More than just an ordinary dog, Max is my buddy, my pooch, my every dog all in one. So when Trig said he wanted to go camping, my brain wailed "but what about my dog???" I was mortified, now what? I had no one left at home to watch him while I went traipsing about Nowhere Kansas. Ugh. My aging, over-sized, and arthritic dog would need to accompany us, me, or else. So began the mental gymnastics while I wrestled with this new problem.

Ok Ok Ok, let me think! I know! I'll get one of those thingys I can set up, you know the screened in camping shelters. Yes that could work...I don't care if my minimalist boyfriend thinks I'm nuts, its his job to love me and accept my idiosyncrasies. Of course Max could rip through the mesh and escape, or be stolen! I'd be racked with sorrow and guilt, no that won't do.

Next idea? If its not too hot, I could park the Tahoe in the shade, roll down the windows and stick a fan in the back and he could be fine.

Nothing left to do but to do it.

So I packed... Dog food, his expensive supplement and I even picked up some Rimadyl (NSAID meds) from the vet's office. Oh and a fan. The weather promised to not cooperate and I assumed I would wilt, horribly, right next to my big hairy dog.

Blue moon fever? Perhaps!

When we pulled in the place was pretty much vacant. Max stayed with me and Trig was left to set up camp on his own. I assumed I was much too encumbered to assist. meh.

But I like to take pictures.

The sunset was gorgeous over the glassy water

 A really big small mouth bass, which trig threw back, declaring it too beautiful to slaughter. *weeping*

 Also note the extended little finger, not easy cause this sucker was heavy!

Now after one trip out, we thought, hmmmm, wonder if we could set up the boat to accommodate my pooch. Getting him in and out of the boat was the only real difficulty. Max was quite a trooper and Nano was happy to have his over-sized friend along for the ride.

A new fish finder?

The heat was sweltering and we tried to take shelter in the tent. Didn't work but this picture is cute. You can see Nano's butt as he burrows into the blankets.

My reason for camping, my love, the old spice man...

    (yes a different trip, but a sexy pose, no?)

A blue moon

The boys enjoying a jaunt about the lake.

The heat ravaged wild flowers and grasses

A pooch so tired he's stuck on the console! I, as gently as possible, shifted him off and he curled up in the back.

And our maiden trip as a two barker family was all in all a success. I whined about the heat (it was but a mere high of 99 degrees), Max barked hello, good bye and see-ya-later at everyone and trig got his fishing fix and dinner for several nights.

Believe in your smellf.