Outbound Hound - Travel Unleashed

Katina (on left) and Julie (on right) enjoy traveling with their dogs Cannon, a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Karma, a Bernese Mountain Dog. They focus their adventures in the Washington, DC region taking advantage of the diverse scenery and opportunities to swim, hike and camp. They are constantly on the look-out for dog-friendly adventures and will share stories, tips and information on this site.

Katina

If there’s one thing I love more than being outdoors it’s spending time with my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Cannon (and my husband, Dan). I’ve been a dog owner since I was 11 years old. And no, I wasn’t the kid who played with her pup occasionally and let her Mom do all the work. I was hopelessly devoted to my apricot Toy Poodle, Champ (I was 11, so not teasing about the name). We took tons of walks, hikes through the woods, camping trips, chasing waterfowl (him not me) and I diligently trained him. He was an amazing dog whose intelligence and affectionate nature sent me head-over-heels for dogs of all sizes. With the careful guidance of my parents, I learned that owning a dog requires both love and dedication and that the reward is a companion for life. What I also realized was that a dog is more than that eager wagging that greets you at the door when you return home – they are your accomplice in adventure!

I’m all grown up now, if only biologically, and spend my weekends hit’n the trails with Cannon. The second I grab my trail shoes he’s at my side waiting for the fun to begin. I take him with me every chance I get.  Once spring hits I’m in full outdoorsy mode and until the frost settles in you can’t tie me down. I’m always down for a hike, whether that means a quick mile or two around my neighborhood or trying to keep up with my brother on a 15-miler on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Want to go camping? I’m game! Just let me grab my gear and I’ll be there. My current obsession is fitness/marathon kayaking. It’s a great workout with great scenery – only problem is, my dog’s not a fan of water and anyway, he’s too big for the boat!

Rolling’s Dakarai “Cannon”

Cannon is my amazing 2 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback! Although Ridgebacks were breed in Africa for assisting with the lion hunt, Cannon seems to excel more at jumping high, running with a smile on his face and trying to snuggle as close to me as he can – besides, we don’t have a huge lion problem here in Virginia.

He’s proved to be a fantastic athlete. He’s built for speed and with his long legs he’s a graceful runner. I truly believe that he’s happiest when running, off leash, in a full out sprint.  He’s also good on the trails. The tough pads on his paws let him go for miles but I’ve learned that without extra conditioning he starts to max out around 13 miles. That’s when we both start limping a bit.
At home Cannon’s a couch potato who I’ll often find actually watching tv with my husband and me. If he had his choice, I think he’d rather be laying in the backyard in the sun, keeping an eye out for rabbits. Beware Mr. Bunny-pants!

Julie

I can’t imagine not having a dog. I have had a dog  – or a horse or a turtle or a fish or all of the above – pretty much always. For the most part growing up my family had a Bearded Collie and my love of jumping with horses crossed over into that dog. I had him leaping picnic furniture and yardsticks in the backyard whenever I could.

After college I got my own dog, Dugan, who came to me on Christmas morning from the same woman who would eventually bring Karma to me. Dugan was a lab mix who went everywhere with me and did everything – he went to work with me, we camped, we drove across the country together, we even rode on a G4. We took obedience classes, learned basic agility and even gave flyball a go. He was my world for 15 years and he changed my life for the better.

Today it’s Karma’s turn in the back of my car. I have long appreciated that dogs need to have plenty of exercise and challenge to keep both their bodies and minds in shape. Not only does Karma get his daily exercise, he also attends classes and we are constantly working on learning or honing a skill or capability. Right now we are working towards another obedience title and we are having lots of fun in the agility ring. In the meantime we are always game for a nature adventure and for a playdate with our canine friends!

Edgeside’s “Karma”

My Bernese Mountain Dog came to me through a series of coincidences, and since I don’t believe in coincidences, and instead believe that everything happens for a reason, I just had to name him “Karma.”

Without a doubt, Karma is the happiest being I have ever known! His tail is always wagging and he makes you believe that dogs do smile. Karma also has more energy than most Berners I know and enjoys his many activities including attending obedience and agility classes out at A-Click-Above. He loves to hike, is amazingly sure-footed on the mountain trails (hence the “mountain dog”) and confidently walks right up to the edge of an overlook.

Karma loves the water but is a terrible swimmer. He is surprisingly fast for his size and even maneuvers the weave poles. If I had to design an ideal day for Karma it would include snow, woods, snow, his dog friends, snow, tennis balls and snow.