Glow big or go home: Mack’s night walk survival tips & favourite gear
Mack here! I need to file a formal complaint: why is it nighttime at 6pm now? I swear I just finished my afternoon nap and suddenly it’s pitch black outside like I’m starring in my own wilderness survival show.
But don’t worry, I’m basically a professional night explorer. With my light-up LED collar and my parents wearing their high-vis cross-body sashes that glow like safety superheroes, we look like a festive parade float marching through Northwestern Ontario.
And since I care deeply about your safety (and also about you being able to see me when I’m doing important business), here’s my official guide to safe walks in the dark.
Light Up Like a Christmas Tree
Our glow gear isn’t just stylish – it keeps us safe.
My LED collar lights up in the dark from all directions, so cars, wildlife, and even those joggers who appear out of nowhere can see me clearly.
My parents’ light-up sashes make them visible from far away, which helps drivers and other walkers spot us long before they’re close.
My mom especially loves that my collar has lots of colour options to choose from so we can match (even though pink does not go with my fur!).
The brighter the better. Safety… but make it runway.
Stick to Familiar Routes
At night, everything looks different.
Bushes? Scarier.
Mailboxes? Suspicious.
My own shadow? A potential intruder.
Sticking to well-known routes helps everyone stay comfortable and reduces the chances of slipping, tripping, or wandering into a snowbank so deep you need a search party.
Keep Me Close (Even if I Think I’m a Wolf)
I know I look like I could survive in the wild. But the truth is… absolutely not.
Nighttime = wildlife wandering, icy patches, and the general mystery of the dark. Staying leashed and close keeps me safe and keeps you from calling my name into the void.
Plus, it ensures I can continue to expertly walk directly in front of you the entire time.
Bring a Flashlight or Headlamp
Your eyes are… well, human.
A headlamp or flashlight helps with:
- Spotting ice
- Navigating uneven trails
- Watching me sniff one very boring spot for an unreasonable amount of time
Need some gear recommendations? I’ve got you covered (not sponsored but maybe with my newfound fame its in my future?):
My Light-Up LED Collar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I look like a portable galaxy.”
Link: https://a.co/d/4b3ZRPR
This collar is my pride and joy. It lights up ALL the way around and makes me visible from basically the next time zone. Its charge lasts, it’s bright, and it doesn’t get lost under my curls. Plus, there is a fun disco-mode that makes me feel like I’m at a rave.
Mom & Dad’s High-Vis Light-Up Sashes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My parents but make them runway-ready crossing guards.”
Link: https://a.co/d/7v22Qt2

Humans, please stop trusting your black winter jackets to keep you seen.
These sashes glow, blink, charge fast, and make you visible from very far away.
Clip-On LED Lights
Perfect for: backpacks, leashes, harness loops
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Small but mighty.”
Link: https://a.co/d/ikML3IU
These aren’t as powerful as a full collar, but they’re great backups. You can clip them anywhere:
- on your leash
- on your coat
- on your dog’s harness
- on a zipper pull
Reflective Leashes & Harnesses
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fashion AND function.”
Link: https://a.co/d/45DTyOt and https://a.co/d/f3DwIkD
These don’t glow on their own, but they shine bright when headlights hit them. Pair reflective gear with LED gear and you become the Beyoncé of night safety.
Also great for:
- fog
- snowy evenings
- pretending you’re part of a secret tactical K9 unit
Night walks an be magical. Even though I complain (with dignity), night walks aren’t all bad. There’s something peaceful about the city lights, glowing collars, and the quiet crunch of winter. Plus, when I light up the trail with my collar, I feel like I’m guiding Santa’s sleigh.
So grab your glowing sashes, clip on my LED collar, and let’s go be the brightest thing on the trail, literally.
Walk safe, glow strong,
Mack, Official Night Walk Supervisor

