We adopted Archer from a local rescue back in 2011 when he was only 8 weeks old. At the time, we never could have predicted what having such a high-energy cattle dog mix puppy would be like. An adorable ball of constant movement is how I would describe him. Our dog trainer simply called him pupper and the nickname stuck.

As he seemed to double in size each week, it became clear that he was not going to be 'only the size of a cocker spaniel,' as our original vet had estimated. In fact, he topped out at around 80 pounds; this meant we really wanted to make sure he was well-socialized with both people and other dogs. It also meant exposing him to a variety of environments.

To help him burn off some of that energy, I actively sought out spots for day trips, hikes, brunches, and vacations where he could join us. It didn't take long to realize that much of the available information on dog-friendly travel was a bit lacking, whether due to outdated details, size limitations for permitted dogs, or criteria that overlooked the fact that humans were also involved. Just because a dog is allowed to go doesn't always mean it's a place you want to go!

As Archer got older, we had to start making adjustments regarding how and where we traveled. After a scary health emergency occurred during one of the few times we traveled without him, it became clear that our adventures would always include him. What had once been a fun pastime became our preferred way of vacationing, and we adapted our trips to meet his changing needs as he aged.

After years traveling with Archer and documenting our discoveries, this blog became a labor of love dedicated to his adventurous spirit. Though we lost him in July 2024, the mission he inspired continues. Our newest family member, Esme, is another rescue who is now learning the ropes of California exploration, benefiting from all the lessons Archer taught us about finding truly dog-friendly destinations.

These journeys, often starting near or from our base in Los Angeles, continue to fuel my passion for sharing what we've learned. My aim remains the same: to help fellow dog owners who want to spend more time with their pets, ensuring that your adventures are not only memorable but also enjoyable for both humans and puppers alike. Whether you're traveling with a energetic young pup or a seasoned companion, there's always another perfect spot waiting to be discovered.