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. 🐾💛
