The Longano family’s journey to make their dog, Mochi, a certified bark ranger at every national park has captured the hearts of social media viewers. The mission began when Don Longano took Mochi to Gettysburg National Military Park over the summer. The mixed-breed dog, rescued during the pandemic, has always enjoyed adventures and now accompanies the family on their quest to visit all 63 national parks. The National Park Service’s Bark Ranger program recognizes pets for their involvement, but owners must meet responsibilities such as picking up waste, leashing the pet, respecting wildlife, and being aware of park rules.
Each Bark Ranger program at various national parks may differ, with some offering pledges or ranger-led walks. Parks also have uniquely designed tags for pets to collect, adding a sense of achievement to the journey. After visiting the Eisenhower Farm, where Mochi received a badge with a paw print surrounded by five stars symbolizing President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s rank as a five-star general, the Longano family found another nearby park with a Bark Ranger program, Great Falls in Maryland. Mochi’s adventures have led to excitement in the family, with Longano proudly showing off her ranger tags, including the latest one from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
Mochi’s journey to become a bark ranger has sparked enthusiasm among social media users. A TikTok video posted on October 12 showcasing Mochi’s achievements has garnered over 2.1 million views, 291,200 likes, and 1,150 comments. Viewers have expressed admiration for Mochi’s dedication and the Longano family’s commitment to exploring national parks together. The video has generated comments praising Mochi for taking on the responsibility of a bark ranger and showcasing her adorable nature while on the journey. Many viewers have been captivated by Mochi’s progress and expressed trust in her as an official bark ranger.
Longano shared that the family’s favorite park destination so far has been the Eisenhower Farm due to the memorable badge Mochi received, symbolizing the historical significance of the location. Mochi’s experiences as a bark ranger have not only been fun for her but have also provided valuable exercise and learning opportunities on the trails of each park. Meeting park rangers and discovering the history of different parks has added to Mochi’s enjoyment of the journey. The Longano family looks forward to visiting more parks in the upcoming months and expanding Mochi’s collection of ranger tags, as they continue their adventure together.
The Longano family’s dedication to making Mochi a bark ranger at every national park reflects their love for adventure and exploring new environments with their beloved pet. The journey has brought joy to both the Longano family and social media viewers who have been following Mochi’s progress. Mochi’s enthusiasm for becoming a certified bark ranger and experiencing the rich history and natural beauty of national parks has inspired others to embark on similar adventures with their pets. The Longano family’s story serves as a heartwarming example of the special bond between humans and their pets and the joy of sharing experiences together in the great outdoors.
