Date: August 19, 2025 — Place: Final day in Reno
This morning moved fast enough to have its own soundtrack: a rapid, steady heartbeat under a chorus of hustling footsteps. Over the last few days, we hugged everyone in sight, including most of our family and close friends. On departure day, we wrapped up the last to-dos and tried to memorize the feel of home with a single deep breath. Missi, Shaina’s mom, cooked an amazing send off breakfast for the whole crew to bid us “Bon Voyage!” It felt like a family sized launchpad assembled for our takeoff, and it reminded us we did not get here alone.
The hardest hugs were paw shaped. Gili and Atlas leaned into us with that heavy trust older dogs carry. At twelve and thirteen, they are slowing down, and none of us can promise what the future will hold. Those goodbyes made it real for our girls that we’ll be away from their canine siblings who have been there since day one. Leaving our pups feels like the hardest part of taking off for a year, and it might have been a nonstarter without family help. Thank you to Missi, who is Gili and Atlas’s main caregiver while we’re away, to Cooper and Becca, who are running backup, and to all our friends and family who have offered a hand. Watching the girls cry into fur brought a mix of heartache and sweetness that was plain to see. Love is loud when you have to leave it.
What we’re holding onto is simple. Hugs with loved ones are a kind of fuel. We worked hard to make this year possible, and our families helped us lift off. The cost is time away from people and pups, but the hope is bigger than the fear. We’ll make the most of every mile and come home with stories that were worth the leaving.
Pause and Wander 