I'm Josh and I run Canine Adventure. I started Canine Adventure in an effort to help client dogs lead more satisfying lives, and help owners provide unique and exceptional care for their pets.
I've been working with dogs for many years. Actually, about 17 years ago, my first job was walking a dog daily. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work with small dogs like miniature schnauzers and rat terriers as well as large breeds like american bulldogs and rottweilers. Through my experience, I've become adept at handling the high energy of dogs like boxers and the more relaxed nature of dogs like basset hounds and pugs. I love working with all dogs and it constantly amazes me how similar they all are, despite the variety of appearances.
I own two rescues, Marshall and Cisco. My boys are my pack, and I'm proud to have the opportunity to give them a good home. We live and work together, and I constantly strive to make their lives as satisfying and important as possible. In exchange, they give unwavering devotion and fierce loyalty. I am very proud of my boys!
I spent my early days in scouts and developed an intense love for the outdoors. Since then, I've guided hiking, backpacking, caving, and rock climbing trips for clients as young as 12 and as old as 55.
On a personal level, I am an avid rock climber, a horrible musician, an excellent cook, and I keep two freshwater aquariums.
On a professional level, I am an accredited member of Pet Sitters International. I have also earned my pet first aid and CPR certifications through the American Red Cross. Regular work with rescue organizations keeps me honest and ensures that my dog handling skills are constantly up to snuff.
There are probably many things I have neglected to tell you. If you're curious, just ask! If you'd like personal or professional references, I'll be happy to provide them.
About Marshall...
Marshall came to me back in the fall of 2007. I've told the story countless times, so I'll tell it once more...
Marsh was tied to a tree in a nowhere town in West Virginia. He was beyond dirty, smelled like a mixture of death and feces, was covered in fleas, and hadn't had a good meal in longer than he'd admit. This old guy (then about 8) had been abandoned by his owner, likely because he was raised as a bear dog but would chase anything with four legs that left a scent.
He came home with me. After many baths and some research, I recognized him as a Plott. Read about them, they're incredible dogs. Marshall is an incredible dog.
I'm sure that in his years spent in the mountains, he's accomplished his share
of heroics. As old as he is, he is still the man and he knows it. He has one
master, and both he and I know this. It's been a rough road getting him to
adapt to life in the city and we've had our share of setbacks. In all fairness,
he was essentially a wild animal by the time he got to me.
He gets
along with most every dog and person he meets, but won't tolerate disrespect.
The dogs he meets just seem to sense this and they don't often test him (and he
meets LOTS of dogs).
My old plott is a tireless worker, guiding as many
as 10 adventure walks with me in a single week. A quick nap and a mouthful of
food, and he's ready for another round, every time. I could go on forever about
him, but I won't. Suffice to say that he is a dedicated, loyal, hardworking,
and hardheaded pack member. A marginal pet, but a king among dogs.
About Cisco...
I adopted Cisco back in July of 2009. He was in foster care with ADRATI K9 Rescue and I had the opportunity to handle him at an adoption event. That day, I had a feeling about this dog, and his excellent social skills and eagerness to obey got me thinking. A week later, he was cowering at my door afraid to come inside!
Cisco is a 5 year old German Shepherd from Colombia. His family brought him to the US and for reasons that remain unclear, surrendered him to the rescue. Their loss is our gain, he's amazing.
He has changed from the fearful, homeless dog that I dragged through the doorway to a spirited, intense, focused pack member. A dominant dog by nature, he has one master. Luckily, that's me!
Cisco absolutely loves romping and playing with most any dog, but really likes the company of high energy, tough pooches who run, bark, box, and play rough. He is also pretty good at teaching by example, and is always attentive to good handling.
As anyone who owns an intelligent dog knows, the boundaries will always be tested. He is no slouch in this department and this has helped me grow into a vigilant pack leader. A smart man once said that our dogs come into our lives in order to teach us a lesson about ourselves. Cisco has taught me a few so far, but the most important is how to maintain the mentality of a watchful, intense, and fair pack leader.
