Runnin Down the Dogs
Runnin Down the Dogs is a podcast devoted to adventuring with dogs and cats. We focus on discussing how-to’s, planning, tips for making trips go smoothly and our experiences from the road and trail.
Below you can read about all the pack members.
Lilly
Lilly was adopted as a puppy. She was found on a rainy night in 2012, tied under a truck and covered in fleas in downtown Los Angeles. After a much needed bath, she was a tiny ball of fluff with delicate legs and paws. We all assumed she would be a small to medium size dog. But Beth always told Lilly she could grow up to be whatever she wanted. Lilly decided she was going to be a bear.
As a puppy, Lilly never liked the rain and would refuse to go outside to potty if it was wet. Then one day her mom went into the water to swim, and Lilly followed. She took to it like a fish, now there isn’t a stream or puddle she won’t lay down in.
Lilly loves nothing more than being on the trail. If there is water or snow life couldn’t get better for her. As a fully black dog, she requires lots of water and extra caution while hiking in the SoCal sun.
Favorite toys: Lilly has never met a squeaker she didn’t destroy. And she currently loves her teddy bear most of all.
Favorite Trail features: Water crossing! There is nothing better than having a river to splash around in.
Jasper
Jasper was a recurring inmate at the local shelter before being taken to Best Friends Society. He was just 6 months old when he started his first stay, and then bounced in and out until he was 4 years old. His rap sheet said he was a door dasher, escape artist and had behvaior issues like chewing and destruction. During the 2020 pandemic the team at Best Friends Society suggested him as an adoption match for Beth. His big goofy grin won her over from the first picture. Meeting Jasper was like meeting a teenager who just had no manners and didn't know how to talk to people, but had a heart of gold. The first few months were a struggle as he learned manners and how to interact in a pack.
Decompression for Jasper took far longer than typical, it wasn’t until a trip to the cabin that he finally seemed to start the process. Even after that it took several more months for him to decompress. But like magic, the light finally came on and he knew he was home.
There is no greater joy than seeing Jasper’s face light up as we drive further away from society and he can smell the change in the air.
Favorite toys: As with most little brothers, it’s always whatever toy someone else is playing with. Or his squeaky bone.
Favorite trail features: Jasper loves to be away from the crowds and among the trees.
Terra
Terra was adopted in 2015. She was found on the street, and spent 4 months in the city shelter before being taken to Best Friends Society. Kathryn found her when she had been there for about 2 weeks. It was love at first snuggle. Terra came home and a day later decided to show off her door dashing skills. After a merry romp around the neighborhood, it was determined Terra had to go to training classes because she was a ball of energy like no other. A couple months later she had earned her Canine Good Citizen title, two trick titles and was on her way to her first obedience title. She was ready to start hitting the trails.
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And she hit them like no other. From start to finish she was ready to go and conquer any obstacle.
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Favorite toys: Terra only wants bones… real bones, not those fake plastic ones.
Favorite trail features: Rock scrambling! There isn’t a rock she doesn't want to climb.
Gus
On a Friday the 13th, Kathryn wandered through Best Friends Society taking a peek at the cats. We had been debating getting a cat, as we didn’t want another dog since many places cap the number of dogs in a group to 3. And typically cats prefer to stay home,so it would be a good fit.
While walking by the kennels, a black paw reached out and grabbed her hand. The kitten was 6 months old, and didn’t want to let go. The following morning Beth came along to meet the furball, who happily hopped right out of his kennel and snuggled on Kathryn. He had been returned to the rescue because he was playing too rough with the other cats. We took a chance that he would fit in.
Within the first month Gus would cry whenever Terra got to go outside for a walk or leave with Kathryn somewhere. So he got a harness, learned to wear it and started exploring the yard. Shortly after that he took his first weekend trip to the cabin, he was a superstar at travel and exploring new places.
Often Gus can be seen watching the campsite from the dashboard of the car, and exploring the trail along with his canine friends.
Favorite toy: No Feather flickers is safe from Gus
Favorite Trail feature: Gus loves quiet trails so he can explore without worry
Beth & Kathryn
The podcast is hosted sisters Beth and Kathryn. We both work normal boring jobs, letting the weekdays pass so the fun can begin.
Kathryn has been hiking and backpacking since college. Beth began going on adventures in 2018. Many times we have hiked and camped without the dogs but always found something was missing. A bit of the magic and joy wasn’t there. Humans just aren’t as good at stopping and enjoying the moments.
Nowadays it’s rare for us to plan trips or adventures without the pack.