This post is long overdue. I'm sorry for the weeks of no updates, I went from Mexico to work and then onto this trip. Then housesitting and more work, I just haven't had the time to jot down another story. But a few weekends I went out to a friends cabin with a couple of pals and our dogs. After a long week of work and feeling a bit sick I wasn't sure if I was ready for a weekend away with multiple humans in Arnold but when Friday morning rolled around I remembered I had promised we could use my car so I couldn't bail. I slunk out of bed, grabbed a few necessities and headed to the first activity of the day. Strawberry Picking! My good friend, Erin, turned 22 and goes berry picking on her birthday ever year. This year Ender and I were invited and we had a blast! The cutest/juiciest little morsels were eaten that day.

An afternoon of packing and napping was followed by a 2 hour drive out to Arnold with Humans; Kristina, Amanda, and Erin and Dogs; Bogie, Pippin, and Ender. I couldn't have been happier with how well all the pups got along, especially since Bogie hadn't met Ender or Pip before. Everything went unbelievably smooth. 

We arrived late Friday night, Kristina turned the water on and we all settled into the cabin. I had decided to not bring my camera this weekend for various reasons but the biggest being that I tend to focus only on my photos and forget to enjoy the moment as is. I needed the weekend to be lived completely, enjoying the company, the trees, and spending quality time with my pup. Of course when I was hiking and jumping from rock to rock in the Stanislaus River I wished I had brought it along. All of these photos are random iPhone photos from Kristina and I so I apologize for the low quality.

Driving down the 4, Sylvan Esso singing me into oblivion,  I couldn't help but get lost in my thoughts. The giant trees zooming by, making thoughts percolate: how old they were? How many people had seen them and brushed passed them? How many actually appreciate their wisdom? Every tree that crossed my path was another question in my head, I was falling deeper and deeper into the black hole of my mind, until a sharp turn shook me out of it. "I should probably focus on the road." I thought to myself driving an SUV filled with other people and our pups. This is why you don't let day-dreamers drive.

The weekend finished with a walk around Murphy's, a small town just 15 minutes from Arnold. We tasted several wines and finished a flight of beer. I, then, tried the most delicious dark chocolate shortbread cookies I had ever tasted, I had to buy two boxes of it. It was the only logical thing to do. After seeing how dog-friendly the town was I was a tad upset I hadn't brought Ender along with us but now I'll know for next time. If you've got a dog, go to Murphys.

 I couldn't have asked for a more relaxed weekend. I'm very pleased I decided to go even though I wasn't feeling 100%. Sometimes you've just got to push yourself. I've also never felt closer with Ender. Our training is really paying off and the bond between us grows stronger each and every day. Have you seen the movie "Tracks"? Its based on the true story of a girl who crossed the Australian desert on foot, from Adelaide to the Indian Ocean, with just her camels and her dog. If you haven't seen it you must watch it. (Its on Netflix so no excuses. Unless you don't have one which is a valid excuse.) Never have I connected with a character more in my life, I feel like I could be her. Plus, every time I watch it I'm inspired to head off on a journey with my pup, which pushes me to start planning trips with him. Check it out this weekend, its definitely worth it. Hope you all have a lovely week! Thanks for checkin' in! 

All our love, 

Hannah & Ender

 These pitbull-labrador mix girls have captured my heart. There is no denying it. They are so happy and unbelievably sweet despite their unfortunate circumstances. They have nothing but love and wagging tails to give. 

View fullsize

In their backyard, where they are comfortable, their true colors shine. They happily trot back and forth, following whomever happens to be with them at the time. They lie on their backs for belly rubs and cuddles trying to give as many kisses as possible to those willing. Unfortunately, because of their situation, these pretty ladies are afraid of all new things. When I grabbed a leash they both hid in fear...I was able to get the darker one (I call her Bear) out of the backyard, but it wasn't easy. The lighter one (I call her Nala) was even harder to get outside. The second she moved into the garage she pee'd everywhere and I couldn't bare to scare her even more. I let her get used to her surroundings, waiting until she was calm and comfortable, then let her go back into her backyard.

Nala

Bear

Seeing these beautiful girls in this situation really breaks my heart.  They have so much love to give but are trapped in a small area with very little human contact. I know that they can be such wonderful pets with some rehabilitation to show them the world isn't such a scary place and the right leaders willing to put in the time to train them, these girls will definitely be breed ambassadors. If I could take them in I would. This is why I need your help.

These pups really need to get out of the situation they are in. They deserve so much better and the owner doesn't have the time or money to make sure they receive proper care. Unfortunately, I'm not equipped with the right skills to take these girls in and give them the what they need to become fully adoptable pets so sharing their story is the best I can do. Please help me find them loving homes or a loving rescue that will take them in and see them for the golden girls they are. Feel free to email me anytime --> hannah.eugster@gmail.com They deserve a better life, help them find the loving home they deserve.

House sitting and enjoying a little dog oasis.  Ft. Mindy (human) Annie (left) and Ender (right) 

The other day Jackie (middle sister) and I went on our usual hike with the pups in Garin Regional Park. Instead of our usual 3 dog 4 human pack it was a simple 2:2 ratio, dog to human. 

Hiking with the pups is probably my favorite activity. Whether its just an afternoon hike or a hike to an overnight destination, I always feel a bit more connected with my pup after a good and tiring hike. About a year ago, when I first adopted Ender, all I did was hike with the pups. I had a lot more free time and was really focused on making sure Ender got the proper exercise he needed. We went on a hike 5 days of the week for at least an hour. It was a great way to get that teenager/puppy energy out. He would chase ground squirrels and run up and down hills, climb trees and search for old deer bones. I can't count how many deer legs have been brought to me, he always looked so proud.

 As we've gotten to know each other and as Ender's gotten older (he is only 1 year and 8 months old) I'm realizing he is a pretty low energy dog. He loves to go out but doesn't need to be out as long as I had originally thought. We work well together because most days I'm working on my computer and spending more hours in than I'd like and he is totally down to chill next to or on me. But the second I'm ready for a hike or a ride on my longboard he is happily by my side.  

Riley, on the other hand, is a completely different story. I love that girl to death but if she was mine she'd drive me crazy. I just don't have the energy of a golden retriever or the patience for their spastic antics. After spending a lot of time with so many different dogs I've really come to understand the importance in finding the right dog for you. My heart goes out to all of the homeless pit bulls, I wish everyone could understand how much love they have to give, but I definitely do not think that everyone should get one.

Just a few months ago I was trying to convince everyone I knew to go adopt a pit bull. I wanted everyone to know what it was like to have such an amazing companion. Now, however, I realize that as wonderful as pitties are...they aren't for everyone. They need a very specific leader and not everyone has that in them, which is totally okay! And this goes with any dog! Understanding yourself before you adopt a dog is so important. You've really got to know how much you're willing to give to your dog, not just love but exercise and most importantly discipline. Ender has taught me more than any schooling or traveling has. I thought that traveling the world would be the most exciting thing in my life...but Ender has truly been such a blessing and the most gratifying and wonderful adventure.

I've gone off on a tangent...HIKING. We were talking about hiking. 

Hiking is great and you should hike with your dogs because they love it and you'll love it too. :) 

One of my favorite humans, Angus, came out from Australia for a visit a few weeks ago. His trip was 10 days long so I made sure to try and fit in as much as possible. We ate so much delicious food and went to all of my favorite places. Of course I didn't document most of it because I got a little swept up in the moment, but I did manage to get a few shots I liked! The first couple days we headed out to Oakland for good eats, drinks, and the Warriors Parade. Holy wow was that overwhelming for me. I knew it'd be intense but I tend to overestimate how good I am in crowds. Nonetheless, we had a good day with my sisters, friends, and all the other humans swarming around us. That weekend we camped out in Marin County, spent a couple days in tents, at the beach, & then on our way home hit Stinson and Muir Woods. 

Most of the photos were taken on Angus's camera but luckily I got this beaut. on mine. Haha -->

                    Jess in all her Glory

Angus had two things he absolutely HAD to see. The first of these was Yosemite, and who could blame him? So after we arrived home from camping and dinner at QQ noodle in Milpitas we took a quick 4 hour snooze and then hopped in the car to spend a day in Yosemite. 

3 hours later Laura, Jackie, Jess, the Aussie, and I arrive at the park. We quickly pull over for a stretch and potty break and try to figure out what the plan is. We groggily piled back into the car to go to the main office area to eat and ask some questions. After a quick bite we decided to hike up to Glacier Point.

After a good hike in the sweltering summer heat, we all decided to take a dip in the river. Was it the most refreshing swim ever? Yes...yes it was.

And on the way home we stopped in the field that Mt. El' Capitan faces and it was one of the most gorgeous views I've ever seen.

The second thing that was a "Must See" on Angus's list was Redwoods. If I had it my way, Gus would have been here months longer and we would have had time to drive up the Oregon Coast to watch the trees get taller and taller but we had not a minute to spare. I decided to bring him to the striking Henry Cowell Regional Park instead. (I'll have to save the road trip for the next time he visits.) 

Gotta love that distortion on the ends of the photos from trying (and failing) to get a whole redwood tree in one photo.

The rest of his trip consisted of relaxing at our friends beach house in Santa Cruz and a few moments in my hometown. We had doggie days and evenings of puzzles and beer. Lots of coffee, record shopping, and family time. It wrapped up to be a pretty spectacular 10 days but definitely too short. I miss the darn kid. But I'm so glad he finally came out and I got to see him. Sidenote: Ender looks so oddly shaped in this photo ^^ My wide angle distorting so many of the things. ha.

We'll be seeing you Gus! xx

Coffee, dogs, and working on my planner. Couldn't be happier. :)  

This gorgeous girl is a great ball of energy! She is a 5 year old puppy looking for an adventure buddy to take her on hikes and bike rides. She knows how to sit, shake, and rollover but a bit more training and you'll have yourself a star! She gets really excited around other dogs and has yet to learn proper manners so someone who is experienced with the breed or is ready to be a strong pack leader would suit her best. After a run or a bit of fetch, Ophelia is ready for a good snuggle. This lovebug is eager to please and if you're interested in fostering or adopting please email me at hannah.eugster@gmail.com. The home she is in can't keep her much longer so we are searching fast for a suitable household! Thank you!