Meet the Amazing #USBarkRangers Mod Squad!
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Michelle
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My Bark Ranger is Denali, a Great Pyrenees mix, born in 2021. You may recognize him best on his back, since he spends a lot of his park visits rolling around, trying to get as dirty as possible. He's becoming a veteran Bark Ranger and has visited over 50 Bark Ranger parks. Looking forward to many more with this big, silly boy. I also have two horses, Domino and Smoke and two cats, Jasper and Jasmine.
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, I really love having a way to combine my love of the national parks with my love of my dog. I’ve always enjoyed visiting the national parks, but incorporating the Bark Ranger aspect has expanded my horizons and taken me to some I probably wouldn’t have gone to just on my own, because I considered them more "boring" or not worth the trip. It’s also inspired me to take Denali with me on some of my trips, which I hadn’t 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've 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. Finding out about the Bark Ranger program has opened a lot of doors for new adventures for both of us. I also 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 in 2026/2027 with your pup?
If all goes as planned, fall of 2026 has Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks on the menu! These are my three favorite parks, so I'm really looking forward to visiting them with Denali. We have several smaller sites planned out along our route as well, so this should be a great trip! Denali's 2027 vacation hasn't been planned yet, but I'm considering doing a couple of shorter weekend trips to spread our adventures out a little more throughout the year.
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 that in addition to owning two, my work is focused on them as well. 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, 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, 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 recreating in our public lands 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 really enjoy engaging 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. Being a part of this team has also brought amazing friendships into my life I wouldn't have had otherwise. Also, I just love seeing everyone’s dogs!
Caroline
Who are your Bark/Meow Rangers?
My Bark Rangers are Harley Quinn (8 years old, 92 pounds) a rescued Pit Bull and Louis (13 years old, 25 pounds) a rescued Shih Tzu. My two Meow Rangers are George (12 years old, 11 pounds) a rescued Rag Doll kitty and his full sibling/sister Charlotte (12 years old, 10 pounds) who all make my daily life complete. They are the Ruff Inn Royals and live here with me in Metro Portland, OR at our home which we call Barkingham Palace.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I am proud of having been the co-creator of the Bark Ranger program at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver Washington. I volunteer there weekly and worked with Ranger Ada for a year as part of my Senior Capstone Project for Portland State University before we launched a year ago this past May of 2025. I was able to visit all of the other Pacific Northwest Bark Ranger programs first, before we created ours. By learning from all of the other sites, we created something very unique here.
Seeing people enjoy it is a thrill. Getting to meet US Bark Rangers group members in person these past few years has been a real honor.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup(s)?
Looking forward to getting our travel trailer back on the road with a new tow vehicle in late summer 2026. Planning to hit a number of the Washington state parks to do Bark Ranger activities there and a few meet ups with other USBR members, as well as visiting the San Juan Islands. Ideally, I would also love to get to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone in the early fall. In late Spring 2027 we are moving back east to Maine. So I will do a long one way cross country trip with the fur kids and our travel trailer and get to as many NPS sites with Bark Ranger options on that route as possible.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
I was on the board of directors of the nonprofit group Save Fenway Park!, Inc. We worked hard to save that sporting venue from the wrecking ball back in the late 90s. We were the first group to successfully save a sporting venue from demolition. I grew up watching Red Sox baseball there. I’ve been to all of the minor league Red Sox affiliate ballparks, and a number of other teams venues too. My pups and I love to go to Bark In The Park events anywhere in baseball. I’m friends with a number of minor league and major league umpires. That’s a much longer story going back to the late 1980s when my ex-husband was a professional umpire. We broke up in the early 2000s when he cheated on me. I thankfully retained custody of the friendships in baseball with his former crew mates and the rest is history. They won’t leave him tickets. I get them instead. ;)
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
Learning about all the places around the US and the unique programs each have developed. I am one of the original Moderators on the team (an OG!) and have been fortunate to meet many other members and some of the Admin team in real life when they have traveled to the PacNW. Supporting each other is addictive in the best possible way. Many wonderful friendships have flourished as a byproduct of helping people enjoy time outdoors with their pups and kitties. As an NPS Volunteer I get to teach people about how to be an exemplary Bark Ranger and what the rules are. I get to also suggest other programs in the region to newbies and take photos and hand out dog treats. The best part of my week is my shift on Friday afternoons at the Fort Vancouver NHS Visitor Center. We are planning some dog centered events this summer and I will be leading one guided walk each month between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Stay tuned and watch for announcements of the dates selected.
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!
Diane
Who are your Bark Rangers?
My Bark Ranger crew are Ridge, almost 13, beagle; Bright, age 11, golden retriever; and her daughter, Tempo, age 5, golden retriever.
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 Bark Ranger 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 (AKC and NACSW) and my youngest also in obedience.
What I want most is for us to see and experience more places we’ve never been before. Luckily, my crew enjoys traveling as much as I do! We are leaving soon for the Dakotas, and I can’t wait!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
My career was in laboratory science and was constantly evolving. I'm a scientist at heart and LOVE learning new things. I've been completing the Junior Ranger programs at many of the parks we visit and love it! I’ve found I get to know more about the parks we’re visiting through the books and activities. Plus, it’s really fun being ‘sworn in’. I also take several online and in-person dog training classes each year and teach locally.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
I’m always proud to say I’m a moderator for this group! I really enjoy meeting rangers and telling them how much we support their work and are available to help promote their programs. I’m proud to be a Bark Ranger ambassador and a model for responsible dog behavior in parks. It truly is the best way to keep our privilege of sharing public lands with others.
Cathy
Who are your Bark Rangers?
Teagan was my first Bark Ranger at 11 years old, she crossed the rainbow bridge last year at 14. Sloane is the Baby Bark Ranger she is 2 years old this year.
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'm so glad that I found this page and learned about the BARK program. I had 3 parks within 20 minutes from me that I never knew about. I 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, and 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 Nose work and will be trialing in NW2 soon. She also has done Fast Cat , we love to hike and she should be earning her Fit Dog Gold soon. She has also earned her Rally Novice, CGC, Star Puppy, I want to visit Weir Farm, Martha Van Buren, and Valkill, now that she can trial in Nose work I will use the map and figure out if there are any Bark Rangers and or State Parks near or on the way.
We were invited to the AKC Rally Nationals in July! There will be 160 dogs and that is just in Novice level! Perhaps 600 dogs competing with a Championship at the end. All of this and she just turned 2! We are still planning our Bark Ranger Virginia and Outer Banks trip it just got a bit postponed.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog(s)?
I'm recently retired , 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 7 and 5 and a boy who was 2 in April. We love to camp and looking forward to heading out west in a year or so.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Kristin
Who is your Bark Ranger?
I am blessed to have two B.A.R.K. Rangers. My oldest is 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 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 40 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’re hoping to check out some of the sites in the New England area and the Southern coastal states.
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.
Jana
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My B.A.R.K. Ranger is Finley aka Mr. Dinosaur. He's a (teacup) Great Dane.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
We love being a part of BARK Rangers because we're able to disconnect from all the craziness life offers by going out to explore. We love finding little hidden gems of places we'd otherwise not know about. The only time we check the phone is when it's photo taking time!
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
This year we plan to do a big road trip--as long as his knee holds up. We became bionic in 2025. We're hoping for maybe 15 new parks by end of 2026. He's 8.5 years young so...you know, big dogs...get tired.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
My dog is the only interesting thing about me haha! I'm very much a boring person who enjoys helping: whether it’s volunteer work, lending a hand to a friend, teaching a skill or something as simple as being part of a meal train. Lightening someone else's burden is nothing to me but the world to someone else.
What is your favorite part of being on the Admin team?
My fav thing about the mod squad is seeing the up and coming new features and knowing the Fursday topic a day early...so I can get my favorite photo ready to show off my dinosaur to other people who appreciate showing off their fur-babies too!
Jeanne
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Rosie is my beloved Bark Ranger. She is a 5-1/2 year old mixed breed blue heeler and miniature cocker spaniel. Rosie came to live with us four years ago and has made great strides in her development and anxiety. She is sassy, smart, energetic, empathetic and absolutely loves to be on the trail.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
It’s so wonderful to be part of a group which promotes positivity and being outdoors, and I absolutely adore seeing all of our fur babies do great things.
What are things you would like to do or see in 2026/2027 with your pup?
We have several trips in the pipeline for the coming years. We want to make a trip down into Georgia, the Appalachia region, possibly the Dakotas, and over into Arkansas.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
Once I get to North & South Dakota I will have completed my quest to visit all 50 states in the US.
What is your favorite part of being on the Mod Squad/Admin team?
I just love seeing folks celebrating their sweet dogs!
Jase
Who is your Bark Ranger?
Raku is my "Model Year 2023" Shetland Sheepdog and the spark behind all of our adventures. He is a blue merle marvel who transitions seamlessly from "baby hikes" in National Parks to the high-intensity world of FastCAT, herding, rally and FitDog. While Raku is the spark, Poppins is the hearth and commander in chief of Basecamp as our "Meow Ranger" holding down the homefront. Poppins provides the peace and relaxation that grounds us after a long stretch on the road. Together, they are PoppRak—the dynamic duo that brings the magic, the mischief, and the motivation into my life.
What is the one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I love being a "possibility architect." For many, the idea of traveling with a pet feels daunting or restricted. I live for the moment a pet parent realizes that their world doesn’t have to get smaller just because they have a dog—it actually gets wider. Watching that spark of joy when a team discovers a new passion or successfully navigates a trail together is incredibly rewarding.
What are things you would like to do or see this year with your pup?
Our mantra is: Do more, see more, BE more. I thrive on the road—the shifting landscapes, the new faces, and the lessons learned in every zip code. Raku is a "yes" dog; he’s willing to try anything for me, which gives us the freedom to explore everywhere from rugged dispersed campsites to historic state capitals. This year is about pushing the boundaries of where, and what, a Sheltie and his human can do. I've spent time in all the lower 48 states before Raku came into my life. Now we're revisiting some of my favorite parks and places as a bucket list of experiences I can give him as the years go by.
What is something interesting or unusual about you and not related to your dog?
My life has been a series of chapters written in different languages and locations. I studied Equestrian Science in university, but the call of the world led me to four years of solo travel across Europe in my 20s—living in Germany, Greece, Albania, and England.
I’ve spent my life working with animals: I’ve been a horseback trail guide on an island in Greece and the coast of Texas, an exotic animal handler (which sparked an obsession with giraffes), and volunteer at rescues. These experiences gifted me an uncanny "sixth sense" for working with fearful or insecure animals. When I wasn't handling animals, I was capturing them behind a lens as a freelance photographer specializing in animal portraits and martial arts.
What is your favorite part of being on the admin team?
The collaboration. We bring diverse voices and experiences to the table, all focused on one mission: keeping the US Bark Rangers a safe, joyful, and inclusive sanctuary. There is something profoundly "awesome" about showing someone the path, providing the map, and then stepping back to watch them create lifelong memories with their furry best friend. We aren't just an admin team; we are the guiding light of this beautiful journey.
Sarah
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My Bark Ranger is Gabbro James! We own 3 senior dogs (Roxie, Lola and Malay) and senior cat (Beaux) as well, who prefer to have “staycations” while we adventure. We also foster for an animal rescue and regularly have fosters that we like to take to parks when they are healthy enough to go!
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I really love the community it has built! Seeing and sharing with other people in our group full of dog people who love the outdoors as much as we do! I love that it gives pet owners a thing to be able to share with their pets but helps educate on the safest and best ways to do so!
What are things you would like to do or see in 2026/2027 with your pup?
I am hoping to continue to grow the number of parks that participate in the BARK Ranger program in Louisiana and continue to assist them in launching programs!
Gabbro and I are working on training as a therapy dog team and hope to get our certification for that!
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
Not much to be honest! My life is basically just pets and the outdoors! I am the head of a rescue’s work in Louisiana- assisting fosters families with things they need for their foster pets, manage the supplies and vetting appts, as well as fostering dogs myself.
I also own and operate a pet sitting company with the rest of my time– so my life really is all about the animals!
What is your favorite part of being on the Mod Squad/Admin team?
Being able to assist in the wonderful community we have built to make sure that it is a safe and welcoming place for all those that want to participate in the program!
Lisa
Who is your Bark Ranger?
My Bark Ranger is my senior rescue dog “Oliver” we’ve been a family for two years. He has gone from being a terrified, sick, old man to a confident, opinionated friend.
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
I love that the Bark Rangers program and magic map has helped me to plan adventures to increase Oliver‘s confidence and strengthen our bond. We have visited places that I never would’ve thought of and enjoyed every one of them.
What are things you would like to do or see in 2026/2027 with your pup?
I would like to go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year. We are planning an East coast trip this summer based around State and national Park visits. This is our first time planning a trip around park visits.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I have a very large collection of M&M dispensers, dispenser toys, mugs, drink ware and games. It started as a joke between friends. I used to display everything and when I moved, it sadly ended up all in boxes.
What is your favorite part of being on the Mod Squad?
My favorite part of being a new mod squad member is that I have met interesting, passionate dog people. I love that I am able to provide input about the Bark Ranger program and learn what goes into managing the program.
I love promoting the program to other fur families when we are out in the parks.
I am honored to have been asked to participate in the MOD Squad!
Mary Jo
Who are your Bark Rangers?
My current BARK Rangers are Tiny the 6y old Mastiff Super Mutt (DNA says Great Dane, Eng Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, Boxer, Bullmastiff, and Pitbull) and Ella the 7y old Bloody Dane (Bloodhound x Great Dane).
What is one thing you love about being a Bark Ranger enthusiast?
Since joining the BARK Ranger community, I've ventured to so many beautiful places that I likely would never have been motivated to experience otherwise.
What are things you would like to do or see in 2026/2027 with your pup?
I look forward to expanding my travels from home base and hope to visit the Grand Canyon and Arches Gateway.
What is something about you that is interesting or unusual and not related to your dog?
I've worked as a certified Veterinary Technician since 1986 (yup, I'm older than dirt) and don't plan on retiring any time soon!
What is your favorite part of being on the Mod Squad/Admin team?
Being part of the Mod Squad offers me an opportunity to meet lots of folks who share my love of pets and adventure, even if it's mostly virtual. Along the way I'm bound to improve my techno skills...I hope.