Foster Dog Prada Conquers Crotched Mountain

Prada on the trail

On Sunday, July 24, 2011, Prada proved that little dogs with short legs can climb to big heights.  Still full of puppy energy, this approximately 6-month old Jack Russell/dachshund mixed breed demonstrated that she is ready to hike with the big dogs.  Prada may be small in size, but she is big in personality.  She excitedly greeted me at her foster home which she shares with three other dogs - a Labrador mix named Molly and two Beagle mixes named Charley and Jolene.  Prada was equally excited about riding in the car and quickly settled in for the drive to the trail.

Approaching the summit

Since Prada is new to hiking and she does have shorter legs, I opted to take her on a hike that would offer a trail with predictable terrain yet still allow us to complete a foster dog summit.  The Francestown Trail to the top of Crotched Mountain begins at the base of the ski resort and follows one of the easiest ski trails to the 2,066 ft. summit.  This route proved to be the perfect choice for a novice hiker like Prada who was on her first mountain adventure.

Taking a break and enjoying the sunshine

While Prada would have gladly welcomed the company of other dogs and people along the way, our solo journey to the summit of Crotched Mountain was a very enjoyable climb with plenty of opportunities for photos and water breaks en route.  The haze that accompanied the oppressive heat wave earlier in the week was just lifting as we reached the top of the mountain. 

Prada enjoyed roaming along the summit and taking in the views before we began our descent.  Any concerns that I may have had about Prada being able to complete the trip vanished as soon as I saw how much energy she still had in reserve for the hike back to the base.  On the way down, she was excitedly running at times and happily chasing butterflies.

I made it!  And I know there is a home out there for me...

To see more pictures of Prada's journey, visit her photo album on the Foster Dog Summit fan page.  If you or someone you know is interested in sharing his or her life with a wonderful canine companion who travels well in the car and on foot, please see and share Prada's Petfinder adoption profile.  Prada and the many other dogs that are waiting for adoptive and/or foster homes through Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. would be extremely grateful for your networking assistance!

Foster Dog Bertie Shines on Mount Kearsarge

For the second week in a row, I have been privileged to be accompanied by a wonderful canine companion en route to the summit of one of New Hampshire's most spectacular peaks.  On Sunday, July 17, 2011, the lovely Bertie and I hiked to the 2,937 ft. summit of Mt. Kearsarge located in Wilmot, New Hampshire.  Mt. Kearsarge is famous for its panoramic views showcasing Boston to the south, the White Mountains to the north, the Green Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Bertie on the Barlow Trail

Bertie is an approximately 2-year old Spaniel/Chow Chow mix who enjoys the company of other dogs, cats and people of all ages.  She is currently residing in a foster home that is part of the volunteer network of the rescue organization Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

Bertie is both friendly and energetic, and she tackled Mt. Kearsarge with such enthusiasm that it felt as though she too sensed the magnificent views awaiting us at the summit!

Bertie shows off her golden coat

Our journey began at Winslow State Park where we opted to travel up the mountain using the Winslow Trail and return via the longer Barlow Trail.  Bertie was very pleased by the welcome she received from the park attendant who kindly presented her with a very large doggie biscuit to fuel her hike!

Taking in the views at the summit

Bertie walked extremely well on a leash and politely greeted all of the human and canine hikers that she met on the trails.  Many people stopped to pet Bertie along the way and to inquire about her hiking background.  They were all surprised to learn that this was Bertie's first hike since she is both so well mannered and very adept at climbing.  They were similarly surprised to learn that Bertie is a foster dog who is waiting for her permanent family to be found.  Fellow hikers we spoke with were more than happy to share Bertie's contact information with those looking to adopt a dog into their lives.  Bertie and I are also hopeful that some of the people we met today may themselves be interested in providing a permanent home for her or would consider opening their homes temporarily to a dog in need of foster care.

Bertie makes friends with Tucker

Foster families provide a critical link between overcrowded animal shelters and families looking to add a canine companion into their lives.  Foster care allows dogs to immediately transition into a home situation while simultaneously providing rescue groups with the time and resources required to appropriately match adopters with the dogs who are most suitable for their lifestyle.  If you or someone you know would love to add Bertie as a member of the family, please learn more about her and complete an adoption application.

For more photos of Bertie's adventure to the summit of Mount Kearsarge, visit her album and become a fan of Foster Dog Summit on Facebook.

Molly Meets and Greets on Mt. Major

Molly at the start of her climb up Mt. Major

My first challenger for the foster dog summit could not have been better suited for the meet and greet adventure than Miss Molly with her exquisite doggie manners.

Located in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Mt. Major is a popular hiking destination for both people and pets which provides stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee from its 1,786 ft. summit. 

Molly and I began our trip to the summit of Mt. Major at approximately 9:00 a.m. on the morning of July 10, 2011.  Molly's backpack carried treats from Polka Dog Bakery, a collapsible water bowl and, of course, a few plastic bags so we could abide by the carry in/carry out rules for doggie pits stops. 

Molly meets Jeffrey and Taylor on the trail

During our ascent up the Boulder Loop Trail, we stopped for a number of photos and visits with other hikers and their dogs.  Everyone was interested in meeting Molly and promised to convey her details to any family members and friends who were currently looking to adopt a canine companion.

Molly conquered the trail with such purposeful enjoyment! 

Waiting for us at the summit was an amazing view of Lake Winnipesaukee and even more dogs and their hiking companions who were happy to make acquaintance with Molly and pose for photos.

Molly and I on the summit of Mount Major

In between conversations and a few snacks, Molly and I took several more photos and decided that we would return via the Main Trail.  It was approximately 11:15 a.m. when Molly and I began our descent.

During our journey back down the mountain, we stopped and chatted with a couple of hikers who commented, "Molly looks just like Benji but with dark hair!"

I have to agree that Molly does have that irresistible Benji appeal about her.  I am also a huge fan of the movie that debuted in theaters in late 1974.  Benji was the first film that I got to see in a movie theater.  The dog Higgins that played Benji was also rescued from the local animal shelter.

Obviously, the message of the movie stuck with me as it did with countless other moviegoers in the 1970s.  It has been estimated that Benji inspired over 1 million dog adoptions from animal shelters.

Definitely Benji in dark fur!

Molly is fortunate to be able to reside in foster care while she awaits her forever home.  She was rescued from an overcrowded animal shelter where her opportunities to be properly trained and socialized were severely limited as compared to the individualized attention that she receives in her foster home.  Molly's permanent placement will also open up a foster home for another deserving dog in need.

If you are interested in learning more about this super friendly, approximately one year old terrier mix, you may visit and share Molly's adoption page.  If you would like to learn more about becoming a foster family for another dog in need of rescue, please contact Canine Guardians for Life.