was to go stand up paddleboarding (also called SUP or stand up paddle surfing) at the Marsh Creek Boat Rental.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Visiting the lake isn’t new to me, as I’ve been known to zip around on a motorized row boat with my mom and dad, but SUP was something I have never done before.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I was so excited when I saw the paddleboard come out that I couldn’t wait to hit the water, especially on this super hot day.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I did end up swimming A LOT while I was on the water, sometimes by accident because I was standing too close to the edge while some turbulent water knocked me in, and sometimes because I wanted to take a trip over to visit dad in his canoe.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Luckily I do know how to swim, and my new life vest kept me even more afloat – and made it easy for mom and dad to scoop me back onto the board.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I’m pretty sure I was the talk of the lake that day and I enjoyed waving at all the other people out enjoying the cool water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

This may have been my first time paddleboarding, but it certainly won’t be my last! Especially if this heat wave in Pennsylvania keeps up!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog

  • Before visiting a lake rental spot make sure that they allow dogs on their rental boats and boards
  • Make sure your dog has a properly fitted life vest – keep a leash attached to it so you can quickly grab your dog should they go overboard accidentally
  • If you have never been on a paddleboard yourself, practice paddling on the lake without your dog first, it will be much harder to maneuver the board with a dog on it too
  • Allow your dog to get used to the board near the shore first with you standing in the water
  • Be prepared to get wet – very wet (but that is the point isn’t it?)
  • Don’t bring a dog paddleboarding that doesn’t know how to swim, it is pretty likely that at some point they will go overboard especially if it is windy out
  • If your dog has a strong herding instinct it is best to have only one “member of the pack” out on the lake at a time, otherwise your dog will be upset when his “pack” isn’t close together, causing him to jump overboard or panic
  • Have as much fun as possible!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

And the icing on my cupcake…..according to Shape Magazine I burned 500 – 700 calories every hour I was out paddleboarding (although mom says she’s pretty sure they mean it’s her that’s burning those calories), but regardless it’s also apparently the new “celebrity trend” – with paddleboarders like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson testing them out too.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

So considering I’m probably just as famous as those big celebs (right?) then it must be the super cool new thing to do! Not to mention I look awfully sexy doing it! *wink*

 

So what do you think? Is your next big adventure going to be paddleboarding with your dog? Or do you just enjoy living vicariously through me? Or better yet – have any suggestions of new adventures I should try?

Make sure you stop by the blog tomorrow to hear all about my adventures on my very first airplane ride!Ammo the Dachshund

2012 Petties Finalist – Best Blog Design

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petties-2012-finalist-design-badgeHey Friends! I’m dropping by the blog this Saturday to let you all know that I’ve been chosen as a 2012 Petties Finalist for the Best Blog Design. How cool!

I’m honored to have been chosen by Dogtime as a finalist, but the very best part is that the winners in each category get $1,000 to donate to their favorite pet charity.

As you know I donate funds to my favorite pet charities each year through the sale of my artwork and the paintings made by my Painting Pony Friends. It would be oh so wonderful to donate more funds to a pet rescue in need, but I need your help!

ammo the dachshund watercolor artist

I’m up against some great blogs for the category of Best Blog Design, but you guys can help me win by visiting Dogtime and voting for me!

And I’d love to hear what pet rescues you think would be a great place for me to donate the $1,000 to should I win! Thanks friends!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE Ammo the Dachshund