Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to get out and enjoy the Triangle area with your furry friends! The Triangle, made up of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is known for being a pet-friendly region, offering a variety of activities and events for pet owners and their pets to enjoy. Here are some of the top local and relevant activities you can do with your pets this summer. Parks and Outdoor Spaces Oakwood Dog Park, Raleigh Start off your pet-friendly summer fun at Oakwood Dog Park in Raleigh. This park features a large dog area as well as a small dog area for older dogs or those that are anxious around larger dogs. Admission is free, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Enjoy a lovely walk with your pet while soaking in the summer sun at Oakwood Dog Park. Piney Wood Dog Park, Durham Another great outdoor spot to visit is Piney Wood Dog Park in Durham. The park features four separate enclosed areas - a small dog area, large dog area, program area, and entrance area. Amenities include water fountains, waste bag dispensers, benches, and a kiosk. Your pet will love exploring the different sections of this park! More information here. Southern Community Park, Chapel Hill In Chapel Hill, you can't miss Southern Community Park. This 72-acre park is equipped with trails, picnic shelters, a play area, and a dog park. After a game of fetch in the dog park, you and your pet can enjoy a leisurely walk on one of the trails. Pet-Friendly Breweries Fullsteam Brewery, Durham If you're a fan of craft beer, visit Fullsteam Brewery in Durham with your pet. This pet-friendly establishment is known for its great vibe, good music, and variety of board games. Sip on a locally brewed craft beer while your pet enjoys the friendly atmosphere. Bond Brothers Beer Co., Cary In Cary, Bond Brothers Beer Co. is a must-visit. This brewery has two locations in downtown Cary and welcomes pets. Enjoy a refreshing beer on a hot summer day while your pet mingles with other pet patrons. Sweet Treats and Activities Maple View Farm, Hillsborough For a sweet treat, visit Maple View Farm in Hillsborough. Known for their high-quality, farm-fresh milk and ice cream, this is a great spot to cool down on a hot summer day. Plus, they allow pets in their outdoor areas. Carolina Paddleboard Co., Wilmington If you're up for an adventure, try paddleboarding with your pet at Carolina Paddleboard Co. in Wilmington. They provide gear rentals and are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Carolina Paddleboard Co. offers a fun and unique experience for you and your pet. From parks and breweries to sweet treats and fun activities, there's no shortage of pet-friendly fun in the Triangle area this summer. We at Fluff hope you have a fantastic summer filled with adventures with your pet! Can't Bring Your Fur Baby to Everything? That's okay! Your babes can still have fun with their very own pet care professional. Schedule a Fluff pet sitter here!

World War II saw the deployment of many soldiers, human and otherwise. Among these were a number of animals, who served alongside troops and provided invaluable services. One such animal was a tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky, who not only survived the war but also became a celebrated hero. A Mysterious Beginning Smoky's journey began in an abandoned foxhole in the New Guinea jungle in February 1944, where she was found by an American soldier. The small, young adult Yorkshire Terrier, who stood only 7 inches tall and weighed just 4 pounds, was initially thought to belong to the Japanese. However, after realizing that she did not understand commands in either Japanese or English, she was sold to Corporal William A. Wynne of Cleveland, Ohio, for two Australian pounds. A Soldier's Best Friend For the next two years, Smoky accompanied Wynne through the rest of the war, backpacking and flying on combat flights in the Pacific. Despite facing adverse circumstances such as living in the New Guinea jungle and Rock Islands and enduring primitive conditions in tents under equatorial heat and humidity, Smoky was never ill. In fact, she even managed to run on coral for four months without developing any of the paw ailments that plagued some war dogs. A Courageous Companion Smoky served in the South Pacific with the 5th Air Force, 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, and flew 12 air/sea rescue and photo reconnaissance missions. On these flights, Smoky spent long hours dangling in a soldier's pack near machine guns used to ward off enemy fighters. In total, Smoky was credited with twelve combat missions and awarded eight battle stars. She survived 150 air raids on New Guinea and made it through a typhoon at Okinawa. Smoky even parachuted from 30 feet in the air, out of a tree, using a parachute made just for her. Wynne credited Smoky with saving his life by warning him of incoming shells on a transport ship, calling her an "angel" from a foxhole. More Than a Mascot In her downtime, Smoky learned numerous tricks, which she performed for the entertainment of troops with Special Services and in hospitals from Australia to Korea. In 1944, Yank Down Under magazine named Smoky the "Champion Mascot in the Southwest Pacific Area." But Smoky's tricks weren't just for entertainment – they also enabled her to become a hero in her own right by helping engineers build an airbase at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, a crucial airfield for Allied warplanes. Honoring Her Service Smoky's story is a testament to the incredible bonds that can form between humans and animals, even in the most challenging circumstances. Her bravery, loyalty, and resourcefulness during World War II are an inspiration, showcasing that even the smallest among us can make a significant impact. As we remember the sacrifices made during this conflict, let's also remember and celebrate the contributions of this tiny hero. This Memorial Day, as we honor the sacrifice of our service members, we are happy to serve you and your pets if you are traveling. Try us for free or schedule a free consultation to learn more about Fluff and meet your local sitter.

Is it time to treat yourself? While you're putting together that perfect vacation itinerary, don't forget to include plans for your best bud! Before you decide to take them with you, make sure you ask these questions first! 1. Is my pet the traveling type? Of course, having your fur baby on vacation with you sounds like a dream! But is that what's best for your buddy? If you have a pet that hardly ever leaves home, like most cats or a caged pet, then uprooting their routine to head out on an adventure is more likely to leave your pet stressed than relaxed. Another factor is your pet's personality. Are they adventurous? Do they like car rides? Have they done well being exposed to new things in the past? You are your fur baby's expert and they trust you to make the right choice for them! Finally, you will want to consider your fur baby's age and special needs. Older animals tend to adjust poorly to change and will require extra attention and care while enduring those changes, on top of taking care of their daily needs as well. 2. Where are we going? There's no shortage of great vacation spots, but some are more accepting of pets than others. Travel experts have put together comprehensive information on the most pet-friendly destinations and we've linked them below. North Carolina: Staying local this year? VisitNC.com has put together one of the most detailed travel guides for in-state explorers! Check it out here. United States: Exploring the good ol' US of A? TripAdvisor has listed the top 20 spots to bring Spot on vacation. Unsurprisingly, North Carolina makes it on the list twice with Wilmington and Asheville. We're so proud! Check out the entire list to pick the in-country destination that's right for you. International: Time to start checking off that bucket list with some worldwide destinations! The Swiftest has compiled a ranking (and super cool infographic) of the most and least dog-friendly locations on this blue marble. Find out which countries will welcome your fur baby, and which to avoid here! 3. How are we getting there? When taking a pet along, we always recommend driving. Why? If you're in the driver's seat you have the option of decking out your car with whatever is going to make your pet the most comfortable. Plus, bathroom breaks are a non-issue if you can pull over at any time. Imagine asking your pilot to stop over because your babe is having a bad case of motion sickness. Yikes! Still, if we're being realistic, flying is inevitable for many destinations. Luckily, Martha Stewart's blog put together a list of the top pet-friendly airlines so we don't have to! Of course, you can always opt to take the bus or a train, but we wouldn't recommend it. Amtrak does allow smaller animals (under 20lbs) to travel with you but they have to stay in a carrier and there's no option for larger pets. Similarly, many national bus lines aren't as pet friendly as airlines and the experience is less comfortable for fur babies all around. 4. Where are we staying? Once you get to where you're going, where your staying has a big impact on your trip! If you have your pet with you, staying with a friend or relative might be best. If that's not an option, make sure you check a hotel's pet policy before booking. Airbnb has updated their search feature to include adding pets as guests as well so you don't have to guess if your fur kid is welcome! Looking for something a little more niche? The best dog-friendly hotels across the country are compiled here! 5. Do I have the right gear? It's one thing to remember your own packing list but there's a whole slew of items your pet needs when they travel. Though we could go crazy with the number of pet items available for travelers today, we've made a basic list of all your pet's travel needs in our travel guide. (Note: Though our packing list is timeless, our travel guide includes information on airlines and hotels that may be out of date. Always check with the company you're traveling with for updated information.) 6. What are my other options? Okay, so you've asked all the right questions and thought it through. If you don't think bringing your pet with you is the right option, that's okay! You should always consider what's best for your pet and act accordingly. If you're leaving your fur baby behind, here are some options: Friends or Family If you have a good group of people who can watch your babes when you're out of town, great! Just be sure that you aren't introducing your pet to an environment with other animals that they don't get along with, or where there's already a large number of pets. Also, don't assume that because they know you that they understand your pet. Make sure if a friend or family member is in charge of your fur kid that they have a full, detailed understanding of your expectations and that you discuss these matters before you leave. Professional Pet Care We happen to know a lot bit about the pet care biz! Though kennels and doggy daycare are possible options for shorter getaways, your dog may run the risk of injury or illness when exposed to other dogs with different personalities from different backgrounds. Plus, many places stick to caging your pet for the majority of the time with just a short potty break a few times a day. For this reason, we always suggest using an in-home professional pet sitter. We've laid out all the pros and cons and the individualized care your pet gets from a professional just can't be beaten. Still undecided? Try Fluff for Free! Making the right choice for your pets is hard. It's much easier when you know what you're getting yourself into. That's why we always suggest trying out our service for free first. With a free visit, you'll be able to see how your pet will react to a new person in the home, and you'll know what to expect when you're away. Each visit comes with a full report, pictures, and a GPS map of your sitter's route during the visit. So don't torture yourself with worry during your vacation. Get prepared now!

Get Your FREE Visit! Add your info below and we'll contact you about meeting your local sitter. At our free consultation, we'll make sure we understand the specific needs of your fur babies. When we're done, we'll be able to recommend the best services and schedule for them. ​ Please be advised that this will NOT schedule you for a consultation. This is simply a request form. First Name Last Name Email Phone Number Get Your Fur Baby Free Snuggles! Thank you! We will contact your shortly on how to redeem your visit.

Get a Professional Sitter in a Snap! Download Life is unpredictable. But getting high quality pet care shouldn't be. Get a sitter to watch your pet instantly through our App! App FAQ Download Contact Us The Fluff Difference Fluff is one of the best pet sitting and dog walking services around. Why? Because we do things differently! Here's a glimpse of what sets us apart. On Demand We are the only locally owned, on demand, pet sitting and dog walking service in the Triangle. Tech Savvy Talk to your pet sitter, check up on your fur baby, schedule, and pay for services online or through our mobile app! No Pet or Time Limits A pet sitter shouldn't focus on the clock, just your fur babies. Fluff offers services with no time limits and no additional fees for extra pets. Our Guarantees We promise you'll love us, or your next service is FREE! Plus, each walk is guaranteed to get your pup at least a mile of exercise. Professional Never settle for less. Fluff employees have a clean background, are thoroughly trained, and are all pet CPR and first aid certified. Who We Are Read More >> What we do... We offer services for every pet's needs. Read the synopsis of our offerings below, or go to Our Services page for more details. Pet Sitting Whether your pet needs a sitter for a day or forever, our Fluff Certified Sitters are ready to deliver high-quality care for your fur babies and home. Dog Walking Proud dog owner? Then Strut Your Mutt is the pet service for you! This all-inclusive service guarantees that your canine companion will get the exercise they deserve. Overnights Growing up, we all loved play dates with our friends. That's why Fluff doesn't just offer overnight stays, we offer fun-filled Sleep Rovers for our fluffy buddies! Hourly If your fur baby is an attention hog, then that's fine by us! Fluff offers Cuddles by the Hour for the needier pets out there. Plant Care Can't bring your garden with you on vacation? No problem, just leaf it to us! Our Services Read More >>

Pets and Their People Come First Fluff understands what the pet sitting biz is all about; the pets! By selecting only the best sitters and making it easy for our clients to schedule quality care, we are confident that we will leave you and your fur baby with wagging tails. Want to skip the reading? Shoot us a message or give us a call. At Fluff, the doggy door is always open! Our Staff Learn More Our Tech Learn More FAQ Learn More