Bullet Takes Aim at Bald Knob and Finds a Home

Beautiful Bullet posing for a photo en route to the summit

It has been two weeks since my last hike, and I have not yet posted about my adventure with Bullet - a wonderfully handsome and extremely kind Labrador retriever mix who recently accompanied me to the summit of Bald Knob in the Ossipee mountain range.


Bullet enjoying the ride

Before we began our hike, however, Bullet and I had an appointment to meet with a potential adopter at her home in central New Hampshire.  As we drove along to our destination, Bullet rode quietly stretched out in the backseat.  He was equally respectful when we arrived at our destination and met with the woman who was interested in adopting him.  She had considered several online profiles of dogs at Petfinder.com via Almost Home Rescue, and Bullet seemed best suited for this person's active lifestyle and love of the outdoors.  She is also a personal acquaintance who lives nearby and knew that I spent time hiking with foster dogs.  I was more than happy to schedule Bullet for a pre-hike visit to her home in the hopes that they would be a perfect match!



Bullet checks out the fenced in area of the backyard

Following a walk around the neighborhood that included a meeting with one of the other dogs who lives on the street, Bullet had the opportunity to check out the house and yard.  He seemed to greatly approve, and he was a perfect gentleman both inside the home and while exploring the fenced in area outside.

Having concluded our visit and hopeful that a perfect match had been made, it was time for Bullet to head back to his foster home.  Along the way, we stopped for a quick hike to the top of Bald Knob.  While a straight hike up the Bald Knob Trail is arguably more interesting and challenging, I opted for the Shannon Brook/Bald Knob Cutoff route in an effort to avoid hunters who may be on the property closest to the road.  As Bullet and I encountered two hunters on their way out via the Shannon Brook Trail, our choice of routes was confirmed. 

Sitting for the camera

Bullet has impressive leash manners and obviously enjoys taking in all the sights and sounds that the woods have to offer.  And while my amateur camera skills are always challenged by the task of photographing black dogs, Bullet's stunning good looks and warm expressions are so plentiful that even I could capture them. 

Looking in the direction of his new home!

While I typically end my posts with a link to a Petfinder profile where you can learn more about my hiking companion of the day, Bullet has officially been adopted by the person who met with him before our hike and will be moving into his new home at the start of the New Year!  I do invite you to view the album of photos from his hike that are available online here and to watch a You Tube video showing how far Bullet has come since being rescued.  Link to Bullet's video is available here if your browser does not display it below.



Happy Holidays!  See you on the trails!

The First Two Seasons Now on Video

Marvin taking in the views from Mts. Welch and Dickey

The first two seasons of Foster Dog Summit are now on video.  Special thanks to rescue groups - Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. and Almost Home Rescue of Maine - for providing the second chances for first hikes and forever homes.

Favorite photos and previously unseen footage from the 2011 and 2012 seasons are now available on You Tube. 

Click here for link to video if your browser does not display it below.

See you on the trails!

Wandering with Foster Dog Willow to Round Pond

Willow on the way to Round Pond

Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month?  My hiking companion Willow had no idea that there was an entire month dedicated to encouraging people to adopt a senior pet.  Nor does this lovely 11-year old black Labrador mix consider herself a senior!  After hiking several hours with Willow along the Red/Blue and Red Trails leading from Camp Bell to Round Pond in the Belknap Mountain range, I have to agree that she does not act her age.



Views from the Red Trail looking towards
Belknap Mountain

Willow had a bit of warm up to our hike after I began by making a wrong turn and starting out in a direction away from our initial destination of hiking the loop around Mts. Klem and Mack.  I was following a route from a trip report that someone had filed online, and I did not have a full map of the area in hand.  While the question, "Am I heading in the right direction"? can often be solved with a phone call or a quick visit online, I did not have cell service either.  This was not a difficult wrong turn to correct, and I was not in danger of getting lost, but it was a waste of time and rendered me less than fully prepared.  So, now I have two very nice full-color trail maps of the entire Belkap Mountain range.  They are available for sale at the Gilford Public Library.

The porcupine we met en route

Once Willow and I circled back and made our way to the start of the Red Trail, we enjoyed a wonderful walk to the edge of Round Pond.  We encountered a rather larger porcupine en route, but he or she graciously yielded the right of way by scaling a tree as we got close.  Trail signs of coyote and moose were especially evident as we approached the pond, but both creatures fully escaped our view.

Time to turn around and head home

After we reached Round Pond, I was confident that Willow had the energy to complete the loop over to Mts. Klem and Mack.  Unfortunately, the amount of daylight remaining did not equal this 11-year old's energy level.  So, we opted for an out and back and made our way back the route we traveled.  While I did not have a complete trail map for this location, I do carry a headlamp in the event that darkness falls before a hike is finished.

Smiling for the camera!

Willow led the way to our hike's conclusion with daylight to spare.  After several dozen photos along the route, I think Willow just may have overcome some of her camera shyness as she finished strong and with a smile on her face.  This sweet girl is hoping to have a home for the holidays where she will bring much joy to her new family.  A complete album of Willow's journey is available online here, and you can learn more about her and other rescue dogs waiting for their forever homes by visiting Almost Home Rescue.

See you on the trails!

Last Look at Fall with Isis on Kearsarge

Isis on Mt. Kearsarge

Since the foliage was past peak in the White Mountains, I decided to take foster dog Isis for one last look at fall a bit further south and west on Mt. Kearsarge (2,937 ft.).  Isis was along for a small group hike this fine fall day that felt quite a bit more like summer.  A few days of rain earlier in the week had left the trails rather slick, so we opted for the steeper route to the summit via the Winslow Trail and reserved the longer Barlow Trail for the slippery descent.

Umbry and Isis on the trail

My friend Karen hiked with Isis while I trekked along with foster dog Umbry who is residing with me temporarily while waiting for his adoptive home.  Isis, who was initially quite shy when she first entered her foster home, has made great progress and steadily increased her level of confidence.  She quickly accepted both Karen and me and also interacted well with fellow hikers on the trails.



Happy to be hiking

With portions of the well worn trails resembling streams at times, Karen and I were grateful that Isis had impressive leash manners that allowed us to climb slowly yet steadily and remain on our feet.  Of course, this lovely Labrador retriever mix showed us just how much she loves water by happily splashing through even the deepest of puddles along the route.

Time to start back down the trail

At the summit, Isis displayed more interest in enjoying the views and taking a nap than she did in posing for photos.  After a few pictures, some snacks and a water break, Isis was refueled, rested and ready for the descent.  Thankfully, Isis was equally capable of walking politely on her leash during the entire way down the Barlow Trail.  She did not display any signs of any shyness with her tail wagging the entire trip back to the trailhead at Winslow State Park.  Click here or see below for a video of Isis making her way down the Barlow Trail.

Slow and steady on the descent

A full album of photos from the hike is available online here.  To learn more about Isis and other dogs currently available for adoption or if you would like to consider becoming a foster home for a homeless dog in need, please visit Almost Home Rescue.

See you on the trails!

Kenzi Goes Leaf Peeping on Piper Mountain

Kenzi at the summit of Piper Mountain

Already a few weeks into autumn, and my work schedule combined with a few rainy weekend days had been keeping me away from the trails.  The foliage was at its peak over the Columbus Day weekend, and I was in search of a canine to accompany me on a hike.  So, I was thrilled to receive an inquiry from Kenzi's foster family member Michaela who was also looking for a holiday weekend outing that would be suitable for her 10-month old foster dog Kenzi and her own 7-year old rescue dog Zeke.  


Zeke, Michaela and foster dog Kenzi posing with the
colors of fall 

After several months of solo hiking one dog at a time, I was looking forward to a small group outing and the opportunity to further showcase the lovely Kenzi.  It is shocking to me that this wonderful, young girl has been overlooked for several weeks now.  All along the Piper Mountain Trail, Kenzi was as pleasant and well-behaved as the first time I hiked with her to top of Mt. Major back in August.

Kenzi kindly greets a Dachshund on the trail

Kenzi and her foster brother Zeke were both extremely polite with everyone - human and canine - they met en route to the top of Piper Mountain (2,042 ft.).  The 2-mile round trip out and back trek to this summit in the Belknap Mountain Range is the perfect fall hike when you are in search of big views but have little time to spend.

Patiently waiting for a home of her own

As we walked along, I asked Michaela to tell me more about how Kenzi interacts with the other members of her foster family.  In short, Kenzi is the ideal guest who gets along with people and dogs of all ages.  While the family does not include cats, Kenzi has not caused any trouble for the the bunny in the household.  She is also fully house and crate trained.

We are confident that the perfect family is out there waiting to welcome this well-trained girl with golden eyes and matching coat.




Kenzi exploring the summit

To learn more about Kenzi and to complete an application to adopt her, please visit her profile online at Petfinder.com.  From there, you can read more about the experiences in her foster home and also obtain more information about her rescue organization.  If you are interested in becoming a foster home or would like to make a donation to support more dogs in need of rescue, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. to support their efforts with a contribution of time or treasure!  A full photo album of Kenzi and Zeke's hike is also available on the Foster Dog Summit facebook page.

Carley Seeks Second Home on Sandwich Dome

Carley at 10 months of age hiking on Bald Knob

When I first hiked with Carley on Turtleback Mountain back in January, the 10-month old Labrador retriever/terrier mix was pending adoption to a new family along with her sister Juney.  Unfortunately for Carley, the family quickly determined that they were better situated to adopt only one dog, and they opted for her sibling Juney.  Shortly thereafter, Carley was adopted into a new home where she resided for the last eight months before being returned due to changes in family circumstances that were beyond her control. 

While I felt sorry for the many bumps on the road that Carley had experienced en route to a permanent home, I was not at all disappointed to be hiking with her again recently on Sandwich Mountain (3,980 ft.) during Labor Day weekend.



Carley at 18 months on the Sandwich Mountain Trail

Rescue groups do their best to ensure a perfect match for each of the dogs with a thorough application process, but there are instances when an initial placement is not a good fit and the dog needs to go to a different home.  The reasons for a dog needing to be put back up for adoption are varied.  The dog may not get along with other pets in the household or a family's situation may have changed to the extent that their schedule or income can no longer support a pet in the household. 

Crossing the brook

When I began Foster Dog Summit and wanted to devote my volunteer efforts to hiking with and blogging about dogs in need of a second chance, I sought assurance from the rescue groups that all dogs who were placed for adoption would receive adequate follow up and, if necessary, would be replaced into second or even third homes if an initial adoption does not succeed.  I did not want any hikers to be placed for adoption and then possibly be surrendered to an animal shelter because the rescue group was not able to handle a second placement for them.  Both Almost Home Rescue of Maine and Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. are very reputable rescue groups who stand by their commitment that a dog can be returned and will be placed into a home that is a better fit.

When I arrived to pick up Carley for our second hike to the top of Sandwich Mountain, I was thrilled to learn that another family had already made an application to adopt her into their home.  I was not at all surprised that Carley would find another home so quickly.  She was as kind and gentle as she had been during our first hike eight months earlier.  With a rainy start to our steep climb up the Sandwich Mountain Trail, I was more than a little grateful for Carley's careful pace and skillful leash manners. 

 

The view from Noon Peak

As we made our way to the summit, the sun began steadily peeking through the treetops, and I had high hopes for some wonderful views en route to the top of Sandwich Dome.  Carley and I enjoyed a peaceful water break at Noon Peak where the suddenly brighter weather provided a spectacular backdrop for photos.  And since Carley seemed to be enjoying the views as well, I chose to photograph the ledge from her perspective.

We met Sam the Puggle on Jennings Peak

As we continued our trek along the Sandwich Mountain Trail, we did not encounter any other hikers until we reached the top of Jennings Peak where several hikers and a few dogs were enjoying the early afternoon sunshine and discussing the various routes they had traveled along Sandwich Mountain that morning.  Carley was very respectful of her fellow canine hikers, and we were delighted to make the acquaintance of Sam the Puggle.

Meet and greet with Tilly

A bit further up the trail as we made our way down from Jennings Peak and towards the summit, Carley and I had the opportunity to meet Tilly and her hiking companion who insisted on taking a group photo that we promised to share.  The hikers and I are always grateful for volunteer photographers when we meet on the trails.

Carley at the summit of Sandwich Mountain

After experiencing a thankfully dry climb to the summit and taking in so many sunny views, we did not spend too much time at the summit as the clouds started to roll in overhead.  We snapped a few photos and chatted with some hikers at the top of the mountain before making our descent down the Drakes Brook Trail.

Carley looking beautiful on the descent

While my posts from the trail usually conclude with a request that readers visit and share a dog's Petfinder.com profile, I am happy to report that Carley's pending application for adoption was approved!  She has been happily residing with her new family for several days now, and they are very excited to have her in their home.  We do invite you to view her online photo album here.

See you on the trails!

A Hike for Dogs of All Ages

Fifteen going on two and still tackling the trails!

With recent visits from out of town guests and a trip to Boston over the past few weekends, there has been little time available for hiking.  While the majority of trips with Foster Dog Summit take an entire day to complete, especially when factoring in driving distance and trail time, there are a number of shorter hikes with rewarding views much closer to home in the Lakes Region.

Umbry taking in the views over Lake Wicwas from
Crockett's Ledge

One of my favorite local spots is the Hamlin-Eames-Smyth Recreation and Conservation Area located in Meredith, New Hampshire.  This network of trails features a variety of short hikes of very moderate difficulty with several interesting ponds and wonderful ledge views overlooking Lake Wicwas and Lake Winnisquam.

Neely and Bandit at the summit of Cannon in 2009

Most importantly, the trails are still within the range of hiking ability for my 15-year old soul mutt - a German shepherd/Labrador mix named Bandit and his 14-year old canine sibling Neely who is also a mixture of German shepherd and who knows what other breeds.  They have traveled many miles with me over the years and were still climbing 4,000 footers up until a few years ago.

While I had hoped that both dogs would be able to join foster dog Umbry on this recent adventure, Neely's osteoarthritis has been acting up recently so she can travel only on short daily walks around the neighborhood for now.

The hiking duo!

Umbry, Bandit and I enjoyed an early afternoon walk along the 2.7 Crockett's Ledge loop trail.  We encountered only one other hiker at the beginning of the trail.  She and her two canine companions were just concluding their trip.  After the dogs barked a boisterous hello to one another, the trails were peacefully quiet for the remainder of the trek. 

Thankfully, Bandit and Umbry are getting along even better than I had expected.  I had reservations about taking a foster dog into my home because I feared that Bandit would not be accepting of a newcomer.  I am overwhelmingly surprised by and grateful for how readily Bandit has welcomed Umbry and has adjusted to his significantly higher activity level.  It seems as though Bandit understands that he needs to cut the foster dog a break since he does not have a home to call his own.


Bandit and I strategize about foster dog Umbry

Bandit and I are confident that Umbry will find his forever home soon, but we are also enjoying the time that we get to spend together.  The fostering experience has offered many rewards, and taking temporary care of Umbry has had very few challenges.  He is fully housetrained and quickly responds to voice corrections such as "Down", "Leave it" and "No".



Cat manners 101

Umbry is still learning to get along with my cat, but his chasing is playful, and she is able to convincingly stand her ground.  At this point, Umbry would do best without cats or with cats who are very skilled in handling dogs.  I also feel that Umbry's energy level is best suited for active adults and older children.  He is a wonderful walking and hiking companion, and he also politely and calmly settles into and simply hangs out in his dog bed when requested to do so. 

If you or one of your friends or family members is interested in learning more about this sweet, smart and playful Terrier mix, please inquire further with Almost Home Rescue of Maine.

Kenzi Shines through Haze on Mt. Major

Kenzi on the ledges just below the summit of Mt. Major

Hazy, hot and humid did not deter foster dog Kenzi from having an enjoyable hike to the summit of Mt. Major (1,786 ft.) on Sunday, August 5, 2012.  This former Texan, who was recently rescued from an overcrowded shelter, is a gorgeous golden mix of Australian shepherd and Basenji. 

Kenzi was equally excited about hitting the trails as she was with meeting every person and dog she encountered along the route.  On our way up the Main Trail, we had the opportunity to speak with several hikers. 

Meeting rescue dog Harley

Kenzi especially enjoyed meeting and sharing a drink of water with a fellow rescue dog named Harley who was adopted from a rescue group in Tennessee approximately three years ago.  Harley now happily resides in Nashua, New Hampshire, and his family proudly recalled their excitement the day that, "Harley stepped off the transport truck and into our lives."  Of course, Harley and all dogs from reputable rescue groups come complete with a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, full vaccinations and are spayed or neutered prior to departure.  These efforts ensure the health and safety of people and pets already residing in the areas where rescue dogs are being transported for adoption.

Kenzi at the summit

After a humid ascent, Kenzi and I were extremely grateful for the powerful breezes atop Mt. Major.  While we would have preferred less haze in the views overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, we were grateful for an enjoyable climb and many wonderful photo opportunities that showcase Kenzi's beauty.  A full album of photos from Kenzi's hike can be viewed online. 

Waterslide!

For our return trip, Kenzi and I had high hopes that the Brook Trail would provide opportunities to cool off a bit.  Kenzi took great delight in taking a break from the heat by fully submerging herself and belly sliding several feet down the brook.  She is obviously very fond of hiking and swimming!

Tired but happy after the hike!

Eight month old Kenzi is currently living with a wonderful foster family that includes three other rescue dogs.  While she enjoys the company of her foster family, Kenzi is really looking forward to finally settling down into a home of her own.  Please share Kenzi's adventure with friends and family and help her get the rest of the way home!

To learn more about how to support rescue dogs in need, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

Ying Beats the Heat to the Top of Gunstock

Ying enjoying the views of Lake Winnipesaukee

With the forecast calling for a third day of temperatures in the 90s which would mark an official heat wave, foster dog Ying and I decided to set out for a short early morning hike to the top of Gunstock Mountain.  While I have skied the trails on Gunstock numerous times over the years, my journey with Ying was the first time I hiked the trails leading to the 2,245 ft. summit that is part of the Belknap Mountain Range.  The resort offers year round adventures for visitors to New Hampshire's Lakes Region with activities ranging from skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping and even ziplining available.

Taking a break on the Brook Trail

Ying and I were in search of a cooler route to the summit this day, so we chose to climb the 1.7 mile Brook Trail.  The route offered plenty of shade with a few too many mosquitoes in the woods as it criss-crossed the ski trails en route to the top.  Ying took to the trail immediately and was perfectly well mannered walking on a leash.  At only five months of age, Ying already knows the sit command and happily demonstrated it more than once during breaks on our climb.

Hitting the steep part

While we did not encounter any other human or canine hikers on our ascent, Ying was very eager to greet a number of people she met at the summit.  Some of these fellow visitors had climbed ahead of us that morning while others arrived via the chairlift to take in the views or to enjoy a ride down the zip lines.  She waited patiently in the shade of a picnic table at the summit and enjoyed a drink before we made our return trip down the Flintlock/Ridge Trail.

Welcome shade during a heat wave hike

This happy mix of Black mouth cur and Plott Hound is as content walking on the trails as she is riding in a car.  With such a confident canine along for the ride, Ying's new family will be destined to enjoy many exciting adventures in the years ahead.  To learn more about her and/or to submit an application for adoption, please visit Ying's profile on Petfinder.com.  This beautiful brindle puppy is waiting for her forever home while residing in a foster home provided by volunteers with Almost Home Rescue.  Thank you for sharing Ying's adventurous journey to help find her a home.

View a complete album of photos from her journey here.

See you on the trails!

Quina Hikes with the Big Dogs on Mt. Kearsarge

Quina on the summit of Mt. Kearsarge

On Sunday, May 27, 2012, Quina and I enjoyed a spectacular day traveling to the summit of Mt. Kearsarge (2,937 ft.) located in Wilmot, New Hampshire.  The 2.8 mile round trip was ideally suited for this young terrier mix who recently arrived from an overcrowded shelter in Arkansas thanks to the life saving, volunteer efforts of Almost Home Rescue of Maine.

Quina may be only six months old, but she has proven that she can hike with the big dogs.  Quina has spent approximately five weeks in her current foster home where she has quickly become well socialized with the 7-year old child and four dogs who share her temporary living quarters.  

Meet and greet with Bailey and her family

Her foster family indicated that Quina has not had much experience with walking on a leash or riding in a car, so I was extremely impressed with her leash manners and with how quickly she settled in for the ride to Winslow State Park.  Having previously hiked Mt. Kearsarge with former foster dog hiker Bertie, I elected to take a reverse route to the summit by traveling up the longer Barlow Trail and descending via the shorter, steeper Winslow Trail.  The holiday weekend brought many human and canine hikers to the trails, so Quina and I had plenty of opportunities for meeting and greeting.  She was consistently friendly and occasionally yet understandably a bit cautious with the people she encountered.

Climbing high on the Barlow Trail

Quina happily accepted a number of welcoming compliments from fellow hikers such as, "Oh - look what a cute dog!"  She was equally excited about pats on the head from people of all ages.  Two young girls, ages 4 and 6, spent several minutes talking to and petting Quina at the summit as we took a break from photos and enjoyed the views.  The young girls' father was amazed at how calmly Quina accepted the attention by sitting patiently while the sisters took turns patting her head and talking excitedly about their hopes of having a dog of their own in the future.

Hiking with the big dogs - literally!

If you or someone you know is looking to add a canine member to your family, sweet Quina would be a wonderful addition.  You can view a full album of photos from Quina's hike.  Additional information and an application for adoption are available on her profile at Petfinder.com

Daisy Leaps to Top of Fletcher's Cascades

Daisy at the start of the Drake Brook trail

For our gorgeous girl Daisy, we were in search of a moderate hike - one without steep climbing that could accommodate the short legs and sturdy frame of an approximately 55- pound Bassador retriever hound.  We found the perfect route to the top of Fletcher's Cascades located in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire via the Drake Brook and Fletcher's Cascade trails.

Fletcher's Cascades

Daisy and I meandered up and down the quiet trails leading to Fletcher's Cascades for nearly three hours and covered 3.2 miles.  We did not encounter any other hikers until we were almost at the top of the Cascades.  Daisy warmly greeted our fellow hikers and posed for a few photos which one of them so kindly offered to take for us.

No leaping required

While Daisy's leaps may be lacking in height, her limbo skills are second to none and also enabled her to tackle a number of trees that had fallen across the trails.  Basset hounds are also not known for their swimming ability, but it was obvious that her Labrador instincts took over every time Daisy crossed the brook as she happily splashed and waded through the water.

Daisy proves that long legs are overrated

At the end of our journey, I was convinced that Daisy had enjoyed her hike and that she would be a perfect addition to a family in search of a happy hound dog.  Daisy, formerly known as Stormy, is currently residing in a foster home with volunteers from Almost Home Rescue.  Her foster family reports that Daisy gets along well with her canine siblings, easily tolerates the resident rabbits and is friendly with all of the people she meets in and around her home.

A complete album of photos from Daisy's hike is available online here.   Please share her adventure with friends and family and help find her a home!

See you on the trails!