Finnbar

Two days ago I went to New Hampshire with the intention of meeting some adoptable dogs, putting one on hold, and then picking him up a few weeks from now.

Well, when I got there I was met by a litter of rambunctious pups that were playing and crawling all over each other. It became clear to me that one of these pups would be mine, and that I was going to train one of them to be a good hiking companion for when I finish the trail.

It also became clear to me that I was about to fight off a family of 5 who wanted to adopt the same pup, “Rory”. The dad was basically forcing his kids to favor Rory, and even though they liked one of the wicked high energy dogs more than they liked Rory, they listened to their dad and took interest in him. Thankfully, they had left the room to go look at other adoptables in a pen outside, giving me the chance to swoop in and tell the woman “I’m most interested in Rory”. We talked, and she told me she couldn’t hold the dog for me for longer than a week, as that was their policy (and even then, they don’t really like to do that). I agreed to adopt that day, knowing that I’d be creating a lot of work and house training related stress for myself. I knew also, that adopting early would aggravate my  mum, who had set a December date for when I could adopt. I knew all of this might not be favorable, and I couldn’t help myself. I felt a connection to this pup, the way I do Eoinn, and was ready to face whatever might come my way.

So I adopted “Rory”, made some children cry (though they weren’t even all that bothered, as they wanted “a puppy puppy” and not one of these “old” ones).

According to his papers, he’s a shepherd lab mix. According to me, he’s a lanky little thing who doesn’t quite know how to run on his legs. But I’m looking forward to all the moments, (especially when he stops teething, and is fully house trained). I’m looking forward to the day when Eoinn sees him as a friend and not an annoyance, and I can’t wait to take him on the trail with me. 

While I know he isn’t allowed in Baxter State Park, and I know hiking with a dog can be difficult for a whole host of reasons, I already feel better about hitting the trail again, knowing that this little critter (those were some awesome books, weren’t they?) will be by my side. 

If anyone has any tips for teething puppies, training hiking dogs, or just any tips in general, please feel free to share them!  But for now, enjoy these pictures of the dog formerly known as “Rory” and currently known as Finnbar or Finn

Dill-Anthropy

Since being off of the trail, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on the privileges that I’ve had in my life. Sure, being able to hike the trail in itself IS one of these privileges, but I’ve also been fortunate to work a job that I love, and to learn the value of helping others, from internships and work experiences, sure, but also from watching my parents.

My parents have been incredibly supportive of me throughout everything, and have raised me to value giving back when giving back is possible. So here it is, my Dill-Anthropic opportunity. As many of you know, I just celebrated my 5th year with Crossroads, an organization that serves underprivileged and mostly low-income youth from predominately the Boston and Brockton areas. These are some of the hardest working individuals I’ve EVER met, working to constantly grow as leaders within their communities and seek academic greatness. Well unfortunately, for many of them, the “traditional” path to college success is deeply flawed.

They can follow all the rules, stretch themselves with extracurricular activities and community service, meet every application deadline, nail their in-person interview and earn a coveted spot in an incoming freshman class. But getting into college isn’t the same as getting there, staying there, and getting through. After all of that work, statistics prove that most likely, they won’t earn a degree and are left straddled with debt that hasn’t provided the extra earning potential that comes with a bachelor’s degree.

It is my personal belief that we can work together to create a better opportunity for these teens, through providing them with individualized support and mentoring. I am fundraising with Crossroads to help them start a one-on-one college planning initiative. We are looking to raise $58,000 by the end of December, and while I know this is a busy time to ask for donations, but it is my hope that the kindness that was shown to me by all of you while I was on the trail, can transcend my adventure and help a deserving student have the opportunity for their own adventure, college.

If you would like to donate, or to learn more, please visit this link:

SEASONAL STAFF KICKSTARTERS – CROSSROADS on CrowdRise