Beltzville State Park Lake with Ammo & Shilah

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Ammo

Yesterday I shared some of the adventures my pal Shilah and I had during our annual camping trip (once the rain cleared), and today I’ve got even more to share!

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

One of the great things about camping is getting to explore the great outdoors! While I had many fun things planned for my weekend outside, the rain kept me from most of them, but the good news is I still got to visit the Beltzville State Park with Shilah.

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

The fun thing about Beltzville is that they have a lake! I was super excited to visit the lake because they also have a pet friendly boat rental (similar to the local lake I visit in the summer), and I was secretly hoping it had some speed boats because Beltzville has a 45mph speed limit (my local lake is much lower).

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

Sadly because of the overcast day the boat rental was closed for the day when I arrived! But I wasn’t going to let that ruin my fun.

Especially since there were so many things in the lake that needed saving! If you didn’t already know, when I’m around water I become Mr. Lifeguard, trying to save any and everything from drowning.

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

I tried saving people.

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

I tried saving lost shoes.

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

(this particular rescue attempt was a success).

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

And I even tried saving my pal Shilah!

Although truth be told, nothing I tried to save actually needed saving. But life guard skills need to be kept in tip top shape, so it’s always best to practice as much as possible. (although paws crossed no one ever ACTUALLY needs my life saving skills, because I’m not sure I could really pull anyone in from the water, but that won’t stop me from trying!)

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

Visiting the Beltzville Lake was the perfect end to our camping adventure, and I can’t wait to go back again when the boat rental is open!

Don’t forget, this week I’m giving away an awesome life vest from my pals at Ruffwear (as seen on me in this post). It comes in a variety of sizes to fit any dog, and is the perfect accessory for water adventures. Don’t forget to enter!

Wondering where to get any of my great camping gear? Be sure to check out my gear page!

P.S. Special thanks to Shilah’s mom from Mrs. Dailey’s Classroom for sharing some of her camping photos with me (the ones not watermarked with my website)!

Best Fitting Lifevest for Dogs & A Giveaway

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Ammo

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Ruffwear. All opinions are my own and I only share products I think my readers will love!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Every summer I enjoy hitting the lake, sometimes kayaking, most of the time Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), and always practicing water safety by wearing a floatation device. While I’ve owned several life vests over the years, I’ve finally found one that fits me PERFECTLY, the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Being a Dachshund means that sometimes I have trouble finding harnesses, coats and even life vests that can accommodate my unique body type. Thankfully the Ruffwear Lifevest is adjustable in all the right places making it the best fitting one I’ve ever worn.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This floatation device has a sleek design making it slimmer fitting than any of the other vests I’ve tried, but don’t worry it’s still full of plenty of “float”!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This life jacket is not only a great design for Dachshunds, but it is also designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes. It even includes thoughtful details like a strong handle, optimally positioned to lift dogs out of the water, and reflective trim for enhanced visibility in or out of the water.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I enjoyed how the front of the vest was adjustable, but once set is easy to slip over your pup’s head, and the belly straps are also fully adjustable.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The design of this vest allowed me to have great free-flowing movement of my front legs, which is fantastic for swimming (and for all those occasions when you accidentally fall in!).

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

A fun little fact about me, while swimming might not be my #1 favorite thing to do, I do on occasion like to swim voluntarily, but I’ll only do so if I’m wearing a life jacket and the water is bath water warm!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m a big fan of the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat, and I can’t recommend it enough for all those water loving dogs out there! It’s now my go-to summer accessory that I never leave home without.

You can fetch your own life jacket from Ruffwear for $79.95. (and incase you’re wondering, I wear a size XS and I’m 20lbs).

And now for the best part…

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

ONE WINNER WILL WIN A RUFFWEAR K-9 FLOAT COAT!

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

No purchase necessary. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget (see below). Good luck!

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Read our full list of Terms & Conditions for this giveaway.

Frozen Lake

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Ammo

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

On Valentine’s Day my mom and dad surprised me and told me that we’d be taking a trip to the lake. I couldn’t wait as it’s one of my favorite spots and I was looking forward to romping in the sand!

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

Only when we got to the lake and I sat on the edge of the dock and looked out over the water….things looked a little different.

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

Actually, it looked a lot different.

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

I felt like I had been duped. I mean where was the warm water, the paddle boards, ….. where was my lake?

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

But then, mom told me that we were standing on the lake.

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

I mean holy cow, there was water under there? Frozen water?

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

And sure enough, with a bit of digging I uncovered my long lost lake. Who would of thought?

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course being Valentine’s Day and all, mom and dad made me take a family photo. And did you know that almost 8 years ago my mom and dad got engaged on this lake (on a row boat)? Well now you do.

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

As much as I enjoyed frozen lake, I did sort of wish it was summer, because frozen lake is a bit more “frozen” and I started to get a little cold as the sun set.

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

Don’t worry though, because I brought along my secret weapon against all things cold….my mom!

Frozen Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

Yup, just the right amount of Valentine’s warmth from my mom! But next time, I think I’d much rather visit the lake on a warm, sunny day!

So how did you spend your Valentine’s Day?

End of Summer Adventures

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Ammo

Summer is quickly coming to an end (how sad), and although there is lots to look forward to in the fall I’m still going to miss all the summertime fun. So I’ve been packing in as much excitement as I can!

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve been spending time with my favorite pony, Minnow, while he munches on the last bits of summer grass.

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

That Minnow is always trying to hog the camera with his cheesy smiles!

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m also squeezing in trips to the hardware store – to help mom and dad finish up all our summer projects around the house.

I’m also taking as many trips to the lake with mom and dad that I can. Pretty soon it’ll be much to chilly on the water for me!

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

Mostly I’m just enjoying the warmth…..all before I have to break out my cool weather wardrobe!

What are you going to miss about the summer once it’s gone?

Lake Dogs

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Ammo

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

By now you probably know that hanging out at the lake is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. I love it so much that whenever I can I like to bring my dog friends to the lake with me too. You might remember a few summers back when I introduced my gal pal Shilah to the lake when she was just 1 year old.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Well it seems my gal pals keep getting younger and younger (*wink*), and this time I brought along my new friend Maya the rescue pup to the lake.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

It was a bit more of an overcast type of day, and I was a bit worried we might get rained on, but you know what…..when you go to the lake you gotta expect to get wet!

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

This time I decided to rent a double kayak with my mom and dad. Since the water was a little cooler I didn’t feel like getting as wet so a kayak seemed to be the way to go.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Maya started out on the kayak too so that she could get her sea legs.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

And it didn’t take long for her to take the obligatory accidental lake plunge. Don’t worry Maya, we’ve all been there!

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

But Maya didn’t let a little dip in the lake discourage her, she hopped right back on and even tried her paw on the paddleboard too.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

She even got brave enough to take a purposeful plunge later on in the day (which my camera crew totally missed!)

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

And incase you’re wondering, life guard Ammo was on duty the whole time and I kept a watchful eye on my young puppy friend.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Needless to say I was very glad she figured out the whole swimming thing on her own, because I was much too comfortable to perform any daring rescues!

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that this won’t be Maya’s last time on the lake.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

After all, how could you not come back with a view like this!

July 2014 Monthly Recap

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Ammo

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in July, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

Barkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups! You can check out just what goodies your dog could be getting every month by reading my reviews!

Use code AMMO5 for 10% off your Barkbox Subscription.

Ruffwear carries performance dog gear designed to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Totally my kind of company that carries anything from dog hiking packs, harnesses, camping essentials and more! You can check out my review of their dog boots (that even work for dachshund’s too) as well as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler to keep your pup cool in the summer!

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear! Free Shipping on orders including the all-new everyday dog harness from Ruffwear – Front Range Harness (Use Code FREEFRONT)

Kurgo is devoted to helping people get out & safely enjoy the world with their dogs. They carry high-quality, innovative products that last at reasonable prices. They even offer a lifetime guarantee. You can check out my review of the Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Life Vest.

Use code KURGO20WIN for 20% off your purchase at Kurgo!

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HERE. And thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

And now onto my July Adventures….

When Toads Attack // Ammo the Dachshund

Things got exciting real fast when I got attacked by a Killer Toad!

Camping in the Pocono Mountains with Ammo the Dachshund

I shared the fun adventures I had with my pal Shilah camping in the Pocono Mountains.

Hiking Glen Onoko Falls with Ammo the Dachshund

Shilah and I went hiking in Glen Onoko Falls.

Happy 4th of July // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated the 4th of July.

Ruffwear Roamer Leash Review & Giveaway

Shilah and I tested out my new favorite hiking leash, the Ruffwear Roamer Leash.

Super Mom-Mom's 90th Birthday // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated my Super Mom-Mom’s 90th Birthday!

New York of Bust // Ammo the Dachshund

I headed to New York with my ponies to go camping.

Blanket Dog Bed Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tried to fend off the barn cats from stealing my new Blanket Dog Bed.

Planet Dog Glow For Good Ball // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my favorite indoor/outdoor dog toys.

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

I went swimming at the lake with my favorite pony Minnow.

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub, Weenie in a Tub // Ammo the Dachshund

I had a date with the bathtub!

DoggieLawn Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tested out an indoor dog potty!

Adventures in Home Improvement // Ammo the Dachshund

I went shopping for home improvement.

Easy DIY Spray Painted Dog Art // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some easy DIY Dog Art.

Summer at the Pool // Ammo the Dachshund

I performed some water rescues at the pool.

The Eclectic Hound Martingale Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tested out some fun martingale dog collars.

Afternoon Nap // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared what startled me at nap time.

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

I told everyone why I love being a kid magnet!

Watch This // Training Horses Through Mimicking // Ammo the Dachshund

I helped train my ponies.

Wow! It’s amazing all the exciting stuff I seem to pack in each month. I still have lots to fit in before the summer is over though!

What sort of adventures did your pup go on in July?

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Ammo

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

It’s no secret that I love spending time at the lake during the summer.

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

But did you know that my pony friends from the farm also enjoy relaxing at the lake on hot summer days?

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

While I’ve been to the lake with my ponies many times before, this time I decided to find out what it was like to swim with them! My favorite pony Minnow offered up his back to take me for a swim around the lake.

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

And since ponies don’t come equipped with seat belts, mom had to come along too to make sure I didn’t accidentally fall in (not to worry though, I wore my life vest at all times too).

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

My pal Minnow is actually a Chincoteague Pony and he was born wild on the Island of Assateague. Which if you know the story of the Chincoteague Ponies, then you may know that as a young pony Minnow made the swim across the Chincoteague Channel during Pony Penning Week when he was just a young foal. So if anyone knows how to swim, it’s my pal Minnow.

And I have to say, swimming on the back of a pony is a heck of a lot easier than swimming in the lake on your own. I think it’s going to have to be my preferred method of transportation on the lake from now on!

Swimming Dogs and Ponies at the Lake // Ammo the Dachshund

So thanks Minnow, for taking me on my maiden pony swimming voyage! I hope to have many more in my future!

P.S. Thanks to my pals from My Life, Naturally for taking some of the photos in this post!

Lasso Rope Collar Review & Giveaway

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Ammo

Disclaimer : This is a sponsored post and giveaway brought to you by Lasso Ropes.

Lasso Ropes Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

My new friends over at Lasso recently sent me one of their fun rope collars, the Jib Petit. (to which I immediately attached one of my Pod ID tags – because one should never go without identification!)

Inspired by the sea, Lasso makes wonderful nautical collars, leashes, and even harnesses for all sea-dogs (or even non-sea dogs that just want to look super cool).

Lasso Ropes Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

With lots of rope styles, colors, and sizes there is something to fit every dog’s need.

Of course as soon as I received my Lasso Collar I did what any dog with a nautical rope collar does……I strapped on my life vest and headed for the lake!

Lasso Ropes Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Even the boat rental crew at the lake commented on how appropriately dressed I was in my nautical collar! It held up well to all my water-time adventures and the size was perfect since all of the Lasso ropes are handmade!

Lasso Ropes Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

All of the Lasso products are made with brass fittings, which have great corrosive resistance, so I never have to worry about it looking less than stellar after my many summertime trips to the lake.

So if you are looking for some fun nautical rope accessories for your dog this summer (or even yourself since they sell a variety of human-friendly products too), I highly recommend you checkout Lasso!

You can save 10% off any small dog items at Lasso with code AMMO – coupon is valid until June 15th at 11:50PM.

And now for the best part…..

Lasso Ropes Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

ONE Lucky WINNER will WIN a 4ft Blue Eco Leash with red knots from Lasso!

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

For this giveaway I will be using, Rafflecopter. We only use the information you provide to contact the winners and we never share it – so not to worry. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends on 6/10/14 12AM EST. Open to US Residents Only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Lasso, but all opinions are my own!

Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter my Sleepypod Yummy Bowl Giveaway!! Also there is still time to enter Ruffwear My Dog is My… Giveaway!

When Dogs Go Stand Up Paddleboarding

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Ammo

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m no stranger to the lake, and one of my favorite warm-weather activities is to go Stand Up Paddleboarding (aka SUP) with my mom and dad. So over the weekend we hit up our favorite lake and boat rental – Marsh Creek Lake.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

I enjoy the paddleboard more than any of the other rentals (kayak, motorized rowboat, sailboat) because the paddleboard puts me the closest to the water – and I do in fact enjoy swimming when the water is just the right temperature.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Most of the time I end up taking a dive into the water when mom and dad drift too far apart. I think I channel my inner herding dog (thanks to my pal Trooper) and I worry a bit when my “pack” gets too far apart. So I’ll dive into the water and swim to dad to make sure he’s still ok.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

When we finally get further out on the lake it’s enjoyable just to lay around on the paddleboards and soak in the sun. After all summer is almost here – and I gotta work on my tan!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

As much as attention as I tend to draw on the lake – you would think that it’s pretty rare to see dogs out on the water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

But in actuality I tend to see quite a few dogs when I head out, like this pup Kahula, who’s owner has an awesome go-pro setup on their board and posts amazing instagram photos of their paddleboarding adventures.

So if you’re looking for a fun summertime activity to enjoy with your dog I highly recommend paddleboarding. You can check with your local boat rental to see if they allow dogs on their rentals (as I’ve found most do) and even if the paddle board isn’t for you there are lots of other rentable water vessels! Just make sure your pup wear’s it’s life vest! Mine is from my friends at Kurgo.

Marsh Creek Mother’s Day

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Ammo

Mother's Day at Marsh Creek // Ammo the Dachshund

Sunday was Mother’s Day, so Trooper and I packed up our moms (and our ponies) and headed to the Marsh Creek State Park so that everyone could have a fun day.

Mother's Day at Marsh Creek // Ammo the Dachshund