Meet Tootsie!
In January 2022 I welcomed a new member to my family.
When I adopted Tootsie I knew that I wanted a pet that could explore the country with me, was a good hiker, and could become a good camper. Tootsie is the perfect “best friend” for the job.
Tootsie is a 4-year old (as of 2024) chocolate merle goldendoodle. She’s a mamma’s girl. If she’s not at my feet (or on my feet), she’s not far away. She loves the parks. She gets the biggest smile on her face as her tongue flaps in the wind. She’s great on trails and hesitant around the water. She loves meeting new friends on the trails…but only after they’ve walked past her. Until that point, she’s a little scared.
Tootsie is currently a Bark Ranger at 2 National Park Service locations – New River Gorge National Park & Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. I have huge dreams getting this status at parks around the country. And with a rule follower for a mom, Tootsie takes her role as a Bark Ranger very seriously.
Tootsie isn’t my first dog. I remember my first trip across the country. I had grand hopes of exploring parks with Bailey. But quickly ran into roadblocks with where dogs were allowed to roam in National Parks. On that trip, I threw in the towel and opted for dog friendly hotels and long travel hours to get to my final destination. Now I’m committed to figuring it out…and I’m taking you along for the journey.
As I write this post I’m currently on a road trip. I’ve already had several emotional moments about traveling with a dog. So buckle up..this might be a wild ride. And please let me know if you have any tips and tricks for traveling with your 4-legged family members.
