I grew up with a golden retriever who was my biggest life lesson in responsibility and care. Since then I've grown to believe strongly in the value of the fresh air, contentment, connection and being present in the moment that all come with dog ownership and spending time with the dog in the outdoors. Since the golden retriever, I've spent the last 5 years helping raise my parents' miniature Golden Doodle who has huge amounts of energy. I've gone skiing, running, backpacking, hiking, and walking with Nessie through all sorts of wonderful trails and woods across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since I've moved to Des Moines, I've greatly enjoyed getting to know all of the neat trails both throughout the city and in some surprisingly wild woods close to town. Some of my favorite places to take dogs are Brown's Woods, Walnut State Park, Grayy's Lake, Water Works Park, Ashworth Park, River Drive Park, and Crocker Woods Park I look forward to getting as many dogs into these great places as I can.