Humans and Dogs​
Thanks for checking us out, here you can learn in more detail just who we are, what we love, and some of the advetures we have accomplished.
Whitney "Allgood" LaRuffa
In 1996 while Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail I found a dog who I adopted and hiked from TN to ME with. I have spent the next 17 years since hiking with dogs all over the US.

During the summers of 1997 & 1998 I was a Ridge Runner on the Appalachian Trail in PA, where I patrolled a 75 mile stretch of trail with my dog Erwin. During these 3 seasons on the Appalachian Trail I met countless people and educated them about my experiences of hiking big miles with my dog. All the while I was honing my techniques along the trail.

Now I help educate others while on trail and off. I am Leave No Trace Master Educator and love to help others learn about LNT and how that can apply for you and your dog.

I am a Brand Ambassador for Ruffwear Dog Gear, Gossamer Gear and TurboPup. Three incredible companies who's gear and food line up help use accomplish our adventures.

Accomplishments:
1996 Appalachian Trail Thru-hike
1997 & 1998 Ridge Runner for Appalachian Trail Conference
1996-2000 Section Hiked Allegheny Trail
2000's Summited Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Hood (Cascade Peaks)
2011 John Muir Trail Thru-Hike
2012 Wonderland Trail Thru-Hike
2012 & 2013 Timberline Trail Thru-Hike
2013 Tahoe Rim Trail Thru-hike
2008-Present Section Hiking the PCT

Community Involvement
President- American Long Distance Hiking Association-West (ALDHA-West)

Member-PCT Days Planning Commitee

Karluk
Karluk was adopted from the Oregon Humane Society in 2008 when he was a young Pup. Karluk spent the next two years taking professional training classes with me and earned his AKC Good Citzen Certification.

Karluk is a "mile monster", he often hikes back to back 20+ miles days with me during backpacking season. During the winter months he enjoys skiing and skijoring with me on Mt Hood, along with mountaineering in the Cascade Mountains.

Karluk is a Brand Ambassador for Ruffwear Dog Gear the premier makers of dog products for outdoor enthusiast. He helps showcase their product line both on and off trail.

Accomplishments:
2010 AKC Good Citizen Cerification
2009-present PCT section hiker covering 300+ miles thus far
2012 Mt Adams Summit
2012-2013 Timberline Trail Thru-Hike
2013 Tahoe Rime Trail Thru-Hike

Erwin
It all started when this little mutt and I crossed paths in Erwin, TN on April 14, 1996. I came into town after a long morning that started with my tent collapsing on me in a wind storm atop a bald in NC. When I finally arrived at the motel I was greeted on the front porch by Erwin.

Erwin had been following other thru-hikers for weeks and had flip-flopped back and forth through the Smokey Mountains until he decided to follow two buddies of mine into town. With little urging I decided to take this guy with me instead of seeing him get carted away to the dog-pound.

Erwin hiked all the way to the ME border with me, and then spent the rest of his years hiking besides me in the Appalachian's, the Bad Lands of the Dakotas, and Finally the Cascades of the PNW.

After 13 years together I said goodbye to my friend when he could no longer walk.

Thanks to Erwin I developed a deep love for hiking with Dogs that continues on.