Who's ready for charity doggie rafting 2015?

Once a year, we host one of our favorite events, the charity doggie rafting benefiting Newport Animal Shelter! During our charity rafting days, we take humans and their favorite canines down the lower Pigeon River in a trip that’s slightly modified from our usual lower Pigeon route. You and your dog will experience an hour of guided float time, with ample opportunities for you to relax, and more importantly, for your dog to get out and swim! Professional doggie life jackets have been donated by NRS so you’ll be assured your dog will be protected while rafting. We love doggie rafting day, but if you are ever considering taking your dogs rafting with us or by yourself, there are some important things to keep in mind:

While we love all of our canine friends, some dogs may not be up for all day outdoor exercise. Take your dog’s current fitness level into consideration when signing up for our rafting trip. We recommend that all dogs signed up for rafting be well behaved. This includes returning to you and to the raft when called.

No matter your dog’s fitness level, it’s important to make sure they don’t overheat. There will be plenty of opportunity for your dog to get out and swim in the Pigeon River, as well as areas for shade before and after the trip, but be sure to have plenty of water on hand for your pup to drink.

Has your dog been around water before? They should be started young if you envision your dog accompanying you on future, more intense rafting trips. A great way to introduce your dog to water is taking them to play fetch in a pond or creek, and working up to a lake or flatware paddle when they’re around six months old if they aren’t afraid of the water.

What to bring whenever you raft with your dog:

• Plenty of water and a collapsible bowl. You won’t know the potability of the water in whatever body you’re in, so having enough water for you and your dog on hand is always the best option.
• Treats
• First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen. Yes, dogs sunburn too, especially if they have a light colored or very short hair coat. Choose one designed specifically for dogs and that do not contain zinc oxide. If consumed, zinc oxide can be toxic for dogs. There are some great choices for sunscreen, and we really like this aerosol by Epi-Pet.

This is the only day of the year dogs are allowed on trips, so you don’t want to miss it - make your reservation today! All money donated for the event will be given to Newport Animal Shelter. All dogs must be well behaved and fully vaccinated to come rafting, and all human companions must be 3+ years old.  If you cannot make our event and still want to donate to Newport Animal Shelter, you can do so on the Newport Animal Control Page.

Event Details:

May 30, 2015. All trips are donation based, $25.95 for humans and $20.95 for dogs. All donations will go to charity. Get more details and register at www.dograft.com.