A Lifetime of Hiking with My Bestie: Saying Goodbye to My Trail Dog Birch

May 30, 2026

Collage of photos featuring a dog with people outdoors—lake, beach, and wooded scenes.

Photo by Claire Bunnik

In human years, he was about 90 years old. But in dog years, he was only 15. As he was taking his final few breaths on a -30 C blistering cold February night, I whispered into his big salt and pepper ears, “I’m so glad I brought you to the French River one last time this summer, my Birchy Boy.” His Border Collie-Blue Heeler characteristic of high energy coming to an all-time end at once. Named for the white bark, he was the colour of birch with black fissures peeping through. At the time I didn’...

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Claire Bunnik

Claire Bunnik explores the world with curiosity and a cautious mindset, while documenting design, agriculture, the outdoors, arts, and lifestyles. When she’s not writing and taking pictures of this beautiful earth, she can be found practicing other mediums of art, teaching children in the greater Toronto area, reading novels, hiking, brainstorming unique story and song angles, and homesteading at her small Ontario, Canada farm with her husband and two little girls! You can find her @‌armadaclairebunnik and she’s currently donating to a charity in every country @‌25for195in2025!