Jack is a Ladies Man on Mount Sunapee

Gentleman Jack on the way to Mt. Sunapee

It was an enjoyable return to the trails on Saturday, April 14, 2012 with summer like weather to keep me warm and foster dog Jack to keep me company.  With the thermometer reading only thirty degrees when I left my house on Saturday morning, I was questioning the accuracy of the day's weather forecast and bringing along a hat and gloves seemed rather reasonable.

Jack giving me his best puppy dog eyes

However, by the time Jack and I arrived at the start of the Andrew Brook Trail, it was already sixty degrees and bright and sunny for our climb to the summit of Mt. Sunapee (2,745 feet).  Jack is a sweet, two-year old Coonhound who recently arrived from an overcrowded animal shelter in West Virginia.  Thanks to the support of Canine Guardians for Life, Inc., he has happily settled into the foster home that he shares with two other large male dogs where he loves getting attention and playing with a variety of toys.

The added security of a safety strap for the leash

As we parked at the trail head, I could sense Jack's excitement to hit the trails and take in all the smells they had to offer a scent driven hound.  I did not think Jack would quickly wander off if I happened to drop the leash, but I am taking extra precautions against any dog getting lost on the trails.  I have purchased a safety strap that secures my wrist to the end of the leash.  So, in the event of a stumble like the one that resulted in Jennie getting lost on the trails, the leash will remain attached.  The freehand safety strap was designed specifically as a backup attachment for retractable leashes, but I found it worked just as well for a regular leash.  I would not recommend that the safety strap be used as a temporary tie out to a tree or a post especially for larger dogs who could break free.  As a wrist strap, however, I highly recommend it.

Jack meets Rada at Lake Solitude

Jack and I took our time hiking along the Andrew Brook, Solitude and Summit Trails with several photo stops along the way.  At Lake Solitude, Jack was thrilled to make the acquaintance of a beautiful Bernese Mountain dog named Rada.  Jack also dipped his feet in the lake but then quickly decided the water was a bit too chilly for a deeper swim.  After a short break, we headed on to the White Ledges overlooking the lake for some more encounters with fellow canine hikers.

Scarlet oversees Jack and Lily's introduction

Atop the White Ledges, Jack and I were met rather boisterously by German shepherd Scarlet who despite her alpha greeting proved to be very interested in Jack and welcomed him to the scenic overlook.  Scarlet then introduced Jack to her owners and her canine sister Lily the Labrador retriever.  After a few more photos, Jack was disappointed to see the ladies leave as they headed down to the lake for a swim.

Taking in the views just below the summit

We eventually made our way along the Summit Trail to the top of Mt. Sunapee for a last look at the remnants of ski season and to take in the views of Lake Sunapee.  Jack enjoyed a short stroll on the snow before we reversed our route and concluded our approximately 6.5 mile adventure in the middle of the afternoon.  Jack was seemed to enjoy the woods and all of the attention and compliments that he received from fellow hikers. 

Now, we hope that all this positive attention will bring Jack one step closer to being adopted into a permanent home.  A full photo album of Jack's journey is available online.

To learn more about Jack and/or to share his adoption profile with others, please visit his page on Petfinder.com.

See you on the trails!

Hiking with Jennie to Faraway Mountain

Jennie making tracks on the Shannon Brook Trail

Following a three week hiatus from hiking with the foster dogs, I was looking forward to an outing with Jennie who arrived only two weeks ago from her native Arkansas.  Jennie, who is known more formally as Jeanette, has spent nearly all of the first two years of her life living in a shelter.  As a result, she is very timid and still getting accustomed to new experiences.

Jennie and I get acquainted with snowshoes

I decided that Jennie would be the ideal companion for my first real winter hike - one that would at least require the use of microspikes and possibly snowshoes as well.  Together, we would experience the snow covered trails and decide if this was something we might want to do again.  Of course, Jennie did not really have a basis for comparison.  She had never been on a hike or even had much experience with cars, homes, strangers and especially snow.  The past two weeks have been a shock to her senses, and Jennie is slowly and carefully processing all of it.

I, on the other hand, prefer to ski in the winter, and I am happy to purchase my way to the top of the mountain with a lift ticket for the chairlift.  My experience with climbing uphill in winter has been limited to those unfortunate incidents when a bad fall may leave one or both of my skis or poles further up the mountain than the location to which I ultimately slid.  Skiers refer to this as a yard sale.  Even then, before trudging several feet uphill, I may hesitate and hope that someone skiing behind me may sympathize and bring the equipment to me.

A timid tail at the start

So, Jennie and I set out for a hike of moderate length and difficulty along the trails leading to Faraway Mountain in the Ossipee Mountain Range located at the Caste in the Clouds property in Moultonborough.  We realized that we might not have time to reach the summit given the combination of a late morning start from the Shannon Brook Trail, slower pace in the snow and decreased sunlight that winter brings.  Nevertheless, we would focus on the journey not the destination. 

Going along for the ride but with a curious look

Despite her initial hesitation to go along for a ride, Jennie proved to be a perfect companion in the car where she rested quietly for the trip to the trail head along Route 171.  Like her sibling Jordan who has since been adopted, Jennie is also residing temporarily in a foster home with a volunteer from Almost Home Rescue of Maine. Jennie enjoys the company of other dogs in her foster home, so I knew that she would get along with the young Labrador that we encountered shortly after beginning our hike. 

I regret that I did not get a photograph of Jennie and the fellow canine hiker.  However, Jennie excitedly yet appropriately greeted the other dog while I spoke to his owner about Almost Home Rescue and Foster Dog Summit.  One of his friends had just adopted a dog from a rescue group, so he was looking forward to sharing the story of Jennie and her hike. 

Enjoying a relaxing view from the Lower Bridle Path lookout

During our trek along the Shannon Brook, Lower Bridle Path and Faraway Mountain Trails, Jennie had the opportunity to experience the roar of snowmobiles, the crunch of snowshoes and the beauty of a spectacular view.  Since there is a fine line between desensitizing and further traumatizing a timid dog, we took our time on the trails, and I praised Jennie for not always overreacting to unfamiliar sights and sounds.  Jennie walked in perfect step beside me the entire hike.  The trail was packed just enough to carry her approximately 55 pound frame, so Jennie did not sink into the snow or need to follow behind in my tracks.  I wore microspikes to combat the icy, hard packed surfaces and only donned the snowshoes once the afternoon sun made the Faraway Mountain Trail a little like quicksand on every third or fourth step I took. 

A relaxing finish as sunset nears

Unfortunately, approximately 1/2 mile short of the High Ridge Trail, we realized that Faraway Mountain was simply too far away for us to reach and return safely in daylight.  So, we decided to travel this way again sometime, but we both agreed that it would be alright if instead Jennie hiked it with her new family.  To assist Jennie in finding that adoptive home, please share her adventure with friends and family and be sure to visit her profile on Petfinder.com.  A complete album of photos from Jennie's hike is available for viewing.

Third Hike is a Charm with Tyson

Tyson happy on the trails of Belknap Mountain!

At the start of my third hike with Tyson, I began to wonder if perhaps I had already written everything I could about this wonderful Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mix.  Of course, the one thing I had not blogged about was how much I have personally wanted to adopt this dog.  Truthfully, I feel that way about all of the dogs I have hiked with since beginning the Foster Dog Summit blog in July 2011.  But I cannot adopt them all, and that is what keeps me hiking and blogging in the hopes that these adventures are strengthening their adoption profiles.

Tyson making it difficult for me to resist adopting him!

If I were in a different position where I could take on a third dog, Tyson would have been back blogging by my side after our first hike to the summit of Kinsman North.  Since then, Tyson has joined me on a hike with fellow foster dog Sage along the Mt. Percival - Mt. Morgan loop and most recently on an adventure to the summit of Belknap Mountain on an unseasonably warm January day.

Taking in the views

We spent the afternoon of Sunday, January 8, 2012 making our way to the top of Belknap Mountain via the carriage road to the Red Trail which leads to the summit.  We then carefully made our descent along the icy White Trail.

Tyson is one of those dogs who is always ready for the next adventure, and he thoroughly enjoys the journey as much as he does arriving at the destination.  From the car ride to the summit and then back to the trail head, Tyson is completely in the moment and thinking full speed ahead.  I remember one of the hikers we met on Mt. Kinsman commented about Tyson, "Look at how smart that dog is - you can see his intelligence.  He looks as though he is comprehending everything we are saying."

Tyson waits patiently below the fire tower while I take photos

Tyson is indeed all that and more, and he will be a perfect companion for an active family who appreciates his intelligence and determination.  I had a hopeful yet somewhat sad feeling that our hike on Belknap Mountain may be our last outing before Tyson finally finds the forever home that he deserves and has been waiting for so patiently.  I hope that three is indeed a charm for Tyson, and I will look forward to maybe meeting up with him on the trails in the company of his own family sometime in the future.

Wonder what he's thinking...

An entire photo album of Tyson's most recent hike is available online, and you can learn and share more about him on his Petfinder.com profile.  To learn more about Tyson and/or to volunteer or make a contribution to other dogs in need of rescue, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

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!

Looking Back and Hiking Forward

Tyson looking for a home in 2012

As I look back on 2011 and the first six months of hiking and blogging with Foster Dog Summit, I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who has supported my efforts to help foster dogs hike their way into homes.  Whether you have followed this blog, shared the posts on Facebook or Twitter, told your friends and/or politely listened to my pitch if I happened to cross your path on the trails, please know that you have made a difference in the lives of many dogs.

Tipper is ready for a family of her own

All efforts to increase the awareness of foster dogs waiting for adoptive homes has a profound impact on the number of lives that can be saved through adoption.  My hiking and blogging efforts have certainly had a direct impact on some of the dogs being adopted either by a person I met on a trail or by someone whose decision to adopt was influenced by a trip report that I posted.  For these direct results, I am extremely grateful and inspired to continue hiking with foster dogs.

However, I know that my greater impact is in making more people aware that homeless dogs can thrive in foster homes, and that they are temporary living situations that far exceed the level of care and socialization that dogs would receive if they had to wait in a cage at an overcrowded animal shelter.  Thank you to all of the foster care families who provide temporary homes for the dogs who are awaiting permanent placement.

Sage has resolved to find a family in 2012!

Initially, I worried about how I could hike with foster dogs and then not want to adopt them all myself after spending several hours with them on the trails.  I would have happily adopted every single one of the hikers if I could, but I have not been saddened by the fact that I cannot adopt them all.  Instead, I am thrilled to be a part of the "village" it takes to place a homeless dog in a new home.

Recently, I read a wonderful blog post by the non-profit organization Stubby Dog in which they pay tribute to the everyday heroes that foster families are for the rescue groups with which they volunteer.  The tribute reads in part, "They do their best to balance holding tight and letting go. It is a tricky dance to care so deeply for a guest, since dogs stay forever in our hearts. But when people tell them, 'I couldn’t foster because it would be too hard to give the dog up.' They say, 'How can it be harder than knowing a dog died because no foster home stepped up?' And that is why they do it time and again."

Marvin is excited to find a forever home

The entire moving tribute to the dedication of foster home providers is available here.

Here in New England, when I am asked about the process by which people can become foster families, I refer them to inquire with Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. or Almost Home Rescue to complete a foster home application.   Thank you to all of the foster families who have stepped up or are considering stepping up for a dog in need.

Since I began hiking and blogging back in July 2011, I have gone on a total of 20 hikes with 18 different dogs - 14 of these hikers have found permanent homes while 4 are still waiting patiently for a family to call their own.  You can view the entire album of adopted hikers.

If you or someone close to you has resolved to adopt a dog in the New Year, please have them consider one of the four fabulous hiking hounds that I have had the privilege to share the trails with recently.  You can visit each of their most recent hikes and obtain additional information by clicking on their names here - Tyson, Tipper, Sage and Marvin - or by clicking on their photo captions above.

Happy New Year!  We look forward to seeing you on the trails in 2012.

Maribel Marches to Mt. Tecumseh Summit

Maribel at the summit of Mt. Tecumseh

Okay, so perhaps marching is a bit of an exaggeration for this lovely yet lanky Labrador/Weimaraner mixed breed who recently arrived from an overcrowded animal shelter in Arkansas.  Ten month old Maribel was found wandering as as stray on the fairway of a local country club.  So, while we knew Maribel was capable of walking eighteen holes, we wanted to see if she would be equally interested in hiking four thousand feet.

Sure, I'll try a munchkin

Our adventure to the top of Mt. Tecumseh (4,003 ft.) began with a stop at Dunkin' Donuts where Maribel graciously accepted the offer of a complimentary munchkin to fuel her way to the summit.  Maribel was extremely well behaved in the car though she did need a little bit of a boost to get in the backseat since she is still getting familiar with how to jump into a car.  Thereafter, she was perfectly content with her car ride and had no problem jumping out and hitting the trail.

To be fair, Maribel is far more spectacular and sweet than my amateur photography skills may convey.  Pointing and shooting with my right hand on the camera and my left hand on the leash does not always produce the most centered, focused or appropriately lighted shots.  Photographing a dog that is nearly all black while hiking along the trail can be especially difficult.  Sometimes, I am disappointed when a photo that I had high hopes for turns out to be blurred when later downloaded from the camera after a hike.

Taking a flying leap

Then there are times when I am surprised by a candid moment that I did not realize I had captured.  Such was the case with one of the first photos I snapped as Maribel faced crossing a stream on the Mt. Tecumseh Trail.  After hesitating briefly and seemingly aware of how cold the water would be if she did not hit each stepping stone, Maribel nearly took to the skies in an attempt to keep her feet dry.  Thereafter, Maribel confidently trekked across the streams, up rocks, around trees and over ice. 

Maribel, Roxy and Tucker

I was expecting a 10-month old dog to have fewer leash manners and to be a bit rambunctious when meeting and greeting people on the trail.  Maribel was completely the opposite.  She walked rather calmly on her leash, and she approached both human and fellow canine hikers on the trail very politely.  When two high energy hiking hounds named Roxy and Tucker came galloping up the trail during our descent, Maribel greeted them with a quiet enthusiasm and seemed ready to accompany them for a second trip to the summit.

Hoping for a home for the holidays!

Overall, Maribel fully enjoyed her hike and was especially curious of the snow which she sniffed and accumulated around her chin for the majority of the trip.  If you are interested in adopting Maribel or know someone who is looking for a canine companion, you can learn more on her Petfinder.com adoption profile here.  Maribel is currently residing in a foster home in New Hampshire with a volunteer from Almost Home Rescue.

A full album of photos from Maribel's hiking adventure is also available for viewing.  See you on the trails!

Marvin Circles Mountains Welch and Dickey

Marvin prancing along the ledges on Welch Mountain

Marvin and I were originally planning to hike to the summit of Mt. Moosilauke on Sunday, December 4, 2011.  However, one of us got a later than intended start, so we opted to amend our one mountain plan for a little shorter hike to the summit of two mountains via the Welch-Dickey Loop Trail.  This is an incredibly scenic 4.5 mile loop trail to the summit of Mt Welch (2,605 ft.) and continuing on the to top of Mt. Dickey (2,734 ft.).

Marvin skillfully squeezing through a tight spot

Marvin did not appear to mind the change in hiking plans one bit.  In fact, Marvin does not seem to be bothered by much of anything.  He loved the car ride from his foster home in Southern New Hampshire to the trail head located off Orris Road in Thornton, New Hampshire.  Marvin is sweet, friendly and extremely photogenic.  This approximately 8-month old Golden retriever/German shepherd mix would be the ideal companion for an active family in search of a kind canine to enrich their home life.

Muddy paws pausing on the trail for a photo opp

For such a young dog who was most recently running free as a stray in West Virginia prior to ending up in an overcrowded animal shelter, Marvin did extremely well on his leash throughout our entire hike.  While dogs hiking with Foster Dog Summit are not allowed off leash during our travels, many dogs do become excellent off leash hikers by responding well to voice commands and staying on the trails just ahead of their human companions.  This is a behavior that is learned over time, however, and not something that I can risk with a dog I just met.

Taking in the views from top of Welch Mountain

Marvin was extremely responsive to my requests to stop and wait and even to turn for the camera.  He seemed to enjoy posing for the photos, and there were several opportunities for him to show off his stunning good looks along the trail and at the summits of each mountain.  Since the rocky ledges on both peaks were wet and icy in many spots, I was extremely grateful for Marvin's mindful leash manners.  He was also very polite with all of the people and the one dog that we had the opportunity to meet on the trail.  Everyone wished Marvin well and promised to share his adventure with their friends and family in the hopes that he would find a home in time for the holidays!

A serious pose from the summit

Please help us make Marvin's wish for a home come true by sharing his story and photos - a complete album of his hike is available online. 

Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. is the rescue group who coordinates Marvin's foster home and adoption process.   If you cannot adopt or foster a dog in your own home, please consider making a contribution this holiday season to assist in the costs of transporting and caring for a dog in need of rescue.  To learn more about Marvin, please visit his profile on Petfinder.com.

A short video clip of Marvin's hike along the Welch-Dickey Loop Trail is also provided below.  See you on the trails!

Two Pups Two Peaks One Goal

Sage and Tyson collaborating about their search for homes

It was a first for Foster Dog Summit on Sunday, November 20, 2011 as my friend Karen and I headed out for a hike with a pair of pups, Sage and Tyson, in search of two peaks and one goal - permanent homes for both of these fine gentlemen.  We took a double dog daring trek to the tops of Mt. Percival (2,212 ft.) and Mt. Morgan (2,220 ft.) to take some pictures and enjoy the views of Squam Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Sage was so excited to hit the trails!

Our newest hiker Sage is a handsome, approximately two year old Labrador retriever/German shepherd mix who currently resides in a foster home with a volunteer from Almost Home Rescue.  During his hiking adventure, Sage demonstrated that he loves riding in the car and craves human affection as much as he enjoys charging to the top of a mountain or two!

Tyson on the summit of Mt. Morgan enjoying a second hike

Followers of this blog may remember our second hiker Tyson from his adventures on the trails to the summit of Mt. Kinsman North a few weeks ago.  Shortly after that trip, Tyson was adopted by a someone we met on the trails, and we were very excited to see him off to a new home that included a canine sister.  Unfortunately, after only a few days, his canine sister decided that she did not care too much for Tyson's high energy and preferred to be an only dog once again.  So, Tyson has returned to his foster home with a volunteer for Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. to look for a new permanent family to call his own.

This adorable, mostly Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mix was happy to have the opportunity for another hike.  Tyson and I have decided that our motto at Foster Dog Summit will be, "If at first you don't succeed; hike, hike again!"

Side by side on the descent from Mt. Morgan

Thankfully, Tyson and Sage did not conflict with one another during our hike even though they met for the first time as we arrived at the trail head on Sunday morning.  During the majority of the time where the trail was wide enough to accommodate both dogs, Sage and Tyson hiked side by side occasionally stopping in unison to sniff something of interest on the side of the trail.

Lisa-Marie, Sage, Tyson and Karen on Mt. Percival

As the sun began to set, our hiking duo concluded their five mile journey to the summits of Mt. Percival and Mt. Morgan before sharing a car ride back to their respective foster homes.  Both Sage and Tyson are hoping that they will find forever homes soon and have a shared holiday wish that it will come true!  Please help these hikers find their homes for the holidays by sharing this post and the links to their profiles below.

A full photo album of photos to accompany this double dog blog is available online.  Our hike along the Mount Percival - Mount Morgan loop was planned using the route described in the book "Best Hikes with Dogs - New Hampshire & Vermont" by Lisa Densmore which we recommend for its suggested routes around dog unfriendly obstacles such as the steep ladders near the summit of Mt. Morgan.

To learn and share more about Sage or to make an application for his adoption, visit his profile on Petfinder.com.  Tyson also has his own profile which is available by clicking here on Petfinder.com.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!  See you on the trails.  A video of Sage and Tyson's adventure is posted below and available for sharing on You Tube.

Archie Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Archie at the summit of Mt. Tecumseh

It was the calm before the storm early in the morning of October 29, 2011 as Archie headed north for a hike to the summit of Mt. Tecumseh (4,003 ft.)  This friendly, smart approximately two and a half year old Treeing Walker Coonhound was in for a bit of winter on the Mt. Tecumseh trail.  While the major storm was still hours away from hitting the New England area, the snow that had fallen a few days earlier left an impressive blanket of white in the higher elevations.  The autumn snowfall is definitely welcome on Mt. Tecumseh since it is home to the Waterville Valley Ski Resort which will commence operations in a few weeks.

Archie agilely crossing a stream

Archie thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of the white stuff and happily journeyed along the trail as if he was a skilled winter walker from the hills and not a former flatlander who recently arrived from an overcrowded animal shelter in Arkansas.  Archie greeted all of the hikers we met on the Mt. Tecumseh trail with a calm and friendly demeanor that demonstrated his ability to easily make friends with men and women.  While we did not encounter any children or other canines in our travels, Archie would have greeted them with a similar level of calm friendliness.  Archie is especially fond of children, and he currently shares his foster home with other dogs and cats.

Obstacle was no match for a treeing walker coonhound

Fellow hikers were curious to learn more about Archie and his breed.  Upon seeing Archie coming up the trail, one man jokingly exclaimed, "He looks like a giant beagle!"  Archie does indeed share the tri-color markings of a beagle, but he is significantly larger - weighing in at a tall and very handsome ninety pounds.  In spite of his size, Archie is a big lug who loves to lean into your thigh for a pat on the head and will be equally happy with reaching the summit of a sofa to take in a view from the television. 

The relaxing ride home

Riding in the car is a new experience for Archie, and he was a bit drooly with nervous excitement on the way to the mountain.  However, having relaxed during his hike, Archie was not at all concerned about the car ride home.  He quickly settled in on the back seat and napped for nearly the entire ride which indicates that his anxiety will likely subside entirely once he has a few more trips under his belt.

Archie and I shivering at the summit!

Our round trip out and back hike of five miles along the Mt. Tecumseh trail was extremely enjoyable, and I am confident that Archie's adventure will enhance his profile to potential adopters.  Please share his journey and increase the chances of him finding a home soon.  I would like to extend a thank you to my friend Karen who accompanied Archie and I on this trek and provided photography assistance.  A complete photo album is available for viewing online. 

You can learn more about Archie and make an application to adopt him by viewing his profile at Petfinder.com.  To learn more about becoming a foster family for another dog in need or to make a contribution towards the all volunteer rescue efforts of other dogs like Archie, please visit Almost Home Rescue.

Jordan Catches Air on Mt. Chocurua

Taking in the summit views on Mt. Chocurua

The early signs of fall were shining through on the trails leading to the summit of Mt. Chocurua (3,500 ft.) on Saturday, September 17, 2011.  My companion for this late summer excursion was Jordan - a two-year old, fifty-five pound Retriever mix who certainly proved he loves to hike.  Although this was Jordan's first time on the trails, he was a very enthusiastic climber who appeared to gain equal amounts of confidence and joy with every step.  Described as "extremely athletic" by his foster family, Jordan demonstrated a high level of endurance and agility by quickly clearing paths up and over or around large rocks and fallen trees.

Jordan at Champney Falls on the ascent

During our ascent up the Champney Falls Trail, Jordan was both quiet and friendly, and he approached fellow hikers very cautiously as he adjusted to his new experience.  Everyone we met commented on what a good looking dog Jordan was, and they were more than happy to offer him a friendly pat on the head and wish him much success in finding a family to call his own.  Jordan eagerly greeted his fellow canine hikers.  He enjoyed dipping his paws in the chilly water at Champney Falls, and he played briefly with a few dogs who had gone swimming in a pool beneath the cascades.

Patiently posing for more photos

As we neared the summit of Mt. Chocurua where I introduced Jordan to a few hikers traveling towards us, one of them said, "Jordan. Does he catch air?"  It occurred to me that this extremely athletic boy probably could catch quite a bit of air just like Michael Jordan.  He certainly showed his leaping ability by readily jumping over downed trees that were lying across the trails.  Even during last few hundred feet along the Piper Trail to the steep and rocky summit of Mt. Chocurua, Jordan required very little lifting assistance to reach the very top of the mountain.

Carefully descending on the trail

Jordan displayed perfect manners on his leash throughout the entire journey, and he would often pause momentarily as if to look for my reassurance that his pace was appropriate and to confirm that he was not pulling to get ahead.  I was especially grateful for Jordan's attentiveness on the descent where slippery portions of the trail can become hazardous with a dog who tugs on a leash. 

The end of the road!

As we concluded our journey of nearly 8.0 miles round trip, Jordan still had the energy to mingle with a few dogs who were completing their hikes as well.  While Jordan made new friends, I took the opportunity to invite their owners to share his blog post with friends who may be interested in adopting and also asked them to like us on Facebook.  We are extremely grateful for the courtesy of fellow hikers who offered to take our photo at various points along the way.  A complete photo album of Jordan's trek is available for viewing and sharing.

Jordan is currently residing in a foster home made possible through the volunteer rescue organization Almost Home Rescue based in South Portland, Maine.  Jordan thoroughly enjoys the company of five canine siblings in his temporary home, and he is adjusting well to his three year old human sibling.  If you are looking for a sweet, quiet, athletic dog who enjoys the outdoors and loves the car rides to new destinations, then Jordan could be the perfect addition to your family.  To learn more about Jordan and to make an application for adoption, visit his profile online at Petfinder.com.