5 Things Dog Owners in Canada Need

Sometimes it's tough being a dog owner in parts of Canada. I am located in Ottawa and winter is the roughest time for us. These are things that I use to make winter walks and play more tolerable. Remember, dogs get cold too, so limit your outdoor time and supplement your indoor play with fun mental puzzles for dogs.

1. Boots
Remi's paw were a mess before I bought him a set of boots of the winter. I use Muttluks and I can't say enough good things about them. I picked Remi's set up at Cricket & Co in the ByWard Market. Nat is super knowledgeable. I brought Remi in to try them on and she made it very easy. She is also a huge supporter of Sit With Me Rescue which is the rescue I foster and volunteer with.

2. Paw balm
Dog paws need to be looked after too. They are a good indication of the overall health of your dog. I stumbled across Purple Urchin's paw balm last year and I've fallen in love with it. It's unscented and all natural, so no worries about dogs ingesting things they shouldn't be.

3. A winter coat
I originally bought a Canada Pooch coat for Remi. It fell apart before the season was over and he didn't even play in it. So I purchased a Chilly Dogs coat based on the recommendation of a fellow dog owner. This coat is easily the best purchase I made in regards to keeping Remi warm in the winter. It fits excellently, and it keeps him toasty warm without compromising his ability to run and play. They are also machine washable which is amazing.

4. Engaging toys
Remi hates being cold and some days it's just too cold to do much more than go outside to do his business. These are the days that I'm thankful for the selection of toys that I have. My favourite is the Kong Wobbler. It's easy to fill with small treats or kibble. It dispenses the treats when it's knocked over the right way. Remi loves knocking it this way and that while gobbling up the tasty treats that fall out. It is a toy that he can figure out quite easily so I like to switch it out with other similar toys. I also like to stuff bones and freeze them so that I can readily have something to go to when unexpected company comes over or I need to keep him occupied for whatever reason.

5. Reflective Leash
Days are short here in the winter. To help me walk Remi safely I use a reflective leash. This allows motorists to know that I am walking a dog. A reflective harness or collar is also an excellent idea. I despise retractable leashes and so never recommend purchasing any kind of retractable leash, but a sturdy 6ft' leash is an excellent addition to your winter dog gear.

Mantra Monday

These words have never been more true. Especially the "change ordinary opportunities into blessings" bit. I've been writing in one capacity or another for years now. And while I like to think that I am a decent writer, it is always nice when someone takes the time to actually say the words out loud. It seems so much more real and truthful when anything is said aloud. 

This is partially how the Remi Diaries have come into existence. A few of my more dog crazy friends have been been after me to start a more dog central writing portfolio. After much prodding and encouragement, I've decided to test the waters by jumping in fully! And so my ordinariness has become a blessing in disguise. 

I'm not sure what format this will take, but I'm willing to see how it goes. This is, after all, a grand adventure for me.