I love camping!

As you can probably already tell by my previous blog posts, I love the outdoors! I especially love being able to bring my dogs to enjoy the outdoors with me. Camping is one of my favorite past times and my dogs seem to love it as well. If you love the outdoors as much as I do, I highly recommend bringing your dog camping. Pets are actually welcomed at almost every state park and campground in the state of Georgia as long as they are leashed at all times. Click here to find out more specific rules and regulations in regards to pets in Georgia State Parks and campgrounds.

My boyfriend and I personally like finding our own secluded campsites that are not in state parks so our dogs can aimlessly run around and thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. We all actually went camping the other weekend and had an absolute blast. We found a beautiful campsite on the Georgia/South Carolina border near the Chattooga River.

My pug Jack and I got a little cold at night because the temperature dropped down to the low 30's, but I was able to cuddle up to him near the campfire to keep us both warm. Lilly on the other hand was not phased by the cold temperature due to her extremely thick and heavy fur. One of the smartest things we did this past camping trip was buying glow sticks and tying them to Jack and Lilly's collars so we could see where they were at all times after night fall. I would highly recommend this to anyone who goes camping with their dogs. Although I would not recommend to keep your dog unleashed if they have a tendency to wander away, especially at night.

Check out this awesome website that contains information on dog friendly campgrounds in the entire U.S. and even Canada!

Excuse me, how much did you say that would cost me?!?!

One big and EXPENSIVE responsibility of having a dog is taking them to the vet for yearly check-ups and for anything else that might happen in between. I know this blog is about pet friendly places in Georgia, but I feel that finding the right veterinarian is very important to every fellow dog lover. I used to take my pug Jack to the Banfield Animal Hospital that is located in Petsmarts, but I felt that I was being overcharged.

After doing some research and talking to other dog owners, I scheduled Jack's yearly check-up at the VCA Falcon Village Animal Hospital that is located in Lawrenceville, GA. I heard and read nothing but good things about it so I definitely had high expectations. The staff was friendly and helpful, but the the nurse assisting the doctor was exceptionally caring and loving toward Jack; I could tell she loved her job. The vet was nice and took her time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions, but I still feel that I was overcharged.

Here is the breakdown of my vet bill that was over $300.00:
$45 Comprehensive wellness examination (I believe this was the blood test to check all of Jack's vital organs)
$11 DA2P (Distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza)
$8.00 Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
$18.oo rabies
$9.00 parvovirus
$8.00 Coronavirus
$25.00 heartworm test
$50.00 fecal exam
Jack also received a benadryl shot, cortisone shot for itching, and some medication for his skin irritation which probably added up to at least $30.00.

I know Jack is worth every penny to my name, but give me a break here..I am a poor college student! I need to find a good and decently priced vet for my two wonderful dogs...any suggestions? I need your help fellow Georgia dog lovers! Was I over charged or is this the standard rate for yearly check-ups?