Pups in the Parks: Man’s Best Friend in America’s Best Idea
Summary
This episode explores the diverse roles dogs have played in the National Park Service, from "barkeologists" locating unmarked Civil War graves to Denali’s historic sled dogs. The hosts also recount the stories of Rin Tin Tin filming in Joshua Tree, Smokey Jack protecting a ranger in Great Smoky Mountains, and Seaman, Meriwether Lewis’s companion on the Corps of Discovery.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Barkeologists and working dogs in parks
Show intro, tour updates, and episode naming
Denali sled dogs: History, transition, and modern role
Dog sledding experiences in the White Mountains
Rin Tin Tin: Discovery, Hollywood fame, and legacy
Sponsors: BetterHelp and Paka Apparel
Smokey Jack: The Smoky Mountains park ranger dog
Seaman: Lewis and Clark's Newfoundland companion
Sponsors: BetterHelp and Avocado Green Mattress
Ranger: The Yosemite search and rescue dog
Bark Ranger pledge, pet rules, and conclusion
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