We arrived with great expectations (and some trepidation), about 50 humans and our dogs, for a long Labor Day weekend of fun, games, camaraderie and freedom from the leash!

Camp Unleashed in the beautiful Berkshires is all about spending quality time with your dog, re-connecting and falling in love all over again. That was the great expectation.

The trepidation was that it would be the first time Mr. Darcy would be off-leash outside of a fenced-in yard. Both of us, free of the leash that binds, in the great outdoors! My boy did me proud, and we discovered a stronger bond in the process.

After check-in, we headed to the lacrosse field for introductions and the great “Unleashing Ceremony,” then we were off for the first of the nonstop activities — a group hike. Darcy, Border-Collie mix that he is, likes to lead the way. He found his way to the front of the group with the guides, and as we made our way up the mountain he periodically came back to check on me (You ok, mom? Good. See ya…). What a guy.

Then it was back to the lacrosse field for the Wine & Cheese Mutt Mixer. We humans sipped and watched as our dogs did that dance they do at first meeting — sniff, sniff, circle round, play posture, run like the wind, and rollover wrestling. It’s a beautiful thing. Of course, the girls fell in love with Mr. D, especially Granola (“Nola”). And you could always count on him to lead the boys in a good run.

Every morning, we met at the field for Yappy Hour — much needed coffee for the humans and freeplay for our dogs. As we watched them frolicking we thought about which activities to participate in that day: vigorous or nature hike, recall practice, agility (all levels), swimming and dock diving, Barks & Crafts, canoeing, K9 Nose Training, canine massage workshop and more. Your option to do it all, or just chill in the tranquility of nature.

By day four, we were all pleasantly exhausted. The dogs hadn’t stopped smiling for days, and after the Awards Ceremony (Mr. D was a winner!) we headed home, back to reality (and the leash). But Darcy & I knew we had shared a wonderful adventure and we are more in love than ever. (Want to take your dog to camp? Check out campunleashed.com)