destination

By Mia Price

Traveling with your dog can transform any trip into an adventure. It’s not just about finding
pet-friendly accommodations or making sure your dog is comfortable during travel, but also
about ensuring that both you and your pet stay active and healthy. Whether you’re planning
a weekend getaway or a long vacation, incorporating activity into your travels can enhance
the experience for you and your furry friend. Here are some tips to get you started!

Selecting the Right Destination

When you’re planning your travel, look for destinations that cater to pet owners. Seek out
places that boast dog-friendly parks, scenic trails, and beaches. These spots offer you and
your dog ample space to run, play, and explore the great outdoors together. This not only
keeps your dog physically engaged but also stimulates their senses with new sights, sounds,
and smells, making for a happier, healthier pet.

Monitoring Your Stress Levels

Monitoring your stress levels is important not just for your well-being but also for your pets,
as they can pick up on your emotions and react accordingly. Pets often mirror their owners’
stress, leading to changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Taking steps to manage
stress – such as regular exercise, mindfulness, or setting work-life boundaries – can create a
calmer environment for both you and your furry companion.

Packing the Right Gear

To make the most of spontaneous opportunities for exercise, make sure you pack the right
supplies. A durable leash, collapsible water bowls, and waste bags are must-haves for any
trip. These essentials ensure that you’re always prepared to hit the road or trail at a
moment’s notice, allowing you and your dog to maintain an active lifestyle no matter where
you are. Remember to also consider the specific needs of your dog, such as any
medications, a first-aid kit, and a comfortable harness, which can make physical activities
safer and more enjoyable for them.

Arranging a Home Swap

If you’re looking for an affordable, pet-friendly travel option, consider a home swap with
another dog owner. This arrangement allows you to exchange homes with someone who
has a similar setup and shares your love for pets. While you’re away, their dog can enjoy
your space, and you can take care of their dog in return. Not only does this eliminate the
cost of pet boarding or hotels, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing your furry friend
will have a familiar and loving environment.

Taking the Weather into Account

To avoid the midday heat, especially in warmer climates, plan your longer walks during the
cooler morning and evening hours. This makes the walk more comfortable for both you and
your dog and can lead to more enjoyable and extended playtime. It’s also a perfect time to
explore as the softer light provides a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos of your
adventures together. Adjusting your schedule to suit the weather conditions will not only
make your activities more pleasant but also protect your dog from overheating and
dehydration.

Engaging in Fun and Games

Don’t forget to bring along your dog’s favorite toys. Engaging in games of fetch with a frisbee
or tennis ball can significantly contribute to both your step count and your dog’s activity level.
Additionally, keep an eye out for local activities like dog yoga classes, agility courses, or
group dog walks. Participating in these can add a fun, social element to your exercise
routine and provide your dog with valuable interaction with other dogs.

Traveling with your dog doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your activity levels. With a
bit of planning and creativity, you can ensure that both you and your furry companion enjoy a
dynamic, healthy, and fun trip. By choosing the right destinations, packing essential gear,
and taking advantage of local activities, you set the stage for a memorable and active
holiday with your dog. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab the leash, and prepare to
explore the world one paw print at a time.

Find inspiration and guidance for creating a balanced, fulfilling life with Rebecca J.
Whitman.

For more great advice from Mia, check out her blog!

On November 20, 2021, Mount Olive, NC will see the inauguration of the second-largest event since its globally recognized Pickle Festival. We think it is a pretty big Dill, so we decided to cover it for today’s story. With some advanced notice, hopefully, no one will be left Squealin’ that they missed out on all the fun. Excitement is Brewing in Mount Olive, and we hope you will be a part of it.

The Pickles, Pigs, and Swigs event was created to celebrate the role of agriculture in our community. An NC Pork Council whole hog cookoff will feature 20 cook teams competing from 8:00 pm tonight (November 19, 2021) till Saturday morning. On Saturday morning, the teams will be judged and prizes will be awarded. Then the hogs will be chopped up, seasoned, and combined with side dishes to be sold per plate to the public. 4,500 hush puppies, 75 gallons of potatoes, and 63 gallons of slaw will be prepared for the event. Plates are $10 each and include chopped BBQ, slaw, BBQ potatoes, and hush puppies. People can purchase plates through a drive-thru by the Southern Bank building downtown (previously at the old Train Depot) or they can come and sit down and enjoy the festivities.

A fenced-in beer garden will be available for people to purchase and consume beer from a local craft brewer, R&R Brewing. Fifteen local vendors will be set up including vendors making funnel cakes and kettle corn. The Mount Olive Pickle Company will have pickles as well as a pickle train ride for kids. Antique tractors will be out on display. A partnership with the University of Mount Olive will provide corn hole and giant board games like Jenga and Connect Four for people to enjoy.

Live entertainment will be provided from 11:00AM-6:00PM by North Carolina artists on the following schedule:

11-1PM: Shannon Baker and Sometime Soon, a bluegrass/folk-country band from Wilson, NC.
1:30-3:30PM: The Harmony Boys, a Mount Olive bluegrass favorite.
4-6:00PM: Riggsbee Road, an all-female bluegrass/country/cover band from Raleigh, NC. The lead vocalist, Shelley Kelly, is a Mount Olive native excited to come home and support her hometown.

The event is expected to see between 2-3,000 people come to the North and South 100 block of Center Street, Mount Olive, NC on November 20, 2021. Funds raised from the event will go back into the community through the Mount Olive Community Development Corporation. Efforts are underway to revitalize downtown Mount Olive and bring people back to the downtown area.

After a year of COVID pandemic isolation, we all need hope and something to celebrate in the community again. Life is far more intentional now. It is the hope that this event will be a part of building civic pride and community spirit as people come out safely and have a good time. If you are in the area, we hope to see you there!

Did You Miss It?

Here are some photo highlights from the inaugural event. If you heard of the fun and were left squealin’, make sure you add this event to your calendar next year.