Hershey
If you didn’t know me and saw me on the trail two things would come to mind; how bright and color coordinated I appeared and how much of what I carried was designated for my chocolate lab. Besides being hopelessly color aware and obsessive compulsive about my own gear, the undying and rather dopey affection I have for my dog is clear to anyone. This became even more apparent in the selection process I used when outfitting Hershey for her dog pack.
After the long and harrowing process I have come to one conclusion: the Granite Gear Ruff Rider dog pack wins by a longshot. After testing out all the other packs by having her strut her stuff around the store, the Ruff Rider was the only pack that didn’t impede her stride. This pack is the only one with a yolk that runs the length of the dog’s spine, equally distributing the pack’s weight the entire length of the back and shoulders. Where the packs sit on either side along the dog’s ribs are adjustable, making this the perfect pack for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The portion of the pack that rests against the dog is lined with 550 gram fleece attached to foam pads that protect the dog from the pack’s sometimes pokey contents. The outer fabric is high tenacity 210 denier cordura, which I might add held up extremely well after Hershey decided to roll around in cow doodoo (more times than one), which ended in me standing in the creek with her, pouring cupfuls of water onto her and her pack, and then finally machine washing it upon our safe and smelly return home. Along with great fit and durability there are also reflective strips visible from all angles, and adjustable chest, yolk, and belly straps.
Now, if I haven’t sold you on the idea of one yet, this next story ought to change your mind…I had a homeless man come into the store the other day to comment about his recent purchase of the Ruff Rider pack for his dog (which seemed to be more loaded up than the man’s pack, if you ask me), and got a very interesting review from him pertaining to the male dog’s anatomy. And I quote: “Yeah, it’s the only god damn dog pack that doesn’t cut off circulation to his dingy when he sits down on his hind quarters.”
So, when you do decide to come into the shop and ask us to fit your dog for the Ruff Rider pack I would like you to have an idea of what to do when your furry child first begins to use it. These tips should be used to alleviate that miserable look on your mutt’s face that reads somewhat like, “your hooolarious mom/dad, turn your head for a moment and this right side will have a hole in it the size of China (where it’s made, sigh).” Start your pooch out with an empty pack on shorter walks. Increase the amount of weight and duration of outings gradually letting her get accustomed to it on her back. Award her a treat when she first puts it on each time. Soon the pack will signal a hike and your pup will be drooling on it before you have a chance to pull out a treat. (There should be a joke here in reference to Pavlov’s dog, but I just couldn’t make it fit…) Anyways, every dog deserves as much comfort in a pack as you do. Do your furry friend a favor and bring ‘em in!
Alexa Kennedy
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