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!