Hey Golden Whiskers family,
We’re just eight days away from Tails on Trails, and I’m struggling with something I thought I’d have figured out by now.
Last year, I recorded an episode about the stress of organizing this event, constantly checking registration numbers, and letting those numbers affect my mood.
Well, here we are a year later, and I’m doing it again.
We have 66 hikers registered, nearly $8,500 raised toward our $10,000 goal, a wonderful presenting sponsor, and some amazing people helping bring this event together.
And yet, I keep focusing on what’s missing instead of appreciating what’s already happening.
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing what it’s been like carrying so much of the responsibility for Tails on Trails, why I’m putting so much pressure on myself, and a realization I had this morning:
When you strip away all the planning and stress, I’m simply inviting people to get together on a Saturday morning, hike, listen to music, drink coffee, and help pets.
Why am I making something so simple so complicated in my head?
I’m still figuring that out.
With gratitude,
Scott
goldenwhiskerslove.com | tributehikes.com
🎧 Episode Snapshot
In this personal solo episode, I share what’s going on behind the scenes just eight days before our third annual Tails on Trails.
You’ll hear:
🧠 Why I’m still obsessing over registration numbers, even when I know it’s not helping.
💛 The pressure of carrying so much responsibility myself, despite having some wonderful people helping.
🥾 How something as simple as bringing people together for a hike has become a source of stress.
🐾 Why I’m struggling to appreciate the progress we’ve already made, including nearly $8,500 raised toward our $10,000 goal.
🌱 What letting go means to me this year—continuing to work hard without allowing the results to control how I feel.
🏔️ The irony of organizing a hiking event while barely finding time to enjoy the outdoors myself.
I don’t have all the answers. But recording this episode helped remind me why I started Tails on Trails in the first place: to honor Nomar and Mia and create something that will eventually help other pets and their families.
🐾 How You Can Support Tails on Trails
Saturday, October 24, 2026 — Baker Creek Preserve, Knoxville, TN
Join us for a 3-mile community hike, live acoustic music, coffee, baked goods, s’mores, and a morning dedicated to helping pets and honoring the animals we love.
Registration is FREE, and donations are optional!
Can’t make it to Knoxville? You can participate through our Hike From Anywhere option, whether that means hiking a trail or walking around your neighborhood.
You can also donate or help by sharing the event with friends and family.
👉 Register, donate, or learn more at tributehikes.com
All donations support the Nomar & Mia Compassion Endowment at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Once fully funded at $25,000, the endowment will begin helping families facing emergency veterinary expenses.
🐾 Cattitude Prompt
Have you ever worked so hard toward something that you stopped enjoying the process?
Or put so much pressure on yourself that you overlooked the progress you were already making?
I’d love to hear how you’ve dealt with it.
And if you’re participating in Tails on Trails, either in Knoxville or from wherever you live, tell me about a pet you’d like to honor on October 24.
Hit reply or leave a comment. I’d love to hear your story.
