Gorge Trailing K9s

01/03/2026

Ellie May is 9 today.

It’s been a journey.

She started as my mountain trail buddy—following me through the mountains while I checked trail cams. Somewhere along the way, the roles reversed. Now I follow her, as she helps bring the lost home… or brings closure to loved ones. And I can never talk about that part lightly.

She’s creeping closer to retirement in a few years, hopefully. And it makes you wonder—how could any dog ever take her place?

They won’t.
They’ll have some big paws to fill.

Ellie May has searched in eight counties across Washington and Oregon.
She’s been called on 50+ missions.
She’s hooked up and worked around 30.
She’s had 20 something correct DOTs that helped bring subjects home.

Walk-up finds? I’ll share those when she’s done writing her story.

Whether it’s a 20-hour-old, 5½-mile trail that ends in a walk-up find of missing hikers…
Or tracking an arsonist through an active wildfire, with DNR officers backing us up…
No matter the conditions, we trust her to always give 100%.

And with all of that aside—

She’s our best fur friend.
My wife’s cuddle buddy.
And the best family dog we’ve ever known.

Thank you, Ellie May. 🐾💛

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

10/25/2025

Well. After a bad week of Covid.
I’ve finally turned the corner. For those that were signed up for the trailing seminar. I’m sorry I’ll make it up to you.
I’m looking at a date for a free day long workshop based on lost mushroom hunters. Starts and scent pools.
Let me know if you’re interested.

08/19/2025

08/17/2025

🎯 Lead Handling Skills

There are many ways to manage a trailing lead — but one mistake I see far too often is when a handler lets the lead hang and drag behind them.

That has serious consequences:
1. Guaranteed hang-ups
• A dragging lead will get caught on vehicle tires, trees, fences, or anything it can snag.
• Every tangle disrupts your dog and the trail.
2. Unwanted corrections
• If your dog reacts to a sudden snap of the lead, a snag creates confusion.
• The dog may interpret it as punishment, even though you never meant it.
3. Handler safety risks
• A loose lead around your legs is an accident waiting to happen.
• Picture going downhill: if the lead is dragging, the dog can pull you off balance.
• With a coiled lead in your hand, you can feed it out smoothly and stay in control.

⸻

✅ The Solution: Coil, Don’t Drag
• Always coil the excess lead in your off-hand.
• Feed it out smoothly as your dog works.
• This prevents hang-ups, protects your dog from unintended pressure, and keeps you safe.

It may feel harder at first, but it’s the only way to trail responsibly.

👉 Coil it — don’t drag it.