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.

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.