Fun with Fideaux
Plan a special getaway in Sun Valley for you and
your best (four-legged) friend
by Danielle Clarneaux
 When I was in Sun Valley, Idaho a few months ago
training with Baewulf, my new hearing assistance dog to-be, I was amazed to
see dogs walking unleashed with their owners (and sometimes even meandering
solo) through the streets of this destination resort town nestled beneath
the craggy Sawtooth Mountains. No doubt about it, Sun Valley is proud of its
“pet friendly” reputation.
Sun Valley even offers a special vacation package for
dogs and their people. The second annual Camp Fideaux, September 21-28,
2008, is a fun getaway that will have both owners and their dogs counting
the days until they can come again next year. The event features off-leash
hikes, patio dining, training sessions, canine massage, free dog-sitting and
even a pet communicator who can give owners a glimpse into the thoughts of
their four-legged friends.
Camp Director Annie Williams is an avid dog lover and
busy canine volunteer who’s raised 13 service dogs for Canine Companions,
fostered dogs and participated in animal rescue after Hurricane Katrina, in
addition to other activities including being best friend to her own dogs.
She’s lived in the Sun Valley area for over 30 years and realized how
difficult it is for people in other areas to get off into the wilderness
with their dogs. That realization served as the springboard for Camp Fideaux.
  Fall is a gorgeous
time to be in Sun Valley, says Annie, with the brilliant colors and a
beginning crispness to the air. “We have beautiful areas and lots of hiking
trails, and I choose hikes that are good for people and for the dogs. We
always go to water, either following a creek or a lake.” And because dogs
don’t have to be leashed, as they do on most trails elsewhere if they’re
allowed at all, Fideaux is free to sniff and explore to heart’s content.
Three hikes are scheduled for the week, with the last one a full-day
adventure to pristine Redfish Lake, near the town of Stanley. All the hikes
are very moderate.
 Accommodations are at the comfortable, pet-friendly
Tyrolean Inn, where upon arrival you’ll receive a goodie bag for both you
and Fideaux, including a professional leather training leash and a year’s
subscription to the Whole Dog Journal. Dog activities are scheduled
throughout the week, with the first day featuring a dog training session on
the impressive 30-mile trail system that links all the communities of the
Wood River Valley. While the trainer’s focus that day is on trail manners
and interacting with other dogs, there is plenty of opportunity for personal
questions, and she is available for individual training sessions. During the
week there is also time spent with a teacher of Tellington Touch – a variety
of “touches” that can help with dog behavior and health problems. A pet
psychic will be on hand, too, to let owners know what their canine friends
are feeling.
The week is purposefully not over-scheduled, leaving
participants plenty of time to explore the Sun Valley area, which is
brimming with things to do and see – art galleries and boutiques galore, an
outdoor ice skating arena, summer concerts and excellent restaurants. “As
part of that philosophy, I offer free dog-sitting so participants can go to
dinner, take in a movie, go to a concert,” says Annie. However, there are
also several group meals on the agenda at restaurants that have dog-friendly
patio dining.
So, just what do you bring to a dog camp besides your
dog? Annie suggests a good pair of hiking shoes, layered clothing, water
bottles for hiking, a collapsible water bowl for Fideaux, a backpack, bug
repellent, hat, sunscreen – and don’t forget the camera!
And yes, you do need to furnish your dog’s food. Annie
will be doing a session on dog food, a favorite topic of hers. “I have a lot
of research available on dog foods and am a firm believer of ‘real food’ for
dogs.”
 “Camp Fideaux has attracted people that love their
animals and love to vacation with them,” says Annie. And having been to Sun
Valley myself several times now to train with Baewulf, I can’t think of a
more breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful and adventurous place to spend time
with my dog.
Call 208-721-1400 for more information or visit
www.visitsunvalley.com.
Photos courtesy the Sun Valley/Ketchum Convention &
Visitors Bureau |
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