Moia and Dakota
We’re Jess and Maddy—two adventurers who’ve traded nonprofit burnout for the joys of nature, travel, and (of course) our dogs. We’re big believers in building a life around your passions, and for us, that means embracing the open road while keeping our furry companions by our side. We want you (and your pack) to get to know our pups, Moia and Dakota, because they’re at the heart of everything we do—and they’ll play a big role in our future here at Our Wandering Pack!
Moia: Our Good Souled Dog
Moia’s name came from our Mt. Kilimanjaro adventure. While climbing, we were told to look for “Moia Rocks”—naturally heart-shaped stones. Spotting these was a reminder to focus on the positives during tough moments, and that’s exactly what Moia does for Our Wandering Pack every day.
Pronounced: moy-a
Moia is a German Shepherd who’s had her fair share of vet bills from puppyhood. We’ve tried every digestive health product under the sun (if your pack has a sensitive-stomach pup, we feel you!). Despite the challenges, she’s grown into a happy, healthy girl who thrives on outdoor exploration.
Personality & Adventures:
- Free-Range Living: Moia spends her days roaming 550 acres of land, complete with a personal pond and river to explore. She’s basically living every dog’s dream!
- Root Enthusiast: She first discovered roots in Michigan—digging up sticks right from the ground blew her mind, and she’s been obsessed ever since.
- Loyal Companion: Moia adores her people (she’s all about those morning cuddles in bed), and she’s happiest when she’s free to wander but knows we’re close by.
Dakota: The Most Loyal Tennis-Ball Superfan
Dakota is a four-year-old yellow Lab. She grew up in a typical neighborhood—think sidewalks, lawn mowers, and polite leash walks. Moving to our current property was a major change for her, but she’s adjusted like a champ!
Dakota is the pup who was with Maddy&Jess in the very beginning! She has logged hundreds of car camping nights, quite a few tent camping weekends, and miles of trail walks. We use to talk about how we could see Our Wandering Pack living out of a van with her!
Personality & Adventures:
- Mom’s #1 Fan: Dakota is happiest by Maddy’s side. While she’s friendly with everyone, no one compares to her mom.
- Ball is Life: Throw a tennis ball, and you’ll see her face light up. She chases that neon-green orb until the sun goes down (and then a little while longer!)
- Urban Pup Turned Explorer: Transitioning from city sidewalks to 550 acres of wilderness was a big leap, but Dakota’s taken to it quickly. She still loves a good leashed walk—but now, it’s often surrounded by trees instead of traffic.
Life with Our Wandering Pack
Both Moia and Dakota have shaped how we design our travels and adventures. From choosing dog-friendly trails to testing out all kinds of dog gear (especially for Moia’s sensitive tummy), we’ve learned a ton about making life on the road as pup-friendly as possible.
We also can’t wait to share more details about the dog products we’re developing. Stay tuned—whether your pup loves off-leash explorations like Moia or is a tennis-ball-obsessed shadow like Dakota, we’ll have something to help your pack get the most out of every adventure.
Why the Pups Matter
Our dogs aren’t just tagging along; they’re part of our mission to live more intentionally. They remind us to find joy in the simplest things, like a good stick to chew on or a warm spot in the sun. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned from Moia and Dakota, it’s that freedom, curiosity, and a little bit of fun can transform everyday life into an adventure.
Join Your Pack with Ours
Have a four-legged family member who loves exploring? We’d love to hear all about them. Share your pup’s story in the comments, and let’s celebrate the dogs that make our lives richer and more exciting!
Thank you for being part of Our Wandering Pack. Whether you’re on the road full-time or just dreaming of your next weekend getaway, we hope you and your pack find inspiration to chase joy, dig up new adventures, and cherish the small moments—just like our Moia and Dakota do every day.
-Maddy&Jess
Our Wandering Pack 
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