Health Returns in the Inspiring Adventures of Tom and Atticus!

By Randy Pierce

First and foremost, Quinn and I wish to send our best wishes for a return to full health for our canine friend Atticus! It seems from the most recent post on “The Adventures of Tom and Atticus” that this popular pup is in fact on the trail to recovery.

And who, you may ask, is Atticus?

Atticus is a marvelous 10-year-old dog who shares life with writer Tom Ryan and has become rather famous thanks to the book Following Atticus. This book chronicles their tale of great adventure in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and, perhaps more significantly, in life. Their journey preceded the single-season winter quest undertaken by me and Quinn. Given Quinn’s and my experiences together, their story resonates strongly with me. The book is a delight and we highly recommend the read, as well as the continuing accounts of their remarkable journey and accomplishments found on their blog.

“Atticus’s Army,” the nickname for the group of Tom’s and Atticus’s enthusiastic fans, has developed in large part due to the pair’s blog and Facebook presence. Through moving and insightful accounts of their continued explorations, they are making a difference in each other’s lives and have inspired a vast community of support that Quinn would be proud to have.

As Tom points out in his July 26th post, “A Shared Joy”:

“Yes, I am haunted by the thought that “forever’s too good to be true,” but I’m also old enough to understand that all we really have is today… and the wagonloads of memories we’ve collected together.”

We absolutely have this moment to appreciate all the things in our lives. Whether we choose to use this moment for that purpose is up to each of us. For Quinn and me, and apparently for Tom and Atticus, the bond with a dog adds delight well. He said it fantastically:

“Love a dog and you find yourself connected perpetually with childhood. You feel the happiness, the carefree nature, the innocence of it – all through a link with a four-legged friend who can’t speak English. It’s such a gift.”

So if you’ve taken any delight or inspiration from the incredible adventures shared by Quinn and me, I urge you to consider giving yourself yet another gift: take the opportunity to read Following Atticus, and join the many inspired people who are “following Atticus” themselves through Tom’s blog at “The Adventures of Tom and Atticus!”