Funny thing about hosting a dog event… it all started with two cats
The tears were flowing on Saturday
🐾 The Calm After the Trail
Hey Golden Whiskers family,
It’s Monday morning, two days after Tails on Trails 2025, and I’m finally sitting down, coffee in hand, cats nearby — to catch my breath.
I needed a day to just be yesterday.
If you’ve ever poured your heart into something meaningful, you know that feeling when it’s over — the mix of gratitude, exhaustion, and quiet awe that it actually happened.
I’ve never been married, but I’m guessing this is how a bride or groom feels on their wedding day.
This year, 90 hikers came together to walk, remember, and celebrate, raising $7,189 for the Nomar & Mia Compassion Fund to help pet parents in need of emergency veterinary care. That number means real lives saved, and I’m so proud of what this community has done.
But the moments that stuck with me weren’t numbers. They were the human ones.
💛 What Moved Me Most
There was one moment that made me stop and just take it all in: The end of the Memorial Walk.
Lisa began playing the flute as hikers quietly wrote the names of the pets they’ve lost — hanging their notes and photos on the Memory Wall. The air was cool, the music soft, and you could feel something sacred moving through the space.
Grief and gratitude all mixed together.
That was the heart of it for me. Connection through shared love.
🕊 When I Caught Myself Tearing Up
It happened while I was talking about my vet, Dr. Wulforst, who cared for Mia during her final months.
Dr. W won one of our Golden Paw Awards - The Mia’s Heart Award.
She wasn’t there that morning, but she was on my mind. Talking about her reminded me of what this event is all about: compassion, care, and how the smallest acts of kindness ripple through so many lives.
🐕 Why It Matters
People often tell me their stories of pet loss at this event.
Some of those conversations happen quietly in passing. Others never need to be spoken out loud, because we all know.
We all have stories.
That’s what makes Tails on Trails special. It’s not just about walking a trail; it’s about walking together.
Each person who showed up, with or without a pet, reminded me that love, memory, and community are all connected.
☕ The Vibe Moving Forward
There’s something magical about those cool morning hours. The coffee aroma, acoustic music, laughter, and gentle energy before the hike.
I think next year, we’re going to lean even more into that cozy “morning campfire” feeling — connection, conversation, gratitude, and community.
No big announcements yet, but I can tell you this: the heart of Tails on Trails will only grow warmer from here. ❤️
📹 See the Morning
You can catch our pre-event coverage on WBIR-TV here — and then check out this story from the day itself, featuring a local reporter who joined us at the event.
🐾 Keep the Ripples Going
If you couldn’t make it this year or you’d like to help us reach our next milestone ($311 away from $7,500), you can still donate to the Nomar & Mia Compassion Fund here:
👉 Donate here.
Every gift, big or small, helps a family save their pet’s life.
💬 Final Thought
On Saturday, as the sun rose over Baker Creek Preserve, I realized something: this event isn’t just a fundraiser or a hike. It’s a living, breathing thank-you.
A thank-you to the pets who changed us.
A thank-you to the people who show up.
And a thank-you to this community for reminding me what really matters.
See you on the trail,
Scott