Outbound Hound - Travel Unleashed

When times are tough you have to be more creative about how to cut corners and let’s face it, sometimes those morning lattes are a necessity, not a luxury!

Yet so often we put our pets’ needs ahead of our own. Truth is, there are ways to save and your pooch will never be the wiser!

Coupons | look for coupons, discount codes and free samples everywhere – online, magazines, stores, facebook, twitter and in the mail. Also, with a little effort you can often find free samples of your favorite products.

Bulk Up | Whenever you can buy in volume or buy packages. Some places offer deals for buying quantity and some service providers (like groomers) offer packages which will offer savings.

Shop Smarter | Look around for deals. Chances are you have gotten into habits about where you shop when in fact, there may be a better deal out there is another store or online.

Join Up | Loyalty programs reward repeat purchases so check to see if the brands you buy or the stores you frequent have such benefits.

Time It Right | Pay attention to when the sales occur. Join mailing lists to find out about sales at your favorite stores or of preferred brands.

Ignore the Calendar | Your dog doesn’t know that it’s not cool to play with a Santa toy in April so look for items post-holiday – they will be on sale.

Share | Often what you’re eating for dinner is a great treat for your pooch. Treats don’t have to be dog cookies, they can be blueberries or apples – anything healthy. Just don’t create a beggar – be sure to feed “people” food away from where you eat and certainly not while you’re eating it.

Tell Your Friends | Get in the habit of telling friends about the deals you find. Pretty soon they will be telling you about deals, too!

Most importantly, remember that it all adds up. Just $15 pays for a night at a great campground! I’m sure your dog wouldn’t mind playing with Santa if he knew he could be in the woods!!

Recently I have had conversations with friends about tennis balls and dogs. Turns out, there can be quite a bit of lead and other chemicals in tennis balls and other dog toys. Incredible!

Of course, as a disclaimer, I should tell you that the data on lead content in tennis balls and dog toys is seriously debated. I mean, no one agrees on how much lead is safe for dogs and, not surprisingly, this area is not regulated for pets. Plus, what might be OK for a St. Bernard could be bad for a Chihuahua. Ugh!

But here is one thing on which most will agree. Toys made in China contain more lead (and other chemicals) than those made in other countries, especially the US where lead is a no-no. As for tennis balls, unfortunately those sold at pet store chains were singled out to be the worst (tennis ball) offenders.

Here are a few datapoints (thanks to the magazine, Animal Wellness):

• In 2007, Texas lab ExperTox tested toys from Wal-Mart and found lead, chromium, arsenic, cadmium and mercury.
• According to the article and Dr. Sharon Gwaltney, Vice President of the ASPCA’s Animal Poision Control Center, lead is trouble. It can cause abnormal behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, hiding in dark places, convulsions, anemia, weight loss and, if untreated, death.

Seriously?

The article goes on to present the “other side” of the argument saying that there is still no “proof” that certain levels of lead cause harm, and, of course, not every dog is affected.

So now what?

I hate to say it, but avoid made in China products whenever possible. If you have questions, check the product’s website. Painted items are going to be the worst offenders. Toys made in the US and Europe are manufactured under the toughest standards so try to find those.

Unfortunately, you’ll be hard pressed to find a can of tennis balls made in the US, but try. And PLEASE let us know if you find any!

In this month’s issue of Backpacker Magazine they listed their “10 Essentials: Update your survival kit for 2010.” There were some great ideas from First aid kits to GPS units. It got me thinking, what updates or new gear do I want on my personal top ten items to shop list for this spring?

1. Gaiters | Until Julie and I break the curse of precipitation when we go hiking looks like this one’s a must. I typically exclusively hike in trail running shoes, so the Mountain Hardwear Seta Strapless Running Gaiters are my favorites at the moment.

 

2. Absorbent Dog Towel | Stop laughing. I know I’m way behind on this purchase but since I’ve got plenty of towels still left over from college (no… seriously) they’re fine for drying the dog. After the soggy trip to Savage River Lodge I got a wakeup call that regular towels just aren’t good enough.

 

3. Sleeping Bag | I have one already but after last year’s camping trips I learned that it just doesn’t hold up against the cold temps in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m doing research now to find the perfect women’s, long, down filled bag. Since I’ve got an orange tent I’m hoping I can get it in green… love this color combo!

 

4. Canister Stove | I’ve been dreaming of getting one ever since my brother, Keith, and I took a killer 15 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in fall of ’08. It was October and there was already frost on top of the mountain. After 8 miles we needed a lunch break (cup of noodles) and hot cocoa. Keith pulled a canister stove out of his backpack and whipped up a fast and hot lunch for us both. I burned my tongue but it was worth it. I’m kinda hot (harhar) on the Jetboil Flash Cooking System.

 

5. Lip Protector | A couple weeks ago Julie asked me “if you were stranded on an island, what one item would you want with you?” My answer – “chapstick.” May sound kinda lame but after kayaking Costa Brava in Spain last summer without lip protection I learned my lesson when it comes to the stuff. The next morning it looked like I’d had an overzealous Dr inject me with collagan… and it was painful. I picked up Cover Your Mouth by Origins. Best lip protection I’ve ever used and it makes your lips look so moist and healthy. I swear by it.

 

6. Sports Bras | Don’t know about you but it’s really important for me to keep “the girls” locked and loaded when I’m hiking. This usually doesn’t provide many options for cute underwear. Everything that looks half way decent is usually built for low impact activities. I’ve found the Drishti Bra at Lululemon and I want to give it go. After all, who says you can’t feel sexy when you’re out hiking?

 

7. Rain Pants | Again, after Savage River Lodge I learned the importance of rain pants. Julie had them, I did not. Cold and wet is a bad combo. Jules seems to like her Marmot’s so that’s likely what I’ll aim to get. Tried and true in long please.

 

8. Dog Bed | If you’ve seen our photo albums then you’ve likely seen shots of Cannon on a dog bed in the campsite, possibly even under a blanket. Listen, he likes to be snuggly and warm. That’s why I’ve been shopping around for new beds. Ruffwear’s got this Mt. Bachelor Pad that not only has a great name but it can also go from the car to the campsite.

 

9. Camera Upgrade | This one might actually be on the “seriously Katina, you’re dreaming” list. But I’d love to get a new camera for shots out on the trail. I love my current Canon Powershot but would love to get a Canon Digital SLR. Everyone’s gotta have a dream.

 

10. Car | My current ride is worn and not suitable for travel for me let alone my pup. Cross-over, wagon… what’s a girl to do? Better start saving!

Got a wish list of your own? We’d love to hear what’s in your catalog of wants & needs!