Tessie's Trip Journal (A Dog's Perspective)

My parents are two humans who love to canoe and camp. They have taken me on many trips, and this time we are on the North Channel of Lake Huron. I enjoy camping, however, the canoeing is not always to my liking because I'm not particularly fond of the water. My parents keep me safe by putting on my Salus doggie PFD (Personal Floatation Device) which I'm happy to wear. One day the waves were a little too rough for my little stomach and when we got to shore I threw up. My mom and dad try their best to make my time in the canoe as comfortable as possible. They put down a nice foam pad for me to sit on and create a little space for me in the canoe but it's not up to my usual standards of comfort at home - a lazy boy chair. The tent, on the other hand, is something I look forward to all day long. When I smell the tent bag being pulled out from where it is stowed in the canoe, I wag my tail and watch anxiously as it's being set up. I love being on shore because there are so many things to play with. So far I have chased cormorants, mallards, squirrels and chipmunks. The only animal I wasn't allowed to chase was a porcupine - I didn't understand why. I have also become the official dishwasher on trip - my favourite job. I've had the pleasure of tasting bits of leftover pasta, pad thai, soups and puddings. We have just landed at the North Channel Yacht Club where I will be heading back with my grandparents to go on a summer vacation in Sudbury. I've enjoyed paddling out here, but this puppy is pooched.