Kyle Rohrig and his faithful Shiba Inu, Katana, are experienced hikers. But when Katana gradually lost her vision, she began to feel more unsure and scared. Determined to bring back Katana’s confidence, Kyle devised a plan to conquer the Florida Trail, even if it meant carrying the dog on his back for hundreds of miles.
Losing Katana’s vision
Kyle and Katana have been through several adventures together. They’ve conquered the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail as well as 2650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Katana is an experienced hiker, and Kyle had no problems having her around. In fact, he couldn’t imagine going on any trek without the faithful pooch.
But things began to change during their Pacific Crest Trail. At the middle of the trek, Katana lost her left eyesight due to glaucoma. They had to cut their trip short, go home, and have Katana undergo surgery. But that was not the end of it. Two years after, Katana also lost vision in her right eye.
Redeeming back Katana’s confidence
It was difficult for Kyle to see Katana lose confidence in herself. What used to be a happy, adventurous pooch turned into a timid one. So, Kyle thought that a new trek would allow Katana to come to terms with her new condition. He believed that it was the best time to bring Katana to a brand-new trek, this time to a 1,100-mile journey across the Florida Trail.
The trek proved to be a different and challenging one. While they hiked on flat and even terrain, the pair also encountered several difficulties, like wet and muddy grounds that were sometimes inhabited by alligators and snakes.
Trekking brought Katana back to a place that was familiar to her. Even without her precious eyesight, she would be able to walk a mile or two. But when things get a little rough, Kyle would carry her on his back. At the end of the trek, Kyle tallied 800 miles of hiking with Katana piggybacking on him.
Hiking through Florida Trail was a life-changing experience for both Kyle and Katana. The dog regained her lost confidence. Kyle is closer to his best friend now more than ever. It proves that true friendship will overcome the ups and downs, thick and thins of life.
Thanks to _roamad_