I have a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology, career in the field of mental health, change my own flat tires, maintain my own home, live alone, and have several amazing friends I visit with frequently. I have a 401K, organized home and office, and a love for fashion. I was the captain of the cheerleading squad, am an Ironman finisher, and Nationally ranked triathlete. I’ve kayaked in the ocean, been white water rafting, ice climbed, rock climbed, and road cycled for 175 miles in one day. I would consider myself an “independent woman”. I felt as though I was balanced, in control, and not in need of anything or anyone else.

Then, I got a dog. This. Changed. Everything. My dog, Cole, became my daily training partner. He did not argue when we would meet up, what summit he wanted to view, what conditions he was comfortable in, or critique my choice of wardrobe (this became increasingly unique as I grew more skilled in my ability on trails).

Currently, I hike 2-5 times per month. I primarily go one weekend day to allow for a birthday party or baby shower to balance my social life. I also take one vacation day per month to hike with a friend and share a trail experience from well earned time off. I find my trips north have changed from time always in the car with friends and dictated by their goals to driving with the radio low, a cup of hot coffee, and Cole’s head peeking in my rearview mirror. As I enter the notches I feel a release. I suddenly don’t notice what time it is. I often don’t even realize my radio station has become static. I go inward, blank, relax.

As I exit my car, often in sub zero temperatures at the base of the mountain, I feel my heart begin to beat harder. Cole often waits for me to quickly throw on my gear and stays within eyesight the rest of the day. I find myself talking out loud to him and asking what he thinks of the views or if the trail conditions are good enough for him. This often becomes more of a monologue with myself that is directed at him; I suppose that feels less psychotic. I find I bypass summits and often just enjoy the walking on the trails. I am present, in the moment, focused on the beauty of every turn I make.

One year after I took ownership of Cole I had an idea: why not do the second hardest day hike according to Backpacker Magazine with my cheese-loving endurance pup? The Pemi Loop is a hike that consists of connecting the dots between the paralyzing vistas is 31.5 rugged, knee-buckling miles with over 9,000 feet of elevation gain. Book time from the AMC’s White Mountain Guide lists the loop as a 20 hour and 17 minute hike, which is why most people still in possession of their faculties make this a two or three day trek. I had completed this on my own during the winter in 14 hours and in summer in roughly 12 hours. Now I was intrigued to see if I could shave time off while carrying food and water for Cole and managing my own anxiety regarding how he could handle such a feat.

We set out in the morning alone. Cole was wearing his signature trail outfit which consisted of a bowtie on his collar while I had one bright knee highs. Need less to say, we were easy to spot. Cole was incredible and didn’t struggle at all for the first 16 miles over Franconia Ridge. We even met another female hiker with a white shiba inu heading up to Mt Lincoln!

At the halfway point we took a photo on the summit of Mt Garfield slapping high 5 to one another. While Cole does not know many tricks this was one of them. At this point I needed to hit the Galehead Shelter for more water and to check Cole’s paws and pads. He continued to push by hikers on the trail and lead the way as though he had been there before.

After the halfway point and a short break to meet people at the hut we continued forward. Now, you see, the concept of a loop is lost on Cole; he began wanting to turn back 20 miles in and I needed to coax him with treats and cheese. I began to worry that I was pushing him to do too much… or, even worse, that I would begin to let my own fatigue and anxiety paralyze me. We continued to the final summit: Bondcliff. This summit was the finish of my Winter 4000 footers in New Hampshire and is a majestic spot. It is 9 miles away from civilization and hold 360 degree views of the White Mountains. We stopped for a few photos that fellow hikers took and continued to the final 9 miles in the forest. While exiting our adventure I found myself telling every hiker we passed that my dog was doing a single day Pemi Loop. While some hikers hadn’t heard of this accomplishment those that were aware congratulated him as though he was a child earning a National Scholar Award. We reached the car in ten hours… a new personal record for me and Cole’s personal best by default! Cole stared at me to pick him up and place him in the car on his bed.

After this day I felt invigorated by every trip  up north. It was as though any doubt or anxiety had left my mind and the mountains were equated with strength, power, toughness, solitude, relief, and love. Every time I look at Cole’s face I see accomplishments and erasing doubt. I see happiness and excitement. It’s amazing how one day, 31.5 miles of trails, multiple summits, and a 36 pound dog can change your life forever.