Thinking Spring with Petey on Pack Monadnock

Petey making his way on the snow covered trail.

Winter got a late start this year in New Hampshire, and it seems determined to stick around long after it has worn out its welcome.  The skiing conditions have been wonderful, but I am now ready for a change of season.  Last Sunday, I was determined to get a taste of Spring on the trails, so I headed south for Pack Monadnock (2,290 ft.) in the hopes that the trails would be mostly clear of the white stuff yet not too full of the muddy stuff.  What I found instead was much more snow from top to bottom than I had anticipated.  And while that would not otherwise have posed a problem, I also realized at the trailhead that my microspikes were not in the back of the car where I thought I had left them.

Petey questioning my preparedness

Thankfully, my boots have good tread and I was able to choose a route that was mostly in the sun.  So, my hiking companion Petey and I set out for the top of Pack Monadnock via an out and back 2.8 mile trip along the Marion Davis Trail.  While the trail was well packed and mostly slushy and not icy, the spikes would have made for a quicker descent.  Of course, I did not have to worry about Petey pulling on a leash or otherwise complicating our hike in any way.  So, we did not mind taking our time and carefully watching our steps along the way on such a beautiful and sunny day. 

Enjoying a sunny, dry section of the trail

We only encountered two other hikers on our way to the summit.  As I introduced my companion with, "This is Petey," the first hiker replied, "So am I, and so is he."  After chatting briefly with the Peters and asking that they share Petey's blog post with family and friends, we continued to the top of Pack Monadnock where we met with a few other hikers.  Petey kindly made the acquaintance of more hikers and posed for several photos.  He is a perfect gentleman in every way.

At the summit of Pack Monadnock

Found wandering as a stray in West Virginia last year, Petey made his way to New Hampshire late last fall and has been wintering in a foster home while waiting patiently for a family to adopt him.  Peter's early grey muzzle makes him appear older than his estimated six years of age, but he hikes like a dog half his age.  In addition to his distinguished appearance, Petey is completely friendly with everyone he encounters, including humans, canines and felines of all ages and sizes.  They say that 10 is the new 5 in dog ages, so the family who welcomes Petey into their home will have many happy, rewarding years of companionship ahead of them.

Smiling for the camera and the new friends he met!

You can learn more about Petey, share him with family and friends, and submit an application for adoption here on his Petfinder profile page. A full album of photos from Petey's hike to the top of Pack Monadnock is available online here at the Foster Dog Summit facebook page.  To support the efforts of Petey's rescue group with a contribution or to inquire about fostering a dog, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

See you on the trails!

Back with Buck on Catamount Hill

Buck enjoying the snow on Catamount Hill

After a work induced winter break lasting several weeks, I was looking forward to returning to the trails. My latest canine hiking companion Buck joined me along with my friend Karen for a snowshoe adventure to the top of Catamount Hill.  

Buck patiently waiting for us to decide which way to hike

Three year old Buck is a large Labrador retriever mix who recently arrived after an extended stay at a shelter in Arkansas.  From the very start of our trek through the snow, Buck did not show any signs of having a preference for the warmer climate he enjoyed in the South.  He handled the hike of a few miles in the snow as if he was born and raised in New England.



Nearing the summit and staying warm

As we made our way along the One Mile Trail en route to the Catamount Hill Trail, we encountered a few snowmobiles, but Buck was not at all bothered by the unfamiliar sights and sounds.  He also walked very politely on his leash and was as equally content in leading the way as he was in following the tracks of our snowshoes.
 

Buck's foster mom packed a warm and rather attractive winter coat for him to wear on his hike.  While the mild temperatures did not warrant an extra layer, I do regret not dressing Buck briefly for the sake of fashion to show off his coat!  And, as I have learned, adding a bit of color to a black dog often makes for a better photo, especially in low light conditions.



Clearing the obstacles in his path

Despite the snowfall and lack of sunlight, we still managed to take a number of photos during Buck's winter adventure that are available for viewing here.  I  had planned to have Buck wear his coat if we were given another opportunity to hike together.  However, I have since learned that I may not get a second hike with him because Buck has an adoption application pending.


Ready for the ride home!

We are hopeful for a perfect match and that Buck will be in a forever home very soon!  In the meantime, I invite you to visit the website for Almost Home Rescue to see the many other wonderful dogs waiting for forever homes.  

See you on the trails!

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!

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!

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!

Adair Makes Tracks to the High Ridge Trail

Adair making tracks

Foster dog Adair enjoyed making fresh tracks in the snow en route to the High Ridge Trail leading to Faraway Mountain.  This super sweet, six month old Labrador retriever mix acted as if snowshoe hikes were second nature to him.  As Adair enjoyed stomping through the fresh snow and chasing windblown leaves across the trail, it was difficult to believe that only a few months ago he had been found abandoned with his litter mates outside a church in Arkansas. 

A thought filled break on the trail

Thankfully, Adair is now resting comfortably in a foster home with a volunteer from Almost Home Rescue of Maine while he waits to find a family to call his own.  He is obviously ready to find his permanent home with a family in New England who will enjoy his kindness and appreciate his love of travel and the great outdoors.  With his advanced level leash manners and a desire to remain close by, Adair was perfect company for a winter walk in the woods. 

An exciting view from the lookout

While the strong winds tended to slow our upward progress at times, Adair and I did not mind taking our time along the trails leading to Faraway Mountain - one of several peaks in the Ossipee Mountain Range.  While we did not have time to reach the summit of Faraway Mountain, we were pleased with making our way to the High Ridge Trail via the Oak Ridge, Lower Bridle Path and Faraway Mountain Trails before turning around to complete our wintry out and back adventure.

Watching the children sledding nearby

We did not encounter any other hikers on our journey, but Adair has proven himself capable of interacting well with people and pets of all ages in his foster home.  He was also captivated by the sight of a few children sledding on a nearby hill where we completed our hike.  Adair sat quietly and watched the children playing while I took a few final photos. 

A complete album of photos documenting Adair's journey is available online.  Below is a short video clip of Adair making fresh tracks on a section of the Faraway Mountain Trail.  To learn more about Adair and to make an application to adopt him into your family, please visit his profile here on Petfinder.com.

Carley Hikes Turtleback and Gets Adopted

Carley on the way to Bald Knob

When I learned from Almost Home Rescue of Maine that their next hiker on the list was a 10-month old Labrador/Terrier mix, I was fully prepared for an encounter with high energy excitement and beginner level leash skills.  Imagine my surprise when instead I met up with sweet and adorable Carley who walked so well beside me the entire hike that it hardly seemed as though she was even attached to the end of the leash! 

Carley on the summit of Turtleback Mountain

Carley thoroughly enjoyed our journey to start the New Year in the land surrounding the Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire.  We wound our way through the trails leading to the summit of Turtleback Mountain via Shannon Brook Trail to the Bald Knob Cutoff to the Bald Knob Trail.  Our walk along the Bald Knob Trail was spectacular with stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee easily seen through the leafless trees.  We spent only a short time on the very breezy and chilly Bald Knob (1,801 ft) before continuing on the summit of Turtleback Mountain (2,203 ft.) and then taking a meandering descent via the Turtleback Mountain, Faraway Mountain, Lower Bridle Path, Brook Walk and Shannon Brook Trails.  The windy finish with many wonderful views of the waterfalls along Shannon Brook was well worth it.

The ice proved interesting for this transplant from Arkansas

These beautiful trails through the Ossipee Mountains are an ideal location for day hikes with the foster dogs who are residing just over the border in neighboring Maine.  I am extremely grateful to the foster families who often drive the hikers to a destination closer to the trail head.  With a little less driving required for our adventures, the dogs and I are able to spend additional time in the mountains.

Now that winter has arrived and the days are shorter, we like to finish up while there is still daylight available to snap photos of our descent.  Of course, we are prepared with headlamp, flashlight and various other gear should we encounter a delay or unexpected weather that would cause us to be hiking later than planned.

Carley modeling her "Adopt Me" bandana

If my gear was at all lacking prior to the the holidays, you can rest assured that there were plenty of hiking goodies under the Foster Dog Summit tree this year.  My recent increase in hiking adventures combined with the fact that I am married to an Eagle Scout, meant that my holiday had an overall theme of "Be Prepared".  Of course, the dogs also got a bit of marketing gear for their upcoming adventures.  I would like to thank Almost Home Rescue for their gift of the "Adopt Me" bandanas.  Carley is proudly wearing one in this photo taken at the summit of Turtleback Mountain.

We only encountered a couple other hikers on our weekday/holiday trek.  The initial forecast for high winds probably kept a lot of people from venturing out this day.  However, we were fortunate in that the winds did not really start to pick up until we were nearing the end of our descent.   

Carley is heading home along with her sister Juney!

After we had already planned for Carley to go on a hike to Turtleback Mountain at the end of last week, a couple of hikers from Maine came along on the internet and made an application to adopt both Carley and her sister Juney.  I kept my fingers crossed for Carley and Juney during our entire hike knowing that their application was under review that day.  By the time we finished our hike, her new family had already been approved, and Carley and Juney will be heading to a new home with a hiking family later this month.  I am so excited for this sister pair, and I hope to encounter them both out on the trails in the near future!  A photo album of Carley's journey is available online.

Carley on the Brook Walk Trail

While Carley and Juney have found their forever homes, there are still Foster Dog Summit hikers awaiting similar good fortune.  Please consider learning and sharing more about Tyson, Tipper, Sage and Marvin in the year in review blog post here. 

See you on the trails!