My buddy, Katheryn, asked me to post about Staycations for the recession. Also inspired by many friends who have less portable pets, Raja and I put our heads together about our favorite summer fun activities. As you will note, all of Raja’s silly fun abroad involves the same things any pet could do at home- meeting new people, encountering strange animals, and running around in nature. Here are some fun suggestions for do-at-home pet Staycations.
Farm Stand Petting Zoo: A farm stand near out house has resident goats and sheep for children to pat. On dull afternoons, or when I get back from work, sometimes I take bored little Raja over to say “hi” to the goats (he prefers goats) and get patted by shoppers. We buy some tomatoes; he enjoys the interspecies communication and adulation from shoppers. Works for us and strokes his ego mightily. Similarly, sometimes after work I take him to Petsmart to see the birdies- like a visit to the rainforest canopy, minus the heat and bugs.
Pet Portraits: No need to go all the way to Montmartre to have an emerging artist do your pet portrait. Pick out a children’s starter set of pastels at Michaels Crafts and then loll about in the park or backyard. Wait for your pet to get comfortable and then draw away. Do you have to be Picasso? NO! But, wow, what if you discover you have a talent!? Go ahead and frame the good one.
Puptails and Kittytinis: Happy hour for all. Invite neighbors and friends over with their pets for cocktail hour. Water and snacks for pets. A sugar cube soaked in brandy and dropped into Yellow Tail Sparkling Rose (so not pricy) makes a fun, fizzy drink.
Overland Hike: Check out which parks with wild trails allow pets. Pack up the granola snacks, biscuits, bottled water and off you go. (On hot days also pack instant cold packs for overheated dogs and don’t forget the harness and leash. And make sure you know the local fauna… if you live in rattlesnake territory, keep your pet out of the brush. In bear country, make sure the leash stays no longer than 6 feet. In Canadian goose country (curse them) turn back at first sign of that horrid scat!)
Doga: Why not? Try a few asanas under a tree in the park. Downward facing dog is one both of you can get into. Then there’s the lie flat on your back asana. And the lie on your side asana. And the share an ice cream asana. You get the picture. Aum. Aum. Aum Dogsloveicecream Aum.
Can anybody think of other good Staycation ideas to post here? Use the comment box to share.
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