Van Life Q&A | Akela's Story, Dating, & Some Advice

I've held my dogs intestines, learned about dating on the road, and have accumulated some advice for other travelers. Thank you to this amazing community for the wonderful & insightful questions!
Book Links:
Comfort Crisis - amzn.to/3gGA3Do
Facing the Mountain - amzn.to/3gKsw6w
Braiding Sweetgrass - amzn.to/3JkqPZG
Farseer Trilogy - amzn.to/34EF4dh
HUGE thanks to all of my Patrons
Please consider supporting us on Patreon, every little bit helps!
/ linneaandakela
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We are Linnea and Akela. Through the van build, I used my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan by themselves and on a budget, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire.
SUBSCRIBE for solo travel, all things outdoors, and the in's & out's of van life with a big german shepherd.
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@tinabapp2225]

I just have to say your amazing. I am a 57 year old woman just starting my build in a ambulance. My husband is dying from stage 4 cancer however he knew how important it was to me to eventually travel so last year he bought me the ambulance. You my dear have inspired me to be able to do solar , diesel heat and necessary things myself. Thank you for sharing. Your strength and wisdom is inspiring.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Good for you. I hope his passing goes as smoothly as it can.

[@davidwayne6318]

Rixen Enterprises in Oregon is the go to for diesel heat questions and gear, happy travels

[@girland2vandogs]

I’m sure you feel differently but I will never get sick of Akela dropping her ball in your videos 😂

[@simply.leen.]

Linnea, "I'm not going to hold your ball." Proceeds to hold the ball. LOL

[@rain8811]

Who woulda thought a 64 year old woman with a traditional lifestyle would be so interested in you channel. You rock!

[@antoniafoster8264]

I’m 58, and here too. 🤗

[@simply.leen.]

56 and watching too. :)

[@Cynthia713]

I'm 52 and I'm here, too!... Linnea, keep shinin' on!🧚💫

[@boymama2620]

I'm 48 and I love her content! It inspires me to travel more!

[@Mysteryofitall]

Hahaha I'm 65 and love your channel..

[@amnamohamed4511]

I'm so sorry for what happened to your doggy. I can't imagine having to see that. More power to you, Linnea!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! 💛💛

[@travelsnacks]

I’m giving you a virtual hug for the loss of your previous dog 🐶 ❤️ and also I agree that dating while being a full time nomad is very challenging! Thanks for sharing your experience. 😊

[@brads.3674]

I love Akela! The way she goes after flies reminds me of my last dog. Thanks for sharing your story and Akela's. Safe travels.

[@chriswatt6835]

I can't help but smile about the fact that Akela reacts to the exact part where Linnea is talking about the emergency vet trip. Akela is so intuitive.

[@ElsaRhae]

Loved this video start to finish. I love hearing your advice and how you think. Your tattoos are awesome🤍

[@abigailmoore4677]

Elsa I am nerding out hardcore! I am from KC and I have been to a lot of the places I see you guys go when you are in town.

[@mikalawoods]

When icons are mutuals 🙌😫

[@EnlightenMewithJoePena]

This was so much more than entertainment. Love the depth and grounded-ness you exude so effortlessly.

[@CihaPet]

Your story about Denali just punches right in the gut. So glad you found Akela to help fill that void. I've often heard that it is best to be able to have the dog pick you, which is what seems to have happened with you two.

[@sherriberkley188]

Wow, Linnea that was a wild beginning with Akela. Glad she made it through those tribulations.

[@shiammi907]

Linnea, you are beautiful, smart, funny and wise beyond your years. Thank you for keeping it to "a nice level" so the upcoming gen can watch and be inspired. And.....thank you most of all for loving Akela so much.💖🙏🏽God bless and protect both of you!

[@elmerleefuddpucker7747]

I have followed your story from the start. You, no doubt, inspire many to just go for it and love life and all that surrounds you. At 71 I now so wish I had done what you are doing. You are such a kind, intelligent, gutsy, and sweet person. Keep it up and stay true to yourself! Give that awesome white pup a pat on the head…..he is awesome. Be well!

[@davesi56]

Good to hear a young person that understands what hunting is about. Safe travels!

[@rebeccagypsysol]

Hey :) thanks for answering my question! As a plant-based gal myself, I've appreciated the fact that you crave connection to the earth and your food- I think it's really important, and something that's seriously lacking these days. As someone who promotes animal welfare, but also supports hunting and has hunted, I've felt uncomfortable talking about it all because I've noticed there's a severe lack of nuance in some of these polarizing communities. I think you're bridging that gap, which is why we appreciate you🙏🏼 Stay safe out there!✌🏼

[@GiMom19]

Thank you for sharing Denali & Akela’s stories. I had the same experience with one of my dogs. He was only 6 mths old. He passed in my arms. They are family through and through. Akela definitely picked you. Loved this video so much. You mentioned traveling in your 4 Runner. How did you like that? Thinking of purchasing one to do some traveling/camping but still being able to utilize it as an everyday vehicle. You are so inspiring ….. I hope to cross paths with you one day 😁

[@rickkozarits8930]

Hi Linnea , I know where you’re coming with Akela .the love between a person and their dog is unique , I lost mine 12 months ago this month .she was a 12yr old vizsla called Indy & the reason I would rush home from work everyday ,I still miss her terribly .to make her loss that but easier I had two tattoos with her ashes mixed in the ink ,one is her name scrolled on my forearm & her paw print tattooed on my chest .some people think it’s weird but it helped me a lot to get thru a very dark time x

[@davidd6171]

Holy smokes... this story is amazing and sad at the same time. I'm so glad you saved Akela! Both of you are awesome!

[@swavekbu4959]

Best part, telling your family and friends "f 'em," is so wise, anyone who judges you on how you live your life is NOT worth your time. You are my kind of person Linnea, keep living your life on YOUR terms, that's awesome. Akela's a very lucky dog.

[@dickmillet]

Loved this! When people ask me what it's like my first words are always "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.".

[@marirose19]

I truly love it when you share the books you’re reading. So glad I found your channel; I think I’ve told you it’s one of my Top Tens (or less)-definitely don’t need more than 2 hands to count my faves on. Linnea, you are an old, wise soul who has/d awesome parents. Love your Mom & pls know your Dad sees all you do & helps you. So glad you have a 2nd Dad now too. I know that was off topic but didn’t write it in a comment when you interviewed your Mom for the podcast or when you talked abt your 2 Dads in a YT Short. It irks me the way YT disallows content that actually teaches us useful information. Well, you’re doing something right. Keep up the awesome work.

[@juliemcnair5182]

You're a very wise and talented lady. I think you go very far in the life you want❤

[@davidstevens527]

I just happened to come along your videos, and they have really enthralled me. I used to do these same things. I have travelled across, and back again, the United States 10 or 11 times. I just turned 59. I was married and had two daughters, so I settled down and worked and now I'm alone again. I envy you. I miss it. I have watched a few of your videos, and you are completely involved and I am very jealous. Do this for as long as you can, because you will meet some one, and life will be different. Enjoy every minute. Love the dog also, what a doll. Thank you for bringing back memories. Every state is pretty in its own way.

[@CosmicEremite]

This has quickly become one of my new favorite vehicle life channels. Greetings from TN! 💙

[@user-uk6yz1my8h]

Sending you and Akela great vibes. Be safe and keep doing what you're doing... you are a breath of fresh air.

[@LifeinCamoMedia]

I love that you are going to be open about hunting. Conservation and sustainability are misunderstood by so many. If you ever travel through Alabama, give me a shout and we will hunt some hogs. Safe travels.

[@PainInTheGrAssPetWasteRemoval]

I just stumbled upon your channel while down the KZbin rabbit hole a few weeks ago......Im 41, i would NEVER live the life that you do......and yet i am ADDICTED to you and Akela!!....LOL.....I absolutely love seeing and watching all your adventures. :)

[@denellebalach1200]

you are such an inspiration, thank you for your beautiful content. Bless you and akela i am so glad she made it through her surgeries.

[@Lillylee2599]

I volunteered for years on a search and rescue team as a K9 handler, Dogs can smell your scent when you go through certain emotions, long story short, she knew you needed each other. Your bond you have with each other is obvious and beautiful.

[@frederickfred2714]

Life can be dangerous anywhere but there are lots of good caring people on the road as well ..all you can do is use your intelligence to stay safe..trust your instinct about people..life is a learning process..stay safe..

[@paintingwithkay9253]

I love Robin Hobb's books too! Another good fantasy book I'd recommend is The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles) by Patrick Rothfuss

[@abigailvuocolo1548]

Linnea thank you for always being the most genuine you that you can be. I appreciate that

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello Abigail

[@willemijnkamerling4011]

You're such a wonderful person Linnea. You're calm is so soothing. I lost a pet rat 10 years ago, he was 5 months and didn't wake up properly after surgery, he died in my arms. I still tear up talking about him. So glad you and Akela found each other 🧡

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello kamerling

[@1336Studios]

I hope you find someone worth your energy, Linnea. Much love

[@swavekbu4959]

The story of your dog getting hit by a car broke my heart. I'm so sorry. I have a shepherd as well, and just the thought of it is too much. I live through my dog as you do, thank you for sharing your story. 🎄🌻🌺

[@Texasishot105]

Thank you so very much for sharing your journey with us. 58, cancer survivor, building out a ambulance right now... life is short, live your best life. Huggers from Austin Texas. 🤗❤🐾

[@ginabrytowski3564]

Dear Lord I bawled all through the beginning with Denali and Akela. Actually I'm still kinda crying 😂. As always a great video with tons of info. I love your advice for solo female travel. That it's not comfortable. I tell everyone it's a simple life, NOT an easy life. Thanks for sharing all of this! ❤️

[@guardemdog]

We live right on the highway, at one point we just called our land rancho de la Muerte. We now have all 32 acres fenced.

[@Vener349]

watching both of you track the fly was delightful. I rewinded that like 4 times lol @8:23

[@seekingthejoy]

I began watching your channel during your first build and quickly became a fan. As a solo traveler myself (with a towable) finding peace in what we love is key. Excited to see where the year takes you.. and really I 💯% agree…just be you. Just follow your own path, it’s not our job to make sure everyone understands why we live this way.

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello AYJ

[@2010maroonjeep]

I love that you shared about your life and your babies. My German Shepherds are my heart, and once you get one their like tattoos. I can't have just one. So excited to see what life has planned for you!

[@abigailmoore4677]

I love watching your story girl!! I have wanted to do something similar for a long time now. it is so encouraging to see other females do it with there dogs. I have a 1 year old German shepherd

[@Th1nkGr33ns]

When my husky was a puppy, he use to ate whole socks too. Fortunately, they never got stock. He pooped them out in one piece all twisted.

[@nomansvan827]

Love it every time Akela drops that ball, reminds me soooo much of my dogs.

[@bus_bigbuford4989]

Sky raisins. The fly. That's what I call them when I tell my dogs to get them lol.

[@kimdefluke8249]

Dear Linnea, I was moved to tears 😢 listening to your experience with your first dog. Heartbreaking and understandable you didn't want to talk about it. It takes me years ( at least 4 ) before I can talk about my dogs that passed away ( for whatever reason ). And the loss is forever. Rudyard Kipling wrote a very apt poem about loving dogs. Like you I chose to get a dog different to my last one ( in hopes of not being triggered and to honour my 'lost' dog ). After losing my male golden retriever I finally got, four years later, a female jack Russell chihuahua cross. A few years later I added a tiny male chihuahua to our pack. You have a great bond with your dogs I can see, me too I hope, but I like my dogs to have company of either another dog or cat too ( not always possible I know but...). Keep living your best life darling. You are so easy to watch because you are so real. Stay safe. Stay strong. Love from London UK 🇬🇧 ❤ 💙 💕 ♥

[@Sherrie561]

My four month old kitten decided to eat hair ties plastic wrappers and a few other things ended up with a large obstruction and then two days after we brought her home she tried to jump on some thing and broke her leg which was misdiagnosed so she went nine days thinking she had just bruised it. so happy to hear she’s doing well

[@davidshillito5174]

Just came across your blog....i am so sorry that you had to witness the loss of your beloved first dog in the manner that you did. I think you are a lovely woman and your white Alsation is so beautiful. Best wishes from David. England UK.

[@Meghanandmatt]

So sorry for all you’ve gone through with your first pup! Happy Akelia made it through and she’s with you now! ❤️

[@vannaoffthewall9344]

Been binging your videos lately and this is def one of my top favs. It was raw and vulnerable. I also appreciate all the real advice you gave 🖤

[@chief7839]

You never cease to amaze me. You are just so confident and easy to listen to. I'm always left looking forward to the next episode. The bond you have with your buddy is just so touching.i like dogs so much more than most people so I can quite understand and relate to the affection you two have for each other. I will continue to pray for you kid, that you will continue to have safe travels and enjoy all that life has to offer you. God bless.

[@thegiftofnature]

Thank you for this video. The part about unsupportive family/friends really hit home and I appreciate the way you encourage us to keep on going and living the life we want to live. I’ve just started my channel and am dealing with the unsupportive fam right now... but this is what I really want for myself and the future. They don’t need to understand the lifestyle choice I make, I just do. Your story of Akela was crazy and I’m so sorry that happened with Denali ❤️ sending love!

[@teddihawes]

I am so sorry for what happened with your past dog and I wish you and Akela the best ❤️🐶

[@oppositeistrue]

Well done for keeping it together, whenever I think of mum I see her smile not her big sleep, that way I can always have a chat with her without getting lost in my sadness.

[@Cynthia713]

All the way around, for me, this is one of my favorite videos that you've posted. Simply because I truly appreciate the *raw* honesty. This, (and many of your other videos), are so helpful since nomadic life is something I am working towards as a potential lifestyle change. Thanaank you!😊🙇‍♀️👍

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello Cynthia

[@suezaple4950]

Sorry about your fur baby Danali so sad to lose a friend , Akela sure had a rough start happy she is doing well now you two are a great team. thanks for sharing these question and answers love it.

[@ulrikasunremarkablelife]

The Farseer trilogy is still the best I have ever read 📚. I have read it twice and it still impacted me deeply the second time around.

[@Pluto8424]

My heart goes out to you losing Denali in such a traumatic way . Love learning more about you Keep up the good work .

[@katiekatie12341]

So wild to me that you were the one who inspired me to start van life and now I’m watching this and resonating with it while sipping coffee in my van

[@betterlemonade]

I enjoyed watching this Q&A so much - I teared up with the story leading up to having Akela in your life. Thank you for sharing! I love watching your videos - it is calming for me❤ I look forward to the big film project you have coming up.

[@Brandon12199]

I also assisted a vet with surgery! I worked in a vet clinic a few days a week while in university doing after hours cleaning, walking, feeding the patients, and this one time a german shephard puppy was hit by a car and brought in after all the techs had gone home so the Dr. requested my assistance - it was very exciting! Something resonated that day I think because now I'm a doctor!

[@Linneaandakela]

This is such a cool story! I know that it is technically "wrong" when doctors do that (or at least in my case it was), but it is beautiful that they are willing to ask for assistance knowing that it is the only thing that could save the animal. People are so good!

[@Brandon12199]

@@Linneaandakela I agree so much! That ocurred about 8 years ago, however I truly believe that most people will do what it takes to save a life. Whether it's the life of an animal or a human, I've seen people, ordinary people, rise up and extend extraordinary compassion to save a life.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

I listened to most of this last night. I have my first REAL working dogs, a female Australian Shepard, and a large male GSD (Czech lineage) ..he's trained as K9. I HAVE say on reflection...a GSDs "drive" is critical to their role as a practical dog. Here on our small farm his drive is present 24/7. He's is up most nights watching, never just a "pet"...he can shut down thay drive instinctually when we are NOT on the farm OR in my vehicles . It is AMAZING. I will never be without a very researched GSD selected for drive characteristics. This happens well before you go see the cute pups. It is a researched based and "homework" study. Akeila should be barking VERY aggressively ANYTIME someone approaches your "property" ( van, or farm) and should be able to shut that off on command or as soon as you exit that "place" they consider their territory. Just my 2 cent. As a 54 yo I never really understood dogs until the trainer who I got the GSD from educated me. He will sit at the edge of our property and stare at lineman (for instance) ALL day...but the minute they cross the line he is "game on"

[@blackphantom99]

Only a new subscriber but you are wise beyond your years and your you! Nothing more interesting than listening to an honest person! I’m going through cancer at the moment and thinking if I survive it to just get out of this boring life and just start travelling around Australia where I’m from. Thankyou so much for all your great videos and for being a beautiful human ❤️☺️

[@journeywithserenity5655]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Our dogs are our babies and that loss hurts like no other. I found my Bella after my assault (weird fact she was born the same night) and then we loss another of our fur babies. I don't know what I'd do without her. I have four grown sons, but she truly is my best friend and companion. Like Akela she's a shepherd with this anxiety around strangers. I'm her person and we'd be lost without one another. Your insight and advice is always so touching and resonates deeply. I hope you continue to stick around for a good long while!

[@wildzenventures]

So very sorry to hear the story of your first pup, how devastating! Akela is beautiful 💕

[@aliciaayala6650]

Yes u 2 were and are ment to be. I love that you have that. Alot of people don't get what its like to have that kind of love.

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello Alicia

[@Kains_whored]

I am so so so so so sorry for your loss

[@gisellea2574]

Your so amazing!!! That a woman can be out alone independant traveling enjoying her life. Not worrying about finding a partner to marry or having kids, like everyone else. I love seeing other women like me. Thank you for being you.

[@SardonicEuphoria54]

Thank you. So grateful for all the information you share. I am hoping to start my own van/rv life soon, as a solo female with a cat. Always good to hear how animals are on the road.

[@maggycotherman2314]

Akela cracks me up! My family dog that I had as a child used to get into the laundry eat our underwear and poop them out at the end of our driveway for the neighbors to see. So funnny.😂

[@hannahgunter3552]

Gurlllll thanks for keeping it SO REAL!!!!

[@imperfectadventure]

This is now one of my favorite episodes from you! I'm so sorry to hear about Denali. Your story with Akela finally explains the reverence you have for her. What a beautiful bond. Thank you for the q&a, it was helpful & fun.🙂

[@parkerhickey3970]

I loved this video SO much. I am about to graduate this may and start full-time minivan travel and this was all so helpful. Thank you

[@miastory247]

i understand about your dog loss. i lost my cat and held her as she died. i have not had another pet and never will. its been about 5 years. ... as for being different, i'm about as different as a person can get. when covid hit i started isolating. i enjoy greeting people and talking. but i also enjoy just being alone. i don't think i will ever have another relationship. i like being in my own mind and evolving. however i think about meeting someone every now and then. the only contacts i have had lately are my neighbors and yes they don't understand almost everything about me. every time i tend to interact with someone now, it tends to get difficult so i just ease up. this suits me and probably saves me a lot of grief. for company i have spirits. yes like in ghosts and such. yes i often question my sanity and find i am still sane! but i talk with them and enjoy them. tree spirits are a great deal of fun and awesome. flower spirits are a bit selfish but very cute. on and on. i often wonder if my mind is constructing these spirit beings and why. if my mind is constructing them then the mind is wondrous cause i actually learn things from spirits i had no clue about! where all this info comes from i have no clue. just the spirit thing is enough to freak out a lot of people but i'm thinking about visiting circle sanctuary in WI and talking with people there about it. i have had some interactions with them before but not in this way. so we will see! hope i haven't freaked anyone out here! :)

[@aliusiaIR]

Thank you for sharing, I know it can be hard sometimes to give out personal info to strangers and being open to feedback. I wish you and Akela the best.

[@heatherd7363]

I stumbled upon you through FB and immediately started watching this video. Thank you for being real and authentic about van life. This is the type of content I have been looking for and I need to consider before building this lifestyle.

[@dwaynefrechette2011]

No coffee making montage?! Disappointed. But, you still rock! 🤙🏻

[@terry362]

Love you and Akela. Great video. 🧡🇬🇧🧡

[@pitbullgarden9677]

Best Q&A ever and a lovely coffee and chat to boot!

[@thomassmith6344]

Hello there

[@buffalo068]

The comfort crisis sounds like an excellent book ! already ordered :) This video has excellent info for life ! Thanks

[@vanessaschlager6508]

I just love listening to you. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us💛

[@mikes5111]

It's always been a dream of mine to do what you have done and are doing. I have wanted to travel the USA and see it all especially the open spaces, mountains, and forests. You are inspiring me to finally do it. Thanks.

[@michaelharris1455]

not really a big fan of Q&A's, but this was great! Really sorry to hear about your other dog, but am glad you & Akela found each other. If I had children, especially a daughter, I'd definitely watch your videos with them; I think you'd be a good influence on any young person. Really enjoy your videos, and appreciate them, and the effort that must go into making them. Thank you.

[@beeamerica5024]

Great video it would seem you and Akela have a special bond my grandfather had a Shepherd named colonel and I had a hybrid named Cody so I know the feeling she is awesome and yes no mad life is not made for comfort it is made for adventure and you do a lot of that which is why I love to watch take care my adventurous young lady 🤗🤗🤗🐝

[@NYR14477]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Q&A I know a lot of people would benefit from this

[@bcadams317]

You have an ice maker, but not a toilet! I love that! There is nothing more that demonstrates your,...ummm,..."atypical" lifestyle than that. Condolences on Denali. PTSD much? Makes Akela that much more of a blessing (not a replacement, but a sympathetic support). Cool on all other topics. Thanks for sharing. Peace & Love. Barb

[@Linneaandakela]

Hi Barb! Yes I agree, it is funny to think that I can make my own iced coffee but I still dog a hole to poop! As far as PTSD… Absolutely. That paired with other traumatic experiences has caused for quite the emotion all reactions & patterns. I appreciate you. Have a wonderful day

[@bcadams317]

@@Linneaandakela Sorry to hear about the "other traumatic experiences." Life sure can suck sometimes. I also know about the challenges of keeping up a happy "public persona," while privately dealing with PTSD, grief and general emotional weight. You sure seem to manage it all well, but we all know that social media can be deceiving. I definitely appreciate your rare moments of emotional vulnerability. Here's prayers that you stay safe and strong, and that the happy finds its way through the dark times. Sounds like you have great friends and family. No better therapy than that! P&L, B.

[@quash8]

Love your boundaries and the way you defend them unapologetically.

[@vandadd4761]

Love your honesty and forthrightness. Keep up the great work!

[@happyadvanturouslife1201]

You are just an amazing woman. We watched your build out videos over and over and heeded some of your tips.

[@dellazoe]

Wow - what an awesome video! So interesting and informative and funny in a charming way. I also am a big fan of Robin Hobb - good choices in reading material. Thanks so much for sharing all this - Loved it!

[@Thereminator101]

My happiness is not the mean to an end...it is the end. It is its own goal...its own purpose. Your Life is Your Own, the good, is to Live it." 🗽 - Ayn Rand

[@Shelty6]

Loved it! My dog just went through a whole blockage scare. Whatever it was (maybe one of those digestible dog bones) ended up dissolving before were could get surgery scheduled. Thanks for sharing. You are inspiring.

[@dianapark1586]

wow! im so sorry, just made me cry. I luv my sweet fun luving Rott, and she was left to me, which the owner never took care of her, so when i got her & took her to the vet, found out she has heart worms, so im doing all i can for her, waiting on her recovery, to get out & about. So i know how painful loving your pet & partner can be.

[@Elishaluvsya]

As someone who eats vegan as often as possible, the only reason I choose not to eat meat is because I am not yet able to source it myself. Most vegans that I know have made this lifestyle change because of how horribly the animals are treated in the industry. Hunting and fishing your own game is incredibly respectable and really makes you become a part of the natural process rather than disrupting it. I look forward to learning more about it from you and others!

[@madcow3417]

Thanks so much for that explanation about dating. Most Q&As that bring that up either get too personal (are they single or not) or avoid the subject entirely. This is exactly what I wanted to know.

[@lynnebriggs2476]

I am so glad you are documenting this. You have inspired me s0 much.

[@elinbirgis]

Im so sorry for your loss, good job telling the short story of the trauma event, its a part of healing ❤️‍🩹

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you Elin, I think so too❤️

[@aarongoodwin4845]

I've had my girl Bailey for 14 years this July. She and I came to be in a very similar way to you and yours! Differences being that I was driving the car that killed her sister from a prior litter. Her mother and I were besties. So I wanted another babe, but from Gracie (her momma) and that had to be a quick choice. I brought Bailey home a 4 weeks and bottle fed! All in all, her momma's blood has been by my side for 23 years! Unfortunately that will end with Bailey. That wasn't the plan. For most of our time together I drove truck and that's NOT ideal for a litter of 9 puppies by average! Another note..... Stay you!

[@amyfu2047]

I’m sorry for your loss of Denali. I’m also glad that you have Akela in your life. I think she recognized you were a good person who wouldn’t hurt her. I’m glad you have each other. I’m hoping to get a dog to share vanlife with me. I live in Yukon Canada though so I really have to make sure I can control the temperature before I get one. I also know where the name Denali comes from, being next door to Alaska. Also I still have to work fulltime so the dog would be alone in the van for a few hours at a time. I’m looking at renovating and adding a kennel like you have for Akela.

[@tigerguitara]

Thank you for sharing and answering some very personal questions! I’m an ovo-lacto vegetarian (dairy and eggs) and I’m not offended by your sharing hunting and fishing at all. I believe that what a person puts in their body is a very personal decision and I applaud your journey to see where your food is originating.