Five years ago, we took our rescue dog Violet on her first proper adventure. We had no idea it would be the hike that started Paws and Place, or that it would completely change how we think about gear for dogs and their people.
How We Found Violet
We were living and working in the Philippines when Violet came into our lives as a puppy in rough shape. She was covered in tar or oil that took real effort to remove, and she had ticks and fleas that kept us busy for days. She was a mess, but she was ours. If you've ever rescued a street dog in Southeast Asia, you'll know exactly what those first weeks look like.
Violet's First Hike in the Philippines
A few months later, we decided to take her on her first hike in the Pinatubu region near Pampanga. It's a stunning area with rivers, mountains, long winding tracks, and dense elephant grass that could slice your skin if you weren't careful. We got lost a couple of times, pushed through overgrown bush, and found patches of shade in open fields just to recover.
It was also a very hot day, and we'll admit it: we were underprepared.
The route covered 11km in total, with multiple exposed hills and full sunlight for most of it. Violet had never walked that far before. For anyone planning to go hiking with dogs in the Philippines, or anywhere in Southeast Asia, the heat and terrain are genuinely no joke. We had to slow right down, stop often, and figure out how to keep her hydrated and rested with almost none of the right dog hiking gear.
The Gear We Didn't Have
We had no collapsible water bowl. No easy-access storage while walking. No fold-away bowl for food or treats. No poo bags within reach. These aren't luxury items, they're the basic dog hiking essentials that make the difference between a hard day and a good one. We made do, Violet got enough water and rest, but it was harder than it needed to be.
If you're hiking with a dog in Thailand, the Philippines, or anywhere with heat and uneven terrain, a well-stocked dog daypack isn't optional. We learned that the hard way.
What That Day Taught Us
Sitting in a field under the shade of a tree, watching Violet finally catch her breath, we started talking about the gear we wished we'd had. Not complicated stuff, just practical, well-designed pet products built for active owners and their dogs.
That conversation is the reason Paws and Place exists. We're based in Bangkok, and we built this brand for city pet owners across Thailand and Southeast Asia who also love to get outside with their animals. Whether you're navigating Bangkok streets or a trail in Chiang Mai, your dog deserves gear that keeps up.
Violet is five years older now, a seasoned hiker, and significantly better equipped. So are we. 🐾
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