Cabin Fever Busters for Dogs… and Their Humans

From: ruffwear.com Sep-15-2024 11:20:am

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Chris Hill holds her Golden Retriever Sammy in the snow while out on a winter hike. Above their photo, the image says "Busting Cabin Fever".

Do the long nights, low temps, and distant summer light at the end of the winter tunnel have you chasing your tail? Ruffwear Ambassadors Chris Hill and Sammy are here to help bust that cabin fever and keep the stoke high.

BUST THAT CABIN FEVER »

Chris and Sammy play together on the shore of a frozen lake.

What are the tell-tale signs that Sammy is experiencing cabin fever?

There are so many. Sammy will spend hours chasing her tail – every once in a while she will catch it. She will ring the bell to go outside – just to go out, not to actually go to the bathroom – which is what the bell is for. She will stare at me, stare out the window, and then stare back at me.

The sun sets below the mountains and trees.

What’s the hardest part about getting outside with her?

The winter days in Alaska are really short and ALL of the hours of sunlight are during the work day. On weekdays, I have to make an effort to get out with Sammy at lunch.

We try to do a quick ski session or walk. I also will take small breaks to walk to the coffee shop or take a work call during a walk, just to get outside.

Chris Hill and Sammy her Golden Retriever go for a cross-country ski together through deep powder.

So, how do you stay motivated?

I know that after Sammy or I return from being outside, we both feel so much better. That’s my motivation! Winter can be hard, and where we live, it’s cold and snowy. But it just takes a few times to get into a routine.

Any time in the outdoors is time well spent and being able to spend it with Sammy is the best time. I feel so much better when I get outside with Sammy, even if it’s for a quick walk.

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Chris Hill holds her Golden Retriever puppy Sammy in her lap on the rocky shore of a river.

Chris Hill is an environmental lobbyist and the Campaign Director for the Sierra Club. She is passionate about social justice and the outdoors. A lifelong, avid adventurer, Chris lives in Alaska with her fun-loving pup, Sammy. The two enjoy river fly fishing, hiking, and camping together. Follow their adventures on Instagram.