What a Cute Dog on Mt. Major

Piper - "What a Cute Dog" - on the summit of Mt. Major

On Sunday, July 13, 2014, I returned to the trails with a new foster dog for a show and tell along the trails.  I had been on an extended break as I attended to the demands of providing hospice care and then enduring the recent losses of my two dogs who inspired me to begin this blog three years ago.
 
And so I decided it would be fitting to celebrate the blog's third anniversary with a hike where the Foster Dog Summit adventure began back in 2011 on the trails of Mt. Major.  I also had visited Mt. Major with Bandit and Neely on a number of occasions, and I relived many happy memories of our trips as Piper and I hiked along on a humid afternoon. 

Taking in the views and enjoying the summit breeze

I lost count of how many times I heard someone say, "What a cute dog!" as I walked Piper out and back the Brook Trail en route to the summit of Mt. Major.  I completely agree that Piper is extremely cute. 

Following our very pleasant trek in which we encountered numerous other hikers and their canine companions, I also agree that Piper is very well behaved, quiet, friendly and walks well on a leash.  Since Piper had limited experience with leash walking, I opted to use the Gentle Leader harness on our way up the trail.  However, she walked so nicely without any pulling, that we used a regular collar and leash on our descent. 

 

Waiting for some water and a summit snack

This 2-year old mixture of Labrador retriever and possibly Spaniel or Pointer would love to find an active home where she has plenty of opportunities for exercise and adventure.  She was as comfortable on the trails as she was riding in the backseat of the car.  Piper does like to chase the small critters, so she would prefer a home without cats.  If Piper were a cat lady, I can assure you that her hike would have ended with me adopting her.

Ready for the descent

Piper is currently being assisted by the rescue group Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.  She is in between foster homes and is residing in a boarding kennel while she awaits a temporary or permanent family.  To inquire about adopting Piper, please visit her Petfinder.com profile here.   If you are interested in providing a foster home for Piper, Almost Home Rescue of Maine is taking applications for foster families here.


Watch and share Piper's Sixty Second Summit below or click here for the link.  A full album of photos from her hike is available here at the Foster Dog Summit Facebook page.



See you on the trails!

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!

The First Two Seasons Now on Video

Marvin taking in the views from Mts. Welch and Dickey

The first two seasons of Foster Dog Summit are now on video.  Special thanks to rescue groups - Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. and Almost Home Rescue of Maine - for providing the second chances for first hikes and forever homes.

Favorite photos and previously unseen footage from the 2011 and 2012 seasons are now available on You Tube. 

Click here for link to video if your browser does not display it below.

See you on the trails!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Lewis Travels to Tate Mountain and Beyond

Lewis on the Shaw Trail

Lewis and I decided to tackle some lesser known trails over in the Ossipee Mountains this weekend.  This adorable, approximately four year old Australian shepherd mix enjoyed meandering along the Shaw, Italian and Big Ball Mountain trails on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  Since this was my first hike over in the Ossipee range, I was a bit unsure of exactly where our journey would take us, but Lewis did not seem to mind a bit about our open agenda.

He was a perfect gentleman during the car ride to the trail head and walked very casually yet inquisitively along the trails en route to the summit of Tate Mountain 2,060 ft. (also known as Big Ball Mountain) and beyond to the lookout at Black Snout at 2,803 ft.

Lewis exchanged pats on the head for photos

Lewis loved the walking as much as he did the many stops along the way for photos where he would look up with his soulful brown eyes for a rewarding pat on the head.  Of course, I could not help but to oblige his many requests for attention.  In addition to our various photo stops, Lewis and I also chatted with a number of other hikers who were also enjoying a crisp walk in the fallen leaves.  Lewis proudly greeted fellow hikers as well as canine trekkers Moose, Chase and Seamus.

Lewis and I at Black Snout lookout

As we continued along on our approximately six mile out and back hike, we collected photos from our stops along Fields Brook as well as the top of Tate Mountain and the Black Snout Lookout which is a sub peak of Mt. Shaw.  While we enjoyed well marked trails throughout our journey, we were not always certain of the stops that we had made along the way.  Lewis and I attempted to confer with other hikers on the trails, but it quickly became evident that they were also new to the trails and that our own map of the area was the most comprehensive one which even a trail locator application seemed to contradict.  A full album of photos featuring Lewis' adventure in the Ossipee Mountain Range is available online.   Should any followers of Foster Dog Summit who have hiked this area wish to comment on our locations in the album, we would sincerely appreciate your clarifications.  Our comparisons with other trips reports we have found online indicate some conflicting references to locations such as Big Ball Mountain and Black Snout Lookout.

Taking a snooze at the Black Snout lookout

While Lewis would really love to be in a new home for the holidays, he understands that not everyone is in a position to adopt him right now.  However, Lewis realizes that you may be interested in helping him and his other foster friends currently living in temporary homes with volunteers for Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.  So, if you would like to support the rescue and adoption of homeless dogs this holiday season, Lewis would sincerely appreciate your charitable vote for him in the Virtual Dog Race.  Click here to cast your vote for Lewis by making a donation in his honor.

You can read more about the Virtual Dog Race and also see more recent happy endings in the latest newsletter from Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.  See you on the trails!

Tyson Bags a Home on Mt. Kinsman

A little rain but a lot of fun on Mt. Kinsman!

Two nights before my journey with Tyson as I was contemplating which mountain to hike, I told my husband that I was thinking about heading to the summit of Cannon even though I had already climbed there with my own dogs, and I also ski there frequently in the winter.

My dogs Neely and Bandit at the summit of Cannon July 2009

My husband replied, "You have already hiked Cannon.  Why not go over and do the Kinsmans instead?" 

I decided to take his advice, and my last check on the weather reports indicated that Kinsman would be favorable for a hike.  So, Tyson and I decided to head for the summit of Mt. Kinsman North, and if we had the time, we would also go over to the top of Mt. Kinsman South. 

When Tyson and I reached the trail head that morning, it was already drizzling in Franconia Notch.  I thought about driving further south and hiking Mt. Tecumseh instead.  There was not a drop of rain until I drove into Franconia Notch that morning, so I knew there was a good chance it was drier elsewhere in the White Mountains.  I worried about having low quality photos from the hike if it really started to rain, and I was concerned about the route becoming too slippery on the way back.

But I just had a feeling that Kinsman was where we should hike that day. 

Tyson looks toward the trails

As I looked into the backseat at Tyson, he seemed ready to start hiking, and something told me to simply, "Go for it."  I had new boots with a good tread, and if it rained too hard, we could turn back or at least modify our original plan to hike to the summits of both Kinsman North and South.  We could always settle for one 4,000 foot peak on this rainy day. 

Tyson, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever who is bred for the water, definitely seemed to agree.  I leashed Tyson, grabbed my backpack, pulled my hood up, and off we went on our adventure to the summit of Mt. Kinsman North.

There were a number of other hikers who were also fooled by the latest forecasts and were surprised by the drizzly, cold and foggy conditions.  I spoke with many people on the way to the summit who were very impressed with Tyson.  I make a pitch about Foster Dog Summit to anyone who indicates interest in my hiking companion du jour, so nearly everyone on the trails that day heard about Tyson's search for a home.

Tyson and his new sibling Maddie

One person paid particular attention because by Monday morning after our hike, Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. had an application for Tyson from a hiker I spoke with on Mt. Kinsman.  Mark already had a young pit bull mixed breed rescue dog at home, and he was looking for a second companion.  He believed Tyson might be the perfect addition to his family. 

Tyson went home to Mark, his wife and their dog Maddie last weekend.

Tyson and I bagged only one peak on that rainy Saturday as we decided to head back after reaching the summit of Kinsman North to be certain we had enough time for a potential slip and slide on the descent. 

We are extremely happy with our one peak and one home! 

See you on the trails.

Tyson Tolls to Kinsman North Summit

On the Lonesome Lake Trail

We do our best to check the weather forecasts when planning our hikes to avoid inclement conditions as much as possible.  In Franconia Notch, however, the weather is very unpredictable and often differs from that of the surrounding areas.  On Saturday, October 22, 2011, a partly cloudy forecast soon turned to drizzle and then to sleet as my partner Tyson and I made our way to the summit of Mt. Kinsman North (4,293 ft.).

Enjoying a pre-hike treat in the car

Tyson, a mostly to possibly pure bred Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever did not seem to mind the drizzle at all.  This smart, active two year old was as thrilled with his arrival in Franconia Notch State Park as he had been for the entire car ride to the trail head.  While most dogs are content to simply hang their heads out the window or lie comfortably sprawled on the seat, Tyson mostly preferred to sit upright in the middle of the back seat with his focus on the front windshield actively searching for clues to his ultimate destination.

Posing on the bridge along Lonesome Lake

As we made our way along the Lonesome Lake, Cascade Brook, Fishin' Jimmy and Kinsman Ridge Trails, Tyson and I considered taking an even longer route by visiting the summit of Mt. Kinsman South as well.  By the time we were nearly 3/4 of the way to the top of Mt. Kinsman North, the rain began to fall more steadily and the temperatures began to drop.  Taking a wait and see approach, we opted to make a decision once we reached the first summit and to enjoy our photo opportunities and views along the way.  One of the more scenic stops along our route was at Lonesome Lake where Tyson happily posed for several photos that could be added to his adoption profile.

Taking in the views at Lonesome Lake

Tyson and I encountered several groups of hikers and a few other dogs on our journey.  True to his breed, Tyson can appear leery of some strangers when first approaching them, but he happily accepted all of the hikers on the trail and was especially receptive of them once I initiated a conversation and indicated my acceptance.  One fellow hiker even got a lick on the nose from Tyson before I had the chance to officially introduce him.

Fogged in at the summit of Mt. Kinsman North

We spoke with several other hikers at the summit of Mt. Kinsman North who enjoyed meeting with Tyson, learning about his breed, giving him a congratulatory pat on the head and taking photos of his accomplishment.  Tyson showed off his sit command in front of the hikers in the hopes that one of them would share a bit of their snacks.  Of course, he enjoyed his own lunch of kibble as well as some dog biscuits before beginning the descent.  Given the level of fog and the sleet that we encountered at the top, we opted to save the summit of Mt. Kinsman South for a less rainy day.

Tyson was very agile on the slippery descent

We were happy to leave the sleet behind and have a little extra time available for a potentially slippery hike down the mountain.  Tyson proved to be even more agile on the way down the trails.  It was as if he had committed the route to memory and quickly selected the right steps on the steepest portions of the descent.  Tyson was also very mindful of my pace and did not pull on the leash or cause me to lose my balance.  I find it difficult to believe that this was Tyson's first climb up a mountain.  Given that he was picked up while wandering as a stray in West Virginia several months ago, it is quite possible that Tyson may have spent time roaming through the woods and honing his hiking skills.

Tyson and I discussing the return route

What I do know for certain about Tyson is that he is a wonderful, smart, attentive dog who is fortunate to have been given a second chance thanks to the volunteer efforts of Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.  He will make a wonderful companion for someone who is looking for a dog that enjoys new adventures and loves to be active.  Tyson is currently in foster care where he continues to work on his obedience skills, enjoys the company of other dogs (especially the ladies) and doesn't pay any attention to the cats in his home.

To learn more about Tyson or to make an application to adopt him, visit his profile on Petfinder.com.  You can also see and share a full online photo album of his journey to the summit of Mt. Kinsman North.

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