Old Dawg for Old Dogs

NorthOne’s Quest:  Peaks for Older Dogs

The purpose of NorthOne’s Quest:  Peaks for Older Dogs (Old Dawg for Older Dogs) is to hike all 14 four thousand-foot mountains in Maine and in the process bring awareness to older dogs who need a loving home. 

NorthOne’s Quest:  Peaks for Older Dogs (Old Dawg for Older Dogs) is the convergence of several of my loves and passions.  Elizabeth:  my daughter has been my main inspiration and love.  Dogs:  who have been a part of my life since before I was born.  Maine:  I take personally the sign after the Piscatagua River Bridge, “Maine Welcome Home.”  Katahdin:  Maine’s highest mountain changed my life many years ago, and now Baxter State Park https://baxterstatepark.org/ (where Katahdin is located) is my spiritual home.  Family and home.

Two years ago, a Maine News Center story popped up on my FYP featuring the work of Laurie Dorr at Finally Home https://www.finallyhomemaine.org/ in North Yarmouth, Maine.  She has given home to older dogs.  A total of 14 dogs now.  Fourteen dogs, 14 Maine four thousand-footer mountains.  I saw the connection.  Family and home. 

I must acknowledge the companions who are a part of our family and home:  our Scottie dog Victoria, a therapy dog, and now an old girl herself at 11, and Chihuahua Flora who came to us when a friend passed away and at 12 still is a very active “love bug,” and Angus the Cat, a tabby who had the brilliance to allow us to bring him in after an ice storm on a freezing February day and, while not a dog, nevertheless is with an abundance of noteworthy, admirable, and loveable qualities, and who is angling that I engage in a similar project for older cats. 

Like an older dog, I still have plenty of good life and love in me.  In dog years, I exceed 500. 

I am writing Dogs Leadeth Me, a book on dogs as spiritual guides and companions. 

I recognize Katahdin Kritters Pet Resort https://katahdinkritters.com/ in East Millinocket, Maine with their open hearts and wagging tails.  While I am hiking on the trails in Maine, Victoria and Flora and now Angus stay with Kelly, Mike, and the Team.

I gratefully salute Starburst my Webpage Designer and Social Media Director.  My family is always in my heart.  A private nod to MoonShadow. 

NorthOne

NorthOne aka Andrew E. Behrendt lives in Philadelphia with Elizabeth, and Victoria, Flora, and Angus, when not at home in Maine and can be reached at andybehrendt@earthlink.net  and (215)  668-0027.

Onward!

August 2025