Trail Tails: Raven

Trail Tails is a special feature showcasing the mutts of The Mountaineers! This month we recognize Raven, owned by Mountaineer Carlanna Livingstone. 

Name: Raven
Breed: Lab mix (not 100% sure, she's a rescue)
Age: About 4 1/2 

WHEN DID Raven FIRST HIT THE TRAIL?

Pretty soon after I got Raven I started hiking with her. She has always had a ton of energy and has always loved being outdoors. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOORS MEMORY WITH Raven?

Just her sense of excitement to be outdoors. As soon as she sees my pack she is ready to go! I quickly discovered she loves to swim, so taking her to the lake is a regular activity. She loves hiking and is the best hiking partner. She is willing to go anywhere, will go as far or long as I want, and never complains! One of my favorite memories was taking her hiking to Summit Lake and there was lots of snow on the trail. I'm sure it was the first time she'd seen snow and she absolutely loved it. I became a hike leader with The Mountaineers so I could take her on more hikes with me.

WHAT’S A FEAR YOUR PUP HAS OVERCOME, OR A TRAIL SKILL THEY’VE DEVELOPED?

Hiking poles! When I first started hiking with her, when she'd see people on the trail with poles she would jump and try to get as far away from them as possible. She is much better now!

WHAT’S Raven's FAVORITE THING TO BRING ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES?

Her water toy! If there is a hike that ends a lake? Best day ever for Raven!

WHAT’S Raven's GO-TO TRAIL SNACK?

Milk bones (or whatever fellow hikers are willing to share, she is NOT picky).

THREE FUN FACTS

• I found Raven online when she was about a year old. A rescue in Texas found her wandering in the desert. I'm a sucker for a sad dog story, and she was so dang cute so I adopted her and had her flown to WA.

• Raven loves to run! She loves fetching tennis balls thrown with a chuck-it and could do this for hours. She's even known to carry around two tennis balls at a time.

• Raven is a cuddler and loves to be touching me or her big sister Bailey (a 13 year-old Spaniel rescue and retired hiker). I like to say it is her mission in life to spread as much love and joy as she possibly can!

TRAIL TIP

When I first started hiking with Raven she became very distracted on the trail by people and other dogs. I started hiking with a pocket full of dog food (she is VERY food motivated), and when we would see people or dogs I would say "on me" and get her to focus on me and the food in my hand. Now I don't have to travel with a pocket of dog food, and she understands "on me" and focuses her attention on the trail and me instead of passing hikers and dogs.

Photos courtesy of Carlanna Livingstone

HIKING WITH DOGS 

Remember, it's key to keep trail etiquette  and leash laws in mind when you hit the trail with your animal. Always check to be sure that the area you are entering is dog-friendly, and pack more dog bags than you think you need. 

Check out our guide on hiking with dogs, and remember to use the WTA's  handy 'dogs allowed' filter on their Hiking Guide.