Ever wonder what life is like for the family dog, especially on a camping trip? Having lived with our beloved puppy for over 11 years now, fortunately we are able to read her thoughts (and a lot of overt and obvious body language – queue the audible groans when she doesn’t get her way). Here is what our trip over the weekend was like from Mulligan’s view point.

I started to notice something was going on Wednesday when Mom was back and forth to the trailer all day. The site of packing is a source of concern for me, even when Mom tells me that I am going. So I stood by the door. That way they wouldn’t forget me. Mom seemed to be annoyed with me since I was standing in her way every time she opened the door.

Finally on Thursday they loaded me in the car and I relaxed a bit. I never know when we are getting to our spot (they don’t give me the map or itinerary and I wouldn’t be able to hold it anyway) so instead I get excited each time we stop, thinking “this could be the place.” After a really long time in the car, we finally arrive at the campsite and I can get out of the car. I must investigate every square inch – this could take some time. I detect the presence of other non-humans. Must research further.

SQUIRREL!!!!!!!!!

Potty break. When we camp with our friends, the Craigs, I like to go potty in their campsite.

On this trip we got to go with Quinn and Griffin. Even though they don’t have a dog, they still play with me. Quinn is really nice to me and gives me lots of tummy pats. Dad gets my mat out of the trailer, but I don’t like this one as much as our friend Allison’s so I lie on hers instead. I finally get to have dinner (I was convinced this was the day they forgot). After the kids go to bed, Mom and Dad and the other parents sit around the campfire and have beverages that make them laugh a lot. It seems like forever before I get to go to bed, but they are having fun. I like to go to bed.

My bed is in the car because I have been told that I snore so I can’t sleep in the trailer. It is OK, I like the peace and quiet. In the morning Dad gets me up and I get all excited and do the puppy run. Even though I am older now I can still run. Although the last time I did it I blew out my ACL.

During the days while camping it is hard for me to take my naps — there are just too many people to watch and things to do. The kids run around all day; don’t they get tired? At least Will still takes a nap, and usually Mom makes me lay down and take a nap too. The older boys ride bikes, play in the sand, go to the playground, find sticks and then do it all over again. I get tired just watching them.

All of the family went down to the beach and flew these things in the sky (kites, I think Mom said). It was really windy so it was hard to see, but Will kept spilling his snack so I got to clean up. My favorite thing about camping is cleaning up after the meals. It’s vacation for everyone.

Finally the next day we went to the beach and I got to swim. I love to swim; the boys even throw the stick for me. Although I am a retriever by name, I drop the stick in the water within 1 yard of the shore. I like to frustrate my Mom and Dad with this trick. Mom didn’t like that I was rolling in the dirt and sand, but it feels so good for reasons I will never disclose.

When we got in the car to come home I was happy because I was tired, but sad because I had fun. I like going camping because my whole family is together.