Profile: Mark & Mya’s Adventures, the Aussie and Dog Duo Exploring Canada
When Mark left Australia with his White Shepherd Mya, he didn’t set out to have a huge Instagram following. Instead, he focused on building a community of travellers interested in exploring with a unique companion: their pets.
“The community has helped us so much,” Mark says.” Before coming over [to Canada], I asked about phone plans and driving in winter—there’s so much to learn!—and we got so many tips and suggestions.”
Mark has been exploring North America since November 2017. Mya has been by his side for all of it. Throughout their journey, they’ve gained sponsors and over 36,000 followers on Instagram.
“North America is a pretty cool place when it comes to pets,” Mark says. “Every case is unique, but for me, if I was to leave Mya behind—even for an eight-hour work day while she’s in a backyard—I know she’s definitely having a better time now. Just look at the photos.”
Mark and Mya are true adventurers. “We’ve been skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry touring and winter biking,” Mark says. “Summer was mountain biking, paddling and a few hikes.”
Mark acknowledges that it can be difficult exploring with a dog, but says that Canada has many pet-friendly areas. “We’re guests, so we try to be very respectful wherever we go. She’s always on lead when she’s required to be.”
Still, he has found some areas that aren’t as inclusive—which is what today’s society should be striving for, he says. “We shouldn’t be trying to exclude people, but to bring them together as a community.”
If you want to be a part of Mark and Mya’s adventurous community, you can see them in person at a Meet-and-Greet or follow them on Instagram. “I really enjoy photography,” Mark says. He’s also extremely active on social media. “I always try to respond to everyone.”
If you want to support Mark and Mya’s adventures, head over to their Fundraiser, where you can download a digital calendar or card and donate to animal-focused charities Mark has chosen to support.
“The main reason we’re putting this out on social media is to make it easier [for travelling pet owners], to inspire and to show others it is possible. Everyone said we couldn’t do this, but we’ve been doing it for the past eight months.”
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