What are the Top 10 Reasons to Bring a Dog to a Virginia State Park?

10. THEY ARE PUSHY

They see you get your keys, or pick up your bag and they are at the door ready to go. You tell them "sorry but not this time" and they won't take no for an answer. They finally get their way when you take them to a Virginia State Park.

9. THEY ARE INQUISITIVE

Taking them to a Virginia State Park opens up a world to them of other smells sights and sounds they won't find at home.

8. THEY ARE HAPPY

Your dog wags its tail, go ahead and admit it. When you take them to a Virginia State Park your dog wags its tail faster and harder! Studies show that any dog at a Virginia State Park has a teethy grin as evidence of happiness. This in turn helps you to be happy.

7. THEY ARE HERE AND NOW

Dogs who visit Virginia State Parks like to play, to chase, to run, to investigate. You get enjoyment out of watching them in all these activities. Your thoughts are on them, the here and now, as they are also focused on the here and now. Worries and troubles may not be gone, but perhaps temporarily bookmarked for later.

6. THEY ARE A CONSTANT WATCH DOG

If you like to hike, bike or wander the trails at a Virginia State Park, having a dog with you will alert you to any wildlife or people approaching. They may bark and scare them off, or just keep you mindful of your surroundings. You will feel safer when they are around.

5. THEY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH

One way or another they will do something funny at a Virginia State Park and you will laugh. In return you get laughter which can be as energizing as a good night's sleep! This also helps your heart and health. 

4. THEY WILL MAKE YOU FEEL CONNECTED

At home they are a city dog, but at a Virginia State Park they return to their natural roots. For that you begin to notice things they notice, a skink on a rock that perks their eyes and ears forward; or a black-bird heckling from a high up branch of a tall oak tree. Without them you may just have your head phones on and in another world. They ground you.

3. THEY WILL MAKE YOU HEALTHIER

No doubt about it, you would rather sit on the sofa than go out in the cold and go for a walk. Cold fresh air is good for you! Your dog knows this and wants you to be out there enjoying it at a Virginia State Park.

2. THEY MAKE YOU MORE SOCIAL

When you walk around a camping or cabin loop at a Virginia State Park with your dog, you will not walk alone. Other dog's owners and families will be out, and your dog will ensure you say hello to each one of them. Dogs are a friendly sort.

AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON TO BRING YOUR DOG TO A VIRGINIA STATE PARK:

1. THEY ARE A PART OF THE FAMILY

If you go to a Virginia State Park without them, they will sniff you out! They will know the very moment you step back home and you will be guilt ridden for weeks, if not months! They are a part of the family, a huge part of the family, so they should go to a Virginia State Park too, every time.

YOU HAVE 36 VIRGINIA STATE PARKS TO CHOOSE FROM, WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? OR BETTER YET, ASK YOUR DOG WHERE IT WANTS TO GO? "GO? GO!" 

And, guess what, 
NO MORE CAMPING DOG FEES 
BEGINNING IN 2014!