Maya and Kayla Blog
Dogtrekker would not be what it is today without the efforts of our famous barketing department. Kayla, our first director of barketing™, was our founding dog, the inspiration for this site. Today Maya carries on the work, sniffing out the best spots in California to take your dog, and awarding her paw of approval to her favorite spots.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite opens Explorer Cabins
Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite has opened 50 new dog-friendly Explorer Cabins with fireplaces, covered porches, and communal fire pits in a mountain forest setting. Combined with the lodge's dog-sitting services and patio dining, it is a top-tier retreat for traveling…
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Kayla takes on Blithedale Summit
Blithedale Summit in Marin County Open Space offers a 6.6-mile loop where dogs can run off-leash on fire roads with sweeping views of Mount Tam, the Bay bridges, San Francisco, and the Pacific.
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Kayla puttin’ on the Ritz
DogTrekker's Kayla put on the Ritz at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, where dogs get cozy beds, gourmet treats, and weekend Yappy Hours on the Backyard Terrace featuring canine cocktails and locally made dog bones. The pampering starts the moment you…
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DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind --…
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Kayla, Director of Barketing Emeritus
A tribute to Kayla, DogTrekker's "research Lab" and director of barketing, who traveled California paw-testing hotels, trails and beaches since the site launched in 2011. Known by name at hotel front desks statewide, she inspired everything DogTrekker became.
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Kayla in Surf City
DogTrekker's own Kayla reports on her tail-wagging visit to Huntington Beach, where she romped on one of the largest dog beaches in the country and spent the night in style at the pet-pampering Shorebreak Hotel.
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Kayla’s life-saving contribution
Kayla, DogTrekker's beloved Lab, sensed something was wrong with co-founder Roxanne and persistently pawed at her chest one night. That alert led to the early detection of breast cancer, and her doctors believe Kayla saved her life.
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Meet Maya, new Director of Barketing™
DogTrekker.com's founders introduce Maya, a 5-year-old English Lab adopted from Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue. Despite some car anxiety and leash issues, Maya won their hearts and stepped into the role of Director of Barketing.
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Bucket-list cottages and cabin escapes
Dog-friendly cabins and cottages are the top lodging choice for DogTrekker readers. From waterfront cottages at Nick's Cove in Marin to Explorer Cabins near Yosemite to a luxury farm stay in Gold Country, here are three standout picks.
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Local tips from the top (human) dog
DogTrekker's co-founder shares insider tips for visiting Monterey County with your dog, from boarding options near the aquarium to indoor dog-friendly restaurants perfect for cooler days along the Central Coast.
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Luxury Gold Country farm visit
Dog and Pony Ranch in Amador County offers a one-of-a-kind farm experience. Your pup can hike 60 acres, swim in a dog-friendly pond, and meet horses, llamas, and mini-donkeys at this property designed from the ground up for four-legged guests.
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Support Napa Humane with a calendar purchase
DogTrekker's beloved Maya graces the cover of Napa Humane's 2026 calendar after an outpouring of community votes cast in her honor. Purchase a copy to celebrate her legacy and support Napa Humane's mission to protect companion animals across the region.
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