Hawai’i Puppy Sitting And Hiking: The Harness That Made O'ahu Trails Puppy-Safe
We've spent the past three months house and pet sitting in Hawai'i. I know, it sounds like a plot out of a movie or a whimsical novel. Sometimes, even I pinch myself to believe our lives as global house sitters are real. But across the globe, homeowners and pet lovers are seeking trustworthy individuals to care for their beloved homes and pets. This presents an unparalleled opportunity for people who love to travel. Being a traveling house and pet sitter is a passport to immersive experiences, like three months rent-free in Hawai’i. If you want to learn more, we got you. We've put together a guide to get you started, which you can download for free here.
Now, let's dive into one of our recent adventures. Nestled in the rainforest hills above Pearl Harbor, for five weeks this summer, we were the loving guardians to a puppy named Kaipo. Initially, our adventures with Kaipo were confined to his yard (don't feel bad for us; his yard was a gorgeous Hawaiian jungle complete with a bamboo forest) because he wasn't yet fully vaccinated. But as soon as he got the green light from his vet, we were eager to introduce him to the hiking trails and the beauty of O’ahu.
Harnessing Adventure with Kaipo on O’ahu’s Aiea Loop Trail
The landscapes of Hawaii aren't just for human eyes; they're a paradise for pups too. As conscientious pet sitters, we always prioritize the safety and comfort of the animals in our care.
This brings us to an essential accessory for our hikes - the harness. For a rambunctious puppy like Kaipo, a harness isn't just an accessory; it's a necessity that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it distributes pressure across the chest, preventing rubbing against fragile puppy skin. This is especially crucial for enthusiastic puppies prone to pulling on the leash. Additionally, harnesses give handlers more control, ensuring distractions or hazards can be easily navigated.
As the time approached for Kaipo's first hike, we began shopping for a harness. Adam zeroed in on this one due to its rave reviews and adaptability, and I loved its sophisticated yet rugged design. We picked a color that complemented Kaipo's coat, and oh boy, did he love it! Zoomies ensued immediately after we put it on.
With Kaipo's new harness and his vaccinations up-to-date, we were thrilled to take him on his first ever hike: the Aiea Loop Trail. This 4.8-mile trail, situated just outside of Honolulu, has panoramic views of the southern coastline of O’ahu, and is enhanced by the smell of eucalyptus and guava fruit along the path. For us, hiking is more than just a scenic adventure. It's a sensory and physical experience beneficial for both humans and their furry companions. It introduces dogs to novel stimuli, giving them a break from urban settings, and most importantly, offers the exercise that is essential for mental and physical well-being. Throughout the hike, the efficiency of the harness was evident. Kaipo moved with ease, exploring but always under our guidance.
We left Kaipo's new harness with his owners as a gift when our sit ended, but with more house sits on our horizon, we know we'll be ordering more (bonus, they’re affordable!). If you're curious, here's the link to the harness.
Wherever you are, we wish you safe and happy adventures with your furry companions.
Onward,
Veronica & Adam
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