Meet the #USBarkRangers Team
CO-FOunder Ben
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Miss Maisy Daisy, aka Wiggle Butt, aka Maisita! She is a very sweet, super velcro girl! I just rescued her about a year ago. We did our very first Bark Ranger visit in January but she recently added to her accolades with an awesome roadtrip to 13 NPS sites!
My previous Bark Ranger, Bella Brown, was the reason we started the group! Bella and I found the Bark Ranger program too late in her life, so it's important to me to get Maisy these awesome experiences starting early on! And last, but not least, was my first dog as an adult, Sadie Lou. She was never a Bark Ranger, as she passed before Bella and I discovered the program. Sadie was a super sweet, absolutely adorable, and absolutely rotten beagle!
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
Everything, really! My best friend Nicki and I created the group to better share info with people on where they could make great memories with their pups! I love being able to find a special way to share my great passion and hobby of visting park sites with my girl and being able to have her involved! And, I love seeing everyone else's experiences, as well! It is awesome that we have, hopefully, helped facilitate, in some small way, great memories with pawrents and their Bark Rangers!
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
We already accomplished an awesome trip where we visited 13 park sites! There are a lot of state parks locally that we would like to start checking out once the weather gets cooler!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I am a trumpet player and a music teacher. I didn't really start traveling incessantly and get obsessed with national park visits until 2018. I have now been blessed to visit 42 of the National Parks and just about an equal number of the "smaller " units of the National Park Service!
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
It has been a pleasure making friendships through the page because we all have this common interest! I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the other moderators and other members of the group in real life which has been pawesome! Also, we don't really miss any posts and it's always really neat to see where members are taking their pups and seeing new spots that I haven't been to!
CO-founder nicki
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My Bark Ranger is my wiley, loving, smart girldog senior rescue Lily. Her full name was Tiger Lily, but I shortened it to Lily, because she is such a pretty gal. She has earned a few tags, and the many wonderful members of this group have blessed us with presents -- tags and swag from all over our #USBarkRangers nation. So Lily has quite the collection now.
Before my Lily, my first daughter was Jessie, and my son was Charlie, pictured with me in 2018. Charlie had the chance to earn one Bark Ranger tag before he crossed the rainbow bridge.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
Everything. My bestie Ben Jarvis and I co-founded this group because we truly love living in the present tense, actively, with our pups in the parks. We work hard to share that love and respect with all hoomans and fur babies in this furamily.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
We had a wonderful trip to the panhandle in April earning a gorgeous gold, metal, site specific tag from Gulf Islands Sea Shore at Ft. Pickens. It’s been so neat to see her go from a sick, mange-covered street dog with bad teeth to a happy, healthy, beautiful girl who loves to travel and has learned to love to swim! So Ft De Soto Dog Beach in St Pete, Florida (off leash play and swimming is allowed) is one of our favorite places to go. We are planning a DeSoto Camping trip (all in the group are invited!) Labor Day weekend too!
Lily also loves to go with mommy to volleyball, and although she is short, she is hoping to snag a spot yet in the 2024 beach volleyball Olympics.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I have an undergraduate degree in musical theatre, a Masters in Directing, and I worked professionally as a professional musical theatre performer in NYC and abroad for many years in my 20s. I am very proud of this, as well as my work as a professor at the University of Kentucky and years in arts education. I now work in consulting, but I am grateful for my background as a creative.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
While I truly love seeing our members’ many precious posts, and truly love supporting their joy with our map and so on, my favorite thing has become the friendships I now have with our mod squad! The 9 ladies who work with Ben and I are very diverse, very authentic, super savvy and wonderfully loving. Those 9 new friendships have really enriched my life.
Mod Serena
Who are your Bark Rangers?
My Bark Rangers are Tik, Tuc, and Cassian - my three GSD. Tik is 3 years old and has been to various National and PA State Parks. We even braved Rickets Glenn State park together. Tuc is 2 years old and loves to be out on trails. And our newest addition, Cassian (9 months old), who loves to go with us on our adventures.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I love what BARK stands for and that its brings so many people together.
The Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative B.A.R.K. Ranger brought us all together for the love of our Pets and Outdoors and seeing everyone's adventures with the #USBarkRangers group
But most importantly, the A in BARK, ALWAYS on leash; this meant that Tik is able to explore Trails, Lakes and Rivers with us.
With Tik being Reactive to People and Dogs, it was a challenge to find a space to take her to without experiencing Dogs off Leash.
She has come a long way in learning what or who should get a reaction and I am very proud of the BARK Ranger she has become.
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What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pups?
I would love to go on a cross-country road trip with my Daughter and my Dogs, to explore ALL National Parks together and to fill up our National Park Passport book with pawprints.
But for now, we will just be on the East Coast exploring and re-exploring our favorite parks.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dogs?
I am probably the most creative person you will ever meet
I love to sow and craft, from creating Dragons out of Milk Jugs to making Costumes and Props for the Schools Theatre Club.
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What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
My Favorite part of being a MOD with US Bark Rangers of the United States Group is ...... everything!
Being part of the Admin Team that keeps the Group Scammer and Spam Free and seeing so many like minded people all around the US.
Mod Michelle
Who are your Bark Rangers?
Denali: 3.5 year old Great Pyrenees mix Smoke is my “Hoof” Ranger: 20 year old Missouri Fox Trotter. He’s only been to one park, but he still counts! Lol
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I’m cheating on this question because I have more than one thing I love! First off, I really love having a way to combine my love of the national parks with my love of my dog. It’s always been fun taking him to some of the state and local parks, but finding out about the Bark Ranger program has opened a lot of doors for new adventures for both of us. I’ve always enjoyed visiting the national parks, but incorporating the Bark Ranger aspect has taken me to some of them I probably wouldn’t have gone to just on my own, so it’s definitely expanded my horizons and gotten me to some of the parks I would have considered more “boring” or not worth the trip. It’s also inspired me to take him with me on some of my trips, which I hadn’t really considered before. It’s so rewarding and a lot of fun to see him enjoying his time in new places and landscapes we don’t have where we live. I also love that I have discovered and been to some of the smaller NPS units, state parks, and wildlife refuges I had never heard of or had particular interest in visiting. I’ve learned so much at some of these smaller, unknown sites, and it’s made me more interested in researching and visiting more of them. Lastly, I love how Bark Ranger promotes and encourages visiting places with your dog, and gives you a bit of a purpose, goal, and “excuse” for taking them with you. We all love hanging out with our pups, but having an extra reason to take them places or travel with you makes it all the more special.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup(s)?
Hoping to make it to Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama in October for another Bark Ranger journey! In the meantime, I’d like to visit some more of my Missouri state parks. Even when we aren’t going somewhere, I just look forward to hanging out and spending time with Denali. He’s a character and has made me laugh each day since I’ve had him. We don’t have to be going out doing anything special for it to be a good time.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
I’m one of the rare people who can say I love my job. I am a stable attendant/caretaker for the mounted police horses in St. Louis. I’ve had a passion for horses since I was a kid, and I feel so blessed to be able to have two horses of my own now, as well as having my work focused on them. Also, I don’t know how unusual this is, especially in a group like this, but I also really love visiting the national parks and exploring the “wild” places they have to offer. I’m very much drawn to the mountains, wildlife, and vast open spaces; I’ve been to Yellowstone seven times and still don’t feel like I’ve had enough! It may be unusual that most of the time I do these trips alone, but I’ve come to love the solitude, peace, and silence being on your own offers. You can reflect, think, and rejuvenate when you’re exploring these places with no distractions or timelines. I never thought I was capable of doing 10+ mile hikes, climbing to mountaintops (let alone by myself!), or handling a long road trip alone, but I’m so glad I decided to try. I’ve done some amazing hikes and been fortunate enough to observe and photograph all manner of wildlife, including wolves, grizzlies, moose, black bear, elk, bison, and wild horses. I would have missed out on so many experiences had I not decided to take a chance and just get out there, alone or not. I’ve learned there’s nothing like being the only one at the peak, looking down at the miles of gorgeous landscape surrounding you, or sitting next to an alpine lake, soaking it all in, or hiking out into the plains and being the only human amidst several bands of wild horses, just sitting and observing them for hours. No matter where I am, I try to just appreciate how lucky I am to be in such untamed, stunning places the majority of people will never see or experience.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I love being able to be a part of promoting and educating people on getting out there and visiting the national parks with their dogs. So many people I’ve talked to had no idea dogs were allowed in any of the national parks, so being able to tell them about this fun way of enjoying our parks with their pup is very rewarding. I also love having had the opportunity to make new friends with similar interests, and engage with others who “get” the desire to include their dogs on trips and fun outings. Some people look at me like I’m insane when I say I like to take my dog on vacation, so it’s great having a group of likeminded people who enjoy travel and outings with their pups. Plus, I just love seeing everyone’s dogs.
Mod Caroline
Who are your Bark/Meow Rangers?
Harley Quinn- Pit Bull age 8
George - Ragdoll age 12
Charlotte - Ragdoll age 12
Louis - ShihTzu age 13
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I love discovering places I would never have heard of or thought to go before the Bark Ranger program. Have found some real gems! Even going to National Park Service (NPS) places that don’t have the program, as long as I can find dog friendly things to do there, has become a mission of mine now too. I see the real importance of supporting these smaller NPS units and the joy it brings to the Rangers and staff to have us be excited about being there. That was the whole point of the NPS starting this program I think in the first place. It was to bring awareness and involvement for all the NPS units, big and small. It is to encourage us to get outside together in healthy ways to appreciate nature, history and stewardship of our natural spaces and resources. Glad you all can see the joy in that and are having fun. I enjoy collecting the bling too. Don’t get me wrong. But for my pups, as long as they have a great time and especially if someone greets and makes a fuss over them, they think they had a great Bark Ranger adventure. With or without badges, patches, bandanas or tags.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup(s)?
I would like to get to Yellowstone and back to Olympic National Park this year with my dogs. Hopefully in the off season when it isn’t as crowded we will make the trips there. We don’t like summer travel much nor do we love crowds. So perhaps this fall. For 2027, we are planning a cross country adventure in our travel trailer that will take us to many more NPS sites. Also hoping to help grow awareness for the Bark Ranger program which I helped get started at Fort Vancouver NHS in Vancouver WA which launched May 17th, 2025. The program is self guided, but I also have become a docent there. I lead one Bark Ranger volunteer guided tour a month during the summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I also volunteer twice a week year round. One day a week at the Visitor Center where we hand out the Bark Ranger brochures and one day a week as a costumed volunteer inside the Reconstructed Fort.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
I am hugely devoted to being a “Blue Crew Mom” to the minor league umpires of professional baseball. Been unofficially feeding and photographing them since the late 1980s and am delighted to call many of them long time friends. Some make it to the MLB and the rest go on to lead lives in a variety of careers after baseball. Love staying in touch with them and their families. My other passion is being an endurance participant and fundraiser for the Team In Training events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Hiked in 2023 at the Grand Canyon with my team. I raised $7300 to battle blood cancers that year by funding research. I have done a hike in the Columbia Gorge as well in 2022 plus two half marathons at Disney back in 2012. Each time I raised over $3000. My next obstacle is to hike with Team in Training at Yosemite in June 2026 with a goal to raise $15,000 this time. My two dogs will be along for that weekend too and we plan to do our Bark Ranger adventures on the other days. I do all this in memory of my Mom who I lost to a rare blood cancer called Myelofibrosis nearly 15 years ago. Over 85% of the breakthroughs in cancer research in the last 15 years were in whole or in part funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I love being part of an organization making such a difference and doing that with others who enjoy doing outdoor recreation too to raise awareness is a huge win.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I love the positivity in this group. Being encouraging and celebrating all the dogs and their humans getting to enjoy these wonderful outdoor spaces is a bright spot in my day. I also have really come to deeply enjoy the friendships we have formed despite living in different parts of the USA. I love getting to comment and banter back and forth with members about their trips and make suggestions of places I think they might like. It is a joy to do that- not a job.
Mod Lisa
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Raider, who turns 6 September 18th.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
A couple of years ago I discovered that Hopewell Culture NHP had a Bark Ranger program. Well, of course Raider should be a Bark Ranger!!!! So off we went. Once there I excitedly entered the visitor center and proudly announced “we’re here for the Bark Ranger program” I seemed to have startled the rangers a bit. Once settled down we were given our list of tasks to complete and headed out to the grounds. We walked around the mounds, read the history of the Hopewell culture, took lots of pictures, and completed our tasks. Raider was presented with his first official signed certificate and patch! We also purchased his Bark Ranger tag for him! At that moment I knew one was not going to be enough! So began my quest for more NPs with a Bark Ranger program. There wasn’t a lot of info on the internet! Then one day while on FB I put Bark Ranger in the search bar…..lo and behold this group popped up! WHAT????? There’s others out they like me who will travel near and far in search of the coveted Bark Ranger tag and swag for their Furbabies???? I immediately requested to join and did a little happy dance when I got the acceptance notification! The information, tips and encouragement of all the members of this group has been a huge help when planning our next adventure! To date Raider has achieved Bark Ranger in 12 different NP’s, sites and monuments!
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
We had our big trip earlier this month to the desert southwest. It was incredible. We have at least 2 more trips planned. Our next trip is Hot Springs NP for our 34th anniversary in November!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I love to cook and bake. Especially bake…it’s like therapy for me! This has led to my hobby of making my own vanilla extract. At present, I have 10 different vanilla bean varieties extracting in 3 different types of liquor. I probably have around 7 gallons !
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
Each of us really want this group to be successful! We work hard to make sure that US Bark Rangers of the United States is informative and a fun place where our members can share their stories with their Bark Rangers!
Mod Diane
Who are your Bark Rangers?
My original Bark Ranger crew was Timber, beagle, age 16.5 whom I lost late last year; his son, Ridge, age 10; Bright, age 9, Golden Retriever, and her daughter, Tempo, age 3, Golden.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
My absolute favorite thing is discovering new parks I'd never heard of because of the BR program. There are SO many fascinating parks to visit and learn about and enjoy with my dogs.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup(s)?
All 3 compete in scent sports; the girls do dock diving; and my youngest should start obedience this year. I retired last year and am enjoying being able to travel farther to new events and finding Bark Ranger sites to visit on our way!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
I'm a scientist at heart and LOVE learning new things. My career was in laboratory science and was constantly evolving. I've started doing the Junior Ranger programs at many of the parks we visit and love it! I also take several online dog training classes a year.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
It's amazing when you meet like-minded people and instantly bond. This group has become super special to me in a very short time and I enjoy learning from them and about them. I feel privileged to be able to help the best group on Facebook grow and thrive.
Mod Cathy
Who are your Bark Rangers?
Teagan, who has crossed the rainbow bridge at 14 years old. Teagan was my first Bark Ranger as an older dog at 11 years old. Sloane is the Baby Bark Ranger, she is 18 months old.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
What I love best about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast is the information being shared.
I found this page and learned about the BARK program. I have 3 parks within 20 minutes from me that have a "soft" BARK Ranger program (not the full "program," but maybe sell an item) that I never knew.
I am new to this and love all the helpful info being shared so others can enjoy doing this with their dogs.
Seeing everyone's photos from far away really is getting me itching to head West, South, North.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup(s)?
Sloane will be following her big sister’s lead. Sloane is doing Nosework and has just earned her ORT! She also has done Fast Cat and should soon, hopefully, earn her first Fast Cat title BCAT. We love to hike and she has earned her FITB and FIT-S titles. We also earned our K9 Hiking Challenge along with our Waterfall Chaser Challenge. She's working on her Rally, Obedience, and CGC currently. I want to visit Weir Farm, Martha Van Buren, and Valkill. Now that she can trial in Nosework I will use the map and figure out if there are any Bark Rangers and/or State Parks near or on the way.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
I'm recently retired 3 years ago, and loving it. More time for doggie stuff, that's why I got a new puppy.
I have 3 grandchildren who live in Nashville and I get to see them fairly often. The girls are 5 and 3 and new baby boy born in April.
I am crafty and I also paint acrylics, want to get back to knitting and make some Norwegian sweaters and mittens like my Aunt made me when I was younger. I really want to get back to that.
I send out monthly craft projects for the kids to do. I try to prep the crafts so it will be easy for Mom to help them to complete their holiday craft. They love it.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I love to share dog minded, positive thinking topics and experiences regarding dogs. Dog people that I have met, and truly love doing things with their dogs drop any drama at the door. Being on the Admin team you certainly see that through this page.
Mod Jordayna
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My Bark Ranger is Waffles, aka Belgamin Waffles III (no, there is no I or II), He is originally from a shelter in Moncks Corner, SC. While we’ve gone on many adventures together, we didn’t start doing Bark Ranger until we moved to New Mexico. I came across the program and decided this would be a great way to explore our new home.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
The best part of being a Bark Ranger enthusiast is seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they see Waffles in his hat or bandana. It starts the conversation and is a great opportunity to share the importance of the program with others.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
This year, our goal is to complete 52 hikes by the end of the year. We are also planning a holiday road trip with the goal of visiting at least 4 National Parks.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I am a full-time student working towards my degree in Nuclear Engineering. I also work full-time in Applied Nuclear Research. Being able to escape to the NPs in my area on the weekend help to balance that work load.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I think it’s really fun to see all the people from across the country wanting to take part in and share within this community. For all the negativity on the internet, this group is adding wholesome content and positivity to the virtual (and real) world.
Mod maddy
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Our Bark Ranger is our sweet, energetic pittie baby Maeve, aka Maevey Moo! She picked us to be her pawrents in late 2023 and has been part of our adventures ever since. She is always up for a hike, road trip, camping but also a good post-adventure snuggle too! She loves getting to experience the amazing NPS with us and get to spread the word about US Bark Rangers! We also have 3 honorary “Bark” Rangers at home of the feline variety - Apollo, Artemis, and Smores! While they might not go on all our trips with us, they do join us for some fun in the yard sometimes!
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
Just one thing?! Really, everything! I love getting to try to see as many of the NPSs and State Parks as possible. And getting to see my baby experience it all too? Cherry on top! She helps remind us of the universal, simple beautiful of the parks system!
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
We just got a camper trailer so it has opened our possibilities for adventures even more! Maeve has already staked out her spot (as if she’s not gonna hog the bed with us anyway! lol). We’ve already hit most of the parks “local” to us so we’re going to start branching out a little further! Maeve can’t wait to keep spreading the US Bark Ranger values and collecting beautiful goodies to show off!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I build things, big and small! Not only do I LOVE Legos (biggest build to date is the Titanic at 9,090 pieces). But I also work in Construction Management! I’ve been part of teams that have built bridges, hotels, remodels, all sorts of fun projects, even been part of 2 all-women Habitat for Humanity teams! I now work to help schedule multiple projects at a time within my company. When I’m not traveling with my husband and pup, I’m probably building something!
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
Not so specific to being on the Mod Squad but I love getting to be a little part of everyone’s Bark Ranger experience! We love to spread the word and getting to see everyone’s fun! I just recently joined the Mod Squad and they’ve already proven to be an amazing group of people, a wealth of knowledge, and an extension of this amazing community!
Mod Pamela
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My Bark Ranger is Oakley, my little 11-lb yorkipoo who truly changed everything about me. He’s my soul dog and the most perfect little boy I could ever ask for.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
What I love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast is what the program truly represents. On the surface, it’s about being a responsible pet owner at our national parks, but to me, it means so much more — it’s about recognizing that our pups are part of our family. They’re our kids, our adventure partners, and they deserve to live their best lives alongside us. Without the Bark Ranger program, I wouldn’t be exploring as many parks, learning so much, or creating such unforgettable experiences with Oakley.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
This year, I’d love to keep expanding our adventures. I’ve already checked off the nearby parks, so now the trips take us farther away — and one day, I dream of having a trailer so Oakley and I can travel even more freely, hitting multiple parks on a single journey. Outside of Bark Ranger adventures, Oakley just became an AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer, and we also spend time doing agility, barn hunt, and scent work. My hope is to keep filling my little boy’s life with new challenges and fun so he stays the most well-rounded pup you could ever meet.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
Something interesting about me is my creativity. I love designing, crafting, and planning, though most of the time my ideas circle right back to Oakley — whether it’s his over-the-top birthday parties, custom accessories, or fun projects we share with friends.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
My favorite part of being on the Admin team is keeping the page lively and engaging as a moderator. I love sparking conversations, sharing excitement, and helping people connect with the Bark Ranger program. The best part is knowing that a simple post or interaction might inspire someone to get out there, explore a park, and make unforgettable memories with their pup.
Mod Kristin
Who is your Bark Ranger?
I am blessed to have two B.A.R.K. Rangers. My oldest is almost 4 year-old Charlie (aka Bossydoodle). We traveled to Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Tetons when she was about 8 months-old, but we didn’t know about the B.A.R.K. Ranger program at that time. She has always loved hiking, being outdoors, and being with her people. She has a sweet, sassy, loving personality and loves going on road trips and B.A.R.K. Ranger Adventures! My second is 3 year-old Aubie (aka Aubster the Lobster). He and his sister earned their first B.A.R.K. Ranger tags at Mt. Rushmore. We’ve been to about 25 NPS sites since! Aubie loves playing with his sister, puppy massages and cuddles, and bird watching. He is a big fella with big feelings and a heart of gold.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I love that the B.A.R.K. Ranger program gives the pups and I the opportunity to explore so many new places together. I learn so much at each of the sites and we get to see so many beautiful things. There are so many places that I wouldn’t have really known about, but discovered them thanks to the awesome #USBarkRangers Map and all of the amazing group members!
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
We loved visiting Assateague Island National Seashore and all of the wild horses this year. We’re hoping to check out some of the sites in New York and the Southern coastal states as well.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I love hiking and helped to lead and co-lead hikes with a few groups in California for years. We hiked frequently in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe area. I also love camping and paddle boarding, and hope to do a backpacking trip someday.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I love connecting with other people who are also passionate about their pups and our parks, and who want to make #USBarkRangers an amazing community! This group has been such a valuable resource full of incredible, supportive people. It’s awesome to have a chance to give back and contribute and to be part of the team.
Alumni Team Members
Kim
Who are your Bark/Meow Rangers?
Jordan our little Spanish Galgo, Joy the newest member of our pack, and Traveller my big Greyhound boy.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
Combining my love for National Parks with my life work of adopting retired racing Greyhounds. I’ve had the honor to serve as director of Greyhound Crossroads for almost 30 years! Being able to encourage our adopters to visit NP’s responsibly, while also supporting public lands and their legacy to the future, is a perfect fit for me. I started the BARK program in my local NP site and feel it’s a small way to give back.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup(s)?
My goal is revisit the SC and close NC BARK sites with our newest greyhound girl Joy. I retired last year but haven’t had a chance to get her started yet! I’m also working on earning the Ultimate Outsider by visiting all state parks in SC. It’s my hope to extend the national BARK program by getting our state parks involved too.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
The first thing that comes to mind is my trip last week to Alaska! I have dreamed my whole life of visiting Glacier Bay NP and my mother dreamed of seeing the Inner Passage. We planned a cruise together with my step father and had a marvelous adventure! Saw glaciers, humpbacks, orca, the Tongass Rain Forest, and experienced totem pole carving with Tlingit master artists. The last night we were blessed with the Northern Lights right over our heads on the ship. A trip with unbelievable blessings I will never forget.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
Being a part of these fabulous team feels very rewarding. It’s a way in which I can encourage people to experience and become invested in what is close and dear to my heart. May we keep spreading the good word and set the example for being good pet parents.
Jennifer
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Bruichladdich (Bru for short…lots easier to pronounce). A black lab mixed with moose…he’s 110 pounds.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I love hearing about other bark ranger travels and seeing the pictures of places they have been. It’s interesting to “meet” people from around the US and learn about their adventures.
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What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
Not too much this summer because it’s just too dang hot, but come fall, we’ll be doing a trip to the Texas hill country. Next year is a whole new adventure because the husband will be retired and we won’t have time constrictions on where we can go!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I like cooking and I make a good attempt at gardening, I haunt estate sales because you never know what you’ll find, and I’m really good at repurposing old things.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
Meeting people and their dogs and discovering places I need to go next!
Melody
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Reeses-6 yr old Catahoula
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
What I like best about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast is being able to combine my love of the outdoors with finding new adventures that can include my little travel buddy Reeses. We have always explored State Parks and local parks, but with Bark Rangers, it gives us many new options of places that we can visit together. Prior to finding the Bark Ranger program we always used State and local parks as our stops during long road trips and now we make sure to add the Bark Rangers stops into our trips.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
This year we are planning to visit the parks in N. Florida as well as some in South Carolina.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
This is a hard question. My time is devoted to my dogs and my grandkids. I work 2 jobs just so I can go on as many trips as I can to explore nature and shuttle my dog to her sporting events.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I love being part of a group that promotes time with your dogs/ exploring nature. The group allows me to connect with like minded individuals who share the same interests. It is a fun uplifting group full of nothing but positive posts.