Sierra it is!
Starting in November, 2016, I started looking for a four legged hiking and backpacking partner. I wanted a canine that would have enough endurance to last on a 10+ mile hike as well as being off-leash. I did most of my initial research using an article titled 15 Best Dog Breeds for Hiking Buddies I zeroed in on 3 breeds: Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and an Australian Shepard. I also decided I did not a puppy but rather a young dog between 2 and 5 years old. I searched many breeders and rescues .. with many false starts. Finally .. I found a 3 year old female Aussie mix (I'm told part setter) from a rescue organization, Perfect Pet Rescue , in Venice, CA with a photo and description that came pretty darn close to my needs. Her name is Sierra .. and I'm told the original owners discarded her because she was eating their chickens! ( fine with me, I don't eat meat anyway ). Her name was Sierra .. and I decided not to change her name as I plan on spending many days