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.

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.