The Smaller Animals at Camp

So we have big animals out here at camp (the horses) that you get to ride and have fun with but we have a smaller herd of animals here at camp that make a big difference in our lives as well.

CFA has 5 dogs and a few cats on the property that come out and play as well help kids feel like home. Several times whenever a camper gets homesick or is just feeling down I bring my dog (Kansas) over to hang out for a while. The camper usually opens up and starts to feel better. Kansas doesn't talk to him or her. He just smiles, licks and lets the kid pet him. Just like your pet at home.

CFA is a better place because of our dog pack and cat herd. I can't think of camp without them. Here are some benefits of owning a pet:

• Pets can improve your mood
• Pets encourage you to get outside and exercise
• Pets stave off loneliness and provide unconditional love
• Pets can reduce your stress and blood pressure

Here are some of our favorite animal mascots out here at CFA

Atticus Finch sitting where he would if he was a human.

The calmest and most mature dog we have Hop.

The dog that is as big as a horse, Tuck. His personality matches also.

Betty Davis hunting something

Becky's (our retreat director) cat named See-Wah wondering what the heck is going on.

Remi being the usual wet self that she usually is. She even went swimming when it was 17 degrees outside.

Princess Sophia Sparkles is ready for Valentine's Day.

My favorite picture of Kansas as a puppy. He was and still is beyond awesome.

Hope these pictures remind you of camp and how awesome it is. 

As always remember to live, laugh, Love and look up.

Ryne

It's a camp dog life.

I fear I have not allotted enough time this week to write a proper blog post. So I asked a friend of mine to step in for the week and let you all get a taste— err, sniff, of his perspective.

I'm surprised nobody let me know about this blogging business before. After all, I am the Official Greeter of all camp events (self-appointed, I admit) and I have a brilliant nose for sniffing out the news and happenings of CFA. Why shouldn't I tell you about it?

Tuck, Leo, and Kansas have gone gallivanting off to the woods today yet again. I did lead them on a little trek up to chase some deer by the cool O.W.L.S. hangout at Fort Clarke, but then I figured they could handle it on their own.. I had some Important Barn Business to attend to, helping MaryAshley with the riding lessons. Somebody has to sit around and catch flies in their mouth, and the horses certainly aren't getting around to it.

The weather has gotten great here at camp— nothing like in the summer, when most of you folks come to visit. Evenings have been in the 40's. Remy the Golden Retriever is still convinced this is swimming weather, though I prefer to chase rabbits along the bank instead of faceplanting into the chilly water. There will undoubtedly be some Adventure Guide campers still water-sliding this weekend, crazy kids! What could be better than chasing rabbits?!

The barn cats are starting to get cheeky. I try to advise the humans that feeding cats is a bad idea (I assert this point by trying to eat their kibble myself, which for some reason always involves a lot of shouting..) but nobody listens. The big orange-and-white cat has started meandering around retreat groups, begging for a handout with big yellow eyes and a pathetic fluffy tail! If you're coming for a weekend in the near future.. DON'T FALL FOR IT!

Truth of the matter is, it can be kind of quiet without summer campers here! There is nobody to hand out ice cream leftovers from afternoon snack anymore, and Bill's Burgers nights are few and far between and there aren't enough unattended picnic plates. I can't wait for June to roll around again and the families for our Session 1 campers start pouring in!

Well, kids, I leave you with this— if you have pets at home, CARE for them and be RESPONSIBLE for their happiness and health! Us camp dogs enjoy lots of time to roam around and get exercise, but your house pet could probably use a little extra playtime today. Would you do that for me?

Woof—