Recently I lost my best friend and little adventuring partner, Gremlin. I wanted to put together some pictures and videos to commemorate her unforgettable spirit and the years we shared together.

When Gremlin was born, she had a cleft lip and palate along with some neurological issues, and she almost didn’t survive. The vet told us we should probably put her down because she would likely struggle to make it.

We didn’t listen. We started hand feeding her because she couldn’t nurse on her own, and even before her eyes were open she was already a feisty little thing. I remember looking at her and just knowing she was going to survive and prove everyone wrong. Right then, I knew she was going to be my dog.

And she absolutely was. She grew into the happiest, most confident little spitfire imaginable. Wherever I went hiking, kayaking, camping, teaching classes, filming videos and more, she was almost always right there beside me, ready for the next adventure. Fearless, stubborn, enthusiastic, and full of personality. Along the way I even worked with her and earned her a Trick Dog title.

We only had six years together, and it was nowhere near enough, but I’m deeply thankful for every moment I got to share with her unforgettable soul.

The wilderness feels much quieter without her now. But I know some part of her still walks those trails with me, and she will always remain in my heart.