Last time, the fire crackled quietly beside an empty spot where Duke would’ve laid. This time, that spot was claimed – by a Shepherd named Oliver on his very first campout. A new chapter for a man, and his other dog.
Easing In
For this trip, I decided to stay close to home since it was Ollie’s first time camping. My goal is to get him camp-ready – comfortable enough to tag along with Duke and me on future adventures. The three of us, exploring together, is the dream.
I got Ollie as an 8-week-old puppy, and until now, he’d never really been away from home. He’s now three, and it’s time to introduce him to the wild. German Shepherds are known for their anxiety, and Ollie is no exception.
So, we started small: one night at Keystone State Park, just 30 minutes away. Just Ollie and me. No crowds. Just the sound of wind in the trees, frogs near the water, and a little peace.
First Impressions
We got to the site around 5:30 p.m. I let Ollie out of the truck and jumped straight into setting up camp. He let out little nervous whines, clearly unsure about what was happening.
As I struggled to get a fire going with damp wood, he sat and watched – anxious, alert, unsure. But once the tent was up and the fire finally caught, we settled in.
The rest of the evening was spent helping him relax. He stayed mostly calm – only barking at the occasional rustle in the trees, always on high alert.
As the sun dipped and the night sounds took over, we sat by the fire. Crickets, frogs, and the wind off the lake filled the air. Sometimes I forget just how lucky I am to have dogs like mine. There’s a kind of peace only a four-legged friend can give you.
When it was finally time for bed, I braced myself – unsure how Ollie would handle the tent. Would he bark all night? Pace? Whine?
But he surprised me. Though it took him awhile to fully settle – ears perked, head up – he eventually curled beside me and drifted off.
Bright and Early
Ollie slept through the night and made sure I didn’t sleep in. At first light, he was up and ready to go. As soon as I unzipped the tent door, he darted out.
I think he knew the trip was almost over – and maybe that gave him a bit of comfort.
Though he slept well, I can tell it’ll take a few more trips before he’s fully confident in the woods. But I’m committed to getting him there. I think, with time, he’ll love it.
When I started packing up, his nerves returned. He paced, whined, pulled on the leash – ready to jump in the truck and head home.
I tried to reassure him as I loaded gear, but he was laser-focused on the truck. And the second I unclipped the leash, he made a beeline for it – right back to his seat.
Until Next Time
No muddy paw prints on the tent wall this time. But a new memory, a new bond, and a new beginning.
Until next time – A man, and his dogs.