Charlie and I typically avoid going anywhere "outdoorsy" on 4th of July weekend since campgrounds and trails are usually overcrowded and busy. Plus, Charlie's noise-reactivity is a problem when people are lighting off fireworks all around us. The last time we tried camping during this holiday, Charlie was a ball of fear, trembling in the tent and at times, trying to dig her way out of the tent. Not fun.
But this year, in partnership with Merrick Pet Foods, we decided to head up to the northwoods of Wisconsin and stay in a little lakefront cabin. Being able to stay "indoors" during the fireworks was the only way Charlie could feel safe.
Luckily the weather was perfect for the outdoor activities I had planned - kayaking on the lake and hiking on the Ice Age Trail!
We started our holiday weekend with a day paddling around the lake and exploring the shoreline. Charlie balanced herself perfectly on the front of the boat, like a kayak "hood ornament," keeping a lookout for loons that would pop up unexpectedly and then dive back underwater, only to pop up again somewhere else.
Every now and then she'd jump in to rescue a stick or leaf floating by and then I'd hoist her back into the boat when she was done playing. You just can't keep a lab out of water!
Spending the day out in the sun and fresh air was exhilarating, but also exhausting. It was nice to head back to the cabin for a hearty dinner on the deck while listening to loon-calls echo over the quiet lake.
Charlie received a healthy serving of Merrick's Grain Free Beef canned food mixed with the Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Recipe kibble. After a long day of swimming and fetching sticks, she deserved a yummy dinner!
Travelling with a dog on a homemade diet can be tricky and it's nice to be able to have wholesome food, like Merrick's Backcountry, to feed her when we're out on our adventures. I love that the food contains raw-infused bits to keep her on track with her healthy diet. And I love providing a "special treat" with the canned food to make sure she stays hydrated while giving her something she really enjoys eating.
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As the day drew to close, most of the other vacationers headed into town to watch the fireworks, leaving the lake blissfully quiet and serene for the evening. I curled up in the safety of the cabin with my content pup and drifted off into a deep sleep.
The next day we headed out to hike a portion of the Ice Age Trail. I was hopeful that the mosquitoes and ticks wouldn't be too bad and was relieved when I was correct, although we did have some persistent horse-flies following us for most of the hike.
The ferns were thick and lush, birds were chirping and little streams babbled nearby. Charlie dipped her feet in the shallow brooks to cool off and splash around during short breaks before we'd head back onto the trail. As the temperature climbed and the woods began to feel rather tropical, we headed back to the cottage for a bit more kayaking to cool off before retiring in front of a campfire under the stars.
I love taking these long weekends and coming home with a tired pup. I know Charlie enjoys our outdoor adventures as much as I do and our bond continues to grow with every experience.
Join the conversation about Merrick Backcountry by using hashtag #Wild4Backcountry and visit Merrick's website for coupons and more information: Merrick Backcountry Website
*Disclaimer: I received compensation for writing this review; although this post is sponsored, all opinions and thoughts are my own and I would never recommend something I didn't believe in. Pinky swear.