Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something by clicking on the link, we may receive compensation. And we thank you for supporting this blog.
Back to the Dark Ages – Don’t you love how you’re tooling along, enjoying the daylight coming earlier and earlier, and making your morning walk, WAY more comfortable and then WHAM, some archaic law throws you back into the Dark?
Yeah, me neither.
Time constraints and DADO’s (Dumb Ass Dog Owners) in my neighbor compel me to walk my dogs early. Sampson and I are usually out by 5:45 am, and then Delilah and I about 20 to 25 minutes later. I’ve been getting spoiled with daylight accompanying us on our walks, when suddenly, Daylight Savings Time throws us back into the dark.
While the dogs need their walks, I need to make sure we are all safe while doing so. In order to make sure we are safe, there are some products I love that make me feel better walking in the dark.
SEE and BE SEEN, that’s my motto.
Baby let your light shine. Lights are super important to me. They allow us to see and be seen. For myself, I have two different lights. One on my head and one on my wrist. The headlight ‘looks’ where I look, plus allows people to see my face. Siriusly, if some dumb fuck is going to hit me, I want to make sure that son-of-a-bitch sees the terror on my face, and I want that face to stay with them until I can kick their ass when they get to the other side. Ya know?
I currently have two different head lights. For those super cold days, I wear this hat. (You can see it in the below photo, without clicking on the Amazon link.) Besides helping light my walk, it also keeps my head warm.
For those days where a winter hat is too warm, I prefer a ball cap. I have a light that clips to the brim of my ball cap.
This light has a low, high and red light. You know, for those street walking days. 😉
I did mention the wrist light, yes? The one thing I love about the wrist light, is it shines on my dog.
Really? You can’t shine that anywhere else, but in my eyes?
Because it’s on my ‘leash’ hand, the light naturally extends to where my hand is pointing.
Not a good representation, as it was in the middle of a blizzard, plus not as dark as it could be.
I can’t tell you how helpful this is when it comes time to pick up after my dog. I’ve tried using the light on the cell phone and that just takes way more coordination than I’m capable of at 6:00 am. The wrist light I have, has high and low, as well as flash (for emergencies) and a watch, and compass. It’s right handy just for taking the dogs out at night too. (Check the reviews on these lights, because I’m not totally in love with the one I chose.)
I also like the dogs to have their own light. We are currently using PUPLIGHT II . I love this light for four reasons. 1) The collar is adjustable. 2) It takes Triple A batteries. 3) The light doesn’t typically turn off, like other lights I’ve used. 4) The collar has a reflective stripe (you can just see the gray in the collar in this photo).
For the love of dog! I’m trying to take a walk here. Siriusly.
Reflections on walking. One of the other products I use during our ‘dark’ walks, is reflective clothing.
Currently, I’m using a standard, “workman’s” vest that I picked up at my local Wal-Mart. It’s effective in letting driver’s see me, but personally, I’d like some other features on it. Such as a deep, water-proof pocket for treats, and another large pocket that I’d be comfortable placing a ‘filled’ bag in. I have seen some nice fluorescent yellow jackets that would probably work, but I like the vest, for the warmer months, when I don’t want to wear a jacket.
This vest has two large pockets on the left side. One at the top, and one at the bottom, as well as an inner breast pocket on the right side. You can also see the winter cap I’m wearing.
For the dogs, they do have that reflective lighted collar. (There are also unlighted reflective collars and leashes.) I do have a reflective vest that I use for them in the woods during hunting season. (To make sure they aren’t mistaken for a ‘hunted’ animal.)
There are also reflective paw bands.
Delilah is modeling the paw bands from Hefty Hounds. A company that specializes in products for large dogs.
With these fabulous walking tools, I don’t hesitate to step outside at what should actually be 4:30 in the morning.
Whatever tools you use for walking, take steps to make sure you and your dog(s) are safe.
This all sounds very smart and very safe for you and the kids. You are well-prepared in case of DADOs. Mom uses a tiny super-bright rechargeable flashlight, but she is interested in the Puplight. We used to have something similar, but it died quickly. It lights my face nicely in case I try to eat a chicken bone, acorn, or left-behind goose candy. Apparently, that is naughty behavior.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I don’t think this one dies too quickly. I think I only replace the batteries, once or twice a year. Because they are AAA, they aren’t that expensive either. I did look into one of those bright, little flashlights, but I’d want it on my wrist.
Yeah, moms tend to frown on the chicken bones and goose candy. (I’m pretty sure Delilah’s eaten acorns.) :-0
We have some reflectors we wear, and we have strobe lights, one on Mom’s coat, and one on our collars. Usually, only running happens in the dark which is Mom and Bailie…but that is on hold at this time after the ankle incident. By the time I go for my walk, it is getting light out. That being said, why do so many people wear black with no reflectors or lights in the dark? Dumbest thing ever, and to add to it, they walk with their back towards the traffic.
You’re lucky you have daylight walking! As for the dark clothing, I have no clue. I mean one of my jackets is black, but I’m wearing the vest over it! As for walking with backs to traffic, I’m stunned. When I face traffic, 1) they can see my face 2) If THEY don’t SEE me, I at least see THEM and can jump out of their way.
It sounds like you’ve really got this walking in the dark thing down! We have sidewalks in most of our neighborhood, so I’m not too worried about being hit by a car, but I try to avoid walking after dark just for safety reasons. We walk in the dark when we visit my parents, though, and I’m always glad that Barley has such bright whites because they stand out very well when cars are coming towards us 🙂
I’m glad you’re safe. The drivers in this area, remind me of the dog owners. 🙂 Two years ago, I actually had to jump away from a car. I was waving my arms and she just kept coming at us!
I like that lighted winter cap! I have one of those clip-on lights somewhere in the house, but haven’t used it in ages. What I really need are those collars with the lights on them, especially for Ducky; but I have a feeling I’d get tired of having to put them on and take them off. Oh well, we’re safe in the backyard with the flood lights on the carport and over the porch door.
Looks like you’re all set for walks in the dark. I assume you still carry the pepper spray?
The cap is great! I highly recommend it. As for the collar light, if you put a collar on when you go out, this is no worse than that. You just get used to it.
And yes, I do carry the pepper spray, and guess what? This year I used it. Story coming soon!
I LOVE those paw bands and may have to get some of those! What a terrific idea. So good to see a post from you again beyond “The Things You Love About Your Dogs.” I’ve so missed your witticisms. Welcome back. And you’re 150% right about DST. What a stupid idea to keep. Hel-lo world…we ARE in the 21st century, not the 17th! I have no clue why lawmakers think keeping this is a good idea. *Sigh*
I like the paw bands too. The ones I have are pull ons and Delilah gets her nose out of joint when I put them on. For me, it was a bit harder than putting boots on, and I do wish they were adjustable. I worry about one coming off.
I hope I’m back, at least semi-regularly, if not regularly. Even if it’s only one or two posts every week or two. Honestly, I have stuff to share, just no go-go to get it done.
Head lamps are a no brainer – I actually have one and forgot all about it. We used it when we took the dogs camping and when we went up to Mt. Hood and stayed over where it’s always dark. Reflective vests and paw bands are such great ideas. Walter is all black so it really helps to keep him lit.
They are a really handy thing to have, sometimes people have tools for specific jobs, and don’t consider they can be used differently. Keeping them seen is key, especially for the darker furred dogs.