Stowe Pinnacle is a 3.7 mile “up and back out” trail of difficult terrain near Stowe, Vermont. It is hiked by loads of people and is especially popular from April to October. Dogs are allowed to hike the trail but most of them are with a human. Not two Golden Retrievers named Baylor and Samson. They hike the trail all by themselves. Countless hikers have posted photos greeting the duo at the summit. Their hashtag? #stowepinnacledogs
Not Homeless, Just Outdoor Enthusiasts
Baylor and Samson live with Perry Schafer on a property near the base of the Stowe Pinnacle trailhead. She says that her dogs have been bolting for the trail for about 7 years and there is nothing she can do to contain her trail-loving pups.
She told Burlington Free Press, “I hate that they run off, and I know some people see it as irresponsible dog ownership,” she said. “They are just outdoor dogs. If they had a twinge of viciousness, I would be more concerned.”
Houdinis Since Puppyhood
Perry got Baylor as a puppy and it didn’t take long for him to assert his escape artist ways. He first disappeared from her property in the middle of a snowstorm. Worried that she would end up with a lost, injured, or worse, she got him a buddy. Along came Samson, who was more timid, but under Baylor’s mischievous mentorship Samson soon followed Baylor’s lead to the trail.
Perry says that the pair can get out no matter what. If they are inside, they open the doors and run away. If they are in the fenced-in portion of their yard, they scale the fence. She told Burlington Free Press, “They’ll balance themselves on door frames and jiggle handles open,” she said. “It really is unusual.”
Regular Complaints are Filed
The Stowe Police Department receives regular calls about Baylor and Samson. People worry that they dogs are lost because they are unattended. Some local hikers do not appreciate them, either. They say that even though Baylor and Samson are friendly, not all dogs are and that could lead to trouble without a human around to assist or control the dogs.
Sheila Goss is a local and used to hike Stowe Pinnacle regularly. When they kept seeing the unaccompanied dogs on the trail, they decided to choose a different path. She told Burlington Free Press, “These dogs come barreling through the woods, and there’s no owner to call them back,” Goss said. “We love dogs, we own two, but our concern is that these trails can be dangerous and there’s no one to look out for them.”
Most People Adore Samson and Baylor’s Presence
Perry reported that Samson and Baylor have never been injured or caused any trouble on the trail. In fact, they have been of service, once leading a hiker who lost her way back down the trail to her car. Many who were not expecting to see Baylor and Samson at the top are thrilled to find them there. Others are hoping to see them and are happy when they get their wish.
What do you think? Should Baylor and Samson be welcomed as solo hikers on the trail or should Perry do whatever it takes to curb her hiking dogs’ appetite for the outdoors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
H/T burlingtonfreepress.com
Featured Image Samantha Nor Instagram
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