Official Press Release for "Wagging Tails and Happy Trails"

Good morning, all! I wanted to share this with you this morning. It's the official press release announcing the Wagging Tails and Happy Trails event March 30th at  Cheaha State Park. Hope to see you all there!

Wagging Tails and Happy Trails

We are only 2-weeks away from the official release date of my new book, “Best Dog Hikes Alabama”. You’ll be able to pick up a copy at your favorite book store, at online bookstores like Amazon.Com and Barnes and Noble, but, I hope you’ll hang on until the end of March and join me and the staff at Cheaha State Park for the BIG book launch!

In case you haven’t heard, I have teamed up with Cheaha and Alabama State Parks to host the book launch high atop the state’s highest mountain. It’s called “Wagging Tails and Happy Trails”. I’ll be there autographing copies of the book, but the event goes far beyond just a book launch. We’re teaming up for a reason. That reason is to help pet rescues in the area.

Before the ink had a chance to dry on the contract for me to write this book for Falcon, I wanted to use it as a vehicle to help pet rescues in the state as much as I could. The story of this "Wagging Tails and Happy Trails" began when I met Cheaha State Park Superintendent, Renee Simmons Raney, about 2-years ago at the annual Alabama Book Festival in Montgomery. She was there promoting her great book, "Hairy, Scary, but Mostly Merry Ferries". I was there promoting my Falcon Guide, “Hiking through History Alabama”.

We were paired off to do a joint presentation on the outdoors and became friends. I found out that she was a dog lover and I told her about the book I was working on about hiking with dogs in the state. She took immediate interest.

Fast forward to about 2-months ago when I got word that the book was in the warehouse and ready to ship to bookstores, I immediately contacted Renee who contacted state parks who gave us their blessing to have the book launch at Cheaha.

We went right to work to organize the event. The goal is to not only raise a little money for area pet rescues, but to also hopefully find some “furrever” homes for the rescues that the organizations are housing.

I think you’ll like what we have planned for you. If you can’t make it but still want to help, you will be able to make donations. I’ll be setting up a special “Wagging Tails and Happy Trails” fund raiser in the next 2-weeks with all proceeds going to the rescues.

SO, here’s what’s in store for you. Don’t forget, a portion of the book sales will be going to the rescues. I hope to see you all there, Saturday March 30thfrom 10am to 2pm at the Mike Bosarge Memorial Dog Park at Cheaha State Park.

Please Stand By for an Important Announcement

What a week and a half it's been. I've been off work from my day job due to sinus surgery (still have a nose, so that's a plus), and I'm FINALLY feeling better (thank you very much). But over the last two days, a lot has been happening with my latest hiking guide, "Best Dog Hikes Alabama".

The first big news is that the book will hit the publisher's warehouse (not to be confused with Publisher's Clearing House) within the next two weeks and will be on bookstore shelves soon there after.

Can I have a big-old "Yay!", please?

The second piece of news is HUGE!!! --- But I can't tell you the details, not yet. We're ironing those out as we speak, but I can tell you that it will be a BIG book launch that will benefit local pet rescues at the same time.

I can't tell you how excited I am to be using this book to give back and help these pets find homes and provide some funding for these organizations.

SO, stay tuned. We're only days away from officially announcing dates, times, and locations.

Hanging Out with Dead People

Happy New Year, everyone!

The research into my latest endeavor, Hidden History of Mobile (as in Mobile, Alabama), is well underway. I had a chance to spend some time this past Saturday with the Manager of Municipal Cemeteries Tighe Marston.

As always, it was a fascinating discussion about the 300+ year old city’s historic cemeteries especially Magnolia Cemetery, the oldest Victorian cemetery in the Southeast. I picked up some very interesting tidbits of information about a couple of the cemetery’s occupants, little known history that I am fleshing out the details of right now. Stay tuned.

While the history of Mobile’s luminaries who are buried there is fascinating, the actual cemetery itself is remarkable. If you are ever in the Port City, take a trip to Virginia Street and stroll the grounds. Before you go, pick up a copy of a document that tells you about Victorian era symbolism at the gatehouse.

Yes, you will see some spectacular monuments in the cemetery, but look close at those marble statues, obelisks, and markers. Focus in on the detail carved into those monuments. They all have a meaning: A broken column symbolizes a person being cut down in their prime; a lamb is found on children’s grave symbolizing purity; a dog represents loyalty.

So, the research continues. I’ll be spending a lot more time with dead people in the weeks to come. Hidden History of Mobile is due out this fall. I’ll keep you updated.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Me to You

Here's wishing all of you the happiest holiday season ever, and may your new year bring you love, peace, and happiness. 

                                                                            Joe Cuhaj

And the Winners Are...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thank you for participating in my annual Holiday Giveaway. I hope you enjoyed the freebies I lined up this year.

If you didn't pick up any of the freebie giveaways, never fear! The web page will be available through January 1st.

As you know, as well as giving away some free goodies like new short stories, podcast, and hiking guide, I was also giving you the chance to win one of three autographed copies of Hiking Alabama-4th Edition. I'm happy to announce our winners:

Bill Rozier

Nancy Hayes

Florence Bradley

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the book. And thanks to ALL of you for your support this past year! Stick around, 2019 is going to be a big year with 2 new books coming out (Best Dog Hikes Alabama in March, Hidden History of Mobile in late summer), 2 new books simmering on the stove getting ready for release, and I'm re-introducing the short story podcasts, "Joe's Shorts", with a ton of new stories.

Stay tuned! And I'll see you down the trail.

Avoid Having Your Dog Become a Pup-Cicle During Winter Hiking

Bringing your dog along on a hike is a great experience. They love exploring and will probably show you a few things you might have missed on the trail, too.

Hiking with your dog in winter, however, poses new challenges for the dog owner. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind when hiking with Fido this winter. You can learn more in my forthcoming book, Best Dog Hikes Alabama.

1. The Basics

Always check with the volunteers or organizations that manage the trail you will be hiking before heading out. Some trails will be closed in freezing weather or if snow is expected or deep. Still other trails may be closed or access restricted as the ground begins to thaw to prevent erosion.

How long should the hike be? The general consensus for an average dog is, when temperatures are below freezing, keep the walks short, like 10 to 15-minutes. Above freezing, 30 to 45 minutes. Of course you can extend the trip if your dog can handle the cold. In any event, make sure to take frequent breaks.

2. Protect Their Paws

A lot of hikers scoff at putting booties on their dog, but they can really make a difference in your dog’s experience on that wintery trail. Ice and snow can get packed between their pads causing extreme discomfort and heat loss. And by the way, booties are good to use around the house, too, if you live in an area where rock salt is used on sidewalks. That salt can burn their pads.

3. Gear to Consider

If you have a short hair dog, it is a good idea to outfit them with a jacket. Long hair dogs may overheat with that extra layer on.

If you’re traveling in an area where there will be snow, use a bright colored leash and collar so you can see them if you walk them off leash or they accidentally get away. During hunting season, have them wear an orange vest.

4. Hydration and Snacking

It’s very important to keep yourself and your pup hydrated in winter. Pack along at least double the normal amount of water you would carry for them in warmer months.

That cold weather is also going to cause your pup to burn a lot of calories. It is important to give them plenty of high calorie snacks on the trail. Bring snacks that are crunchy/chewy. Soft snacks can freeze hard.

5. Carry an Insulated Pad

Do you like sitting on the cold ground or snow? Neither does your dog. Bring along an insulated pad for them to sit and lay on during your breaks.

6. Hike Trails with Solid Footing

Doing a short hike in the snow can be fun, but it won’t be fun for long for your dog. Icy trails are dangerous for both of you and snow causes dogs to jump through it rather than walk causing them to burn more energy and tire quickly.

7. Know When to Say When

The most important thing to know is when to call it quits and cut the hike short because your dog is in distress and becoming dangerously cold. Short hair dogs are more prone to cold weather emergencies, but long hairs can also develop serious illness. Watch for these signs:

• ·         Barking and whining for no reason
• ·         Stops walking frequently
• ·         Noticeable shivering
• ·         Cold paws, nose, ears, tip of the tail
• ·         Discoloration of paws, nose, ears, tips of the tail. This could be a sign of frostbite.
• ·         Your dog is anxious and looks for shelter