This arid, elevated area is known for its unique geological features and diverse landscapes.But it wasn’t just the scenery that proved to be challenging.

These receptors are the cells that detect airborne odor molecules as they enter a dog’s nasal cavity. More receptors mean a heightened sense of smell. They had many great traits that allowed them to make significant contributions to the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. But they were also human, weak, and fallible—just as you and I are. Some found themselves at variance with the Prophet Joseph Smith and fell away from the Church. Later, many of the same people had a change of heart, humbled themselves, and once again sought and found fellowship with the Saints. Perhaps you don’t consider yourself all that useful; perhaps you don’t consider yourself a blessing in somebody’s life. Often, when we look at ourselves, we see only our limitations and deficiencies. We might think we have to be “more” of something for God to use us—more intelligent, more wealthy, more charismatic, more talented, more spiritual. Blessings will come not so much because of your abilities but because of your choices. And the God of the universe will work within and through you, magnifying your humble efforts for His purposes. How encouraging it is to know, though we are imperfect, if our hearts are turned to God, He will be generous and kind and use us for His purposes. In late 2012, responding to public sentiment that his burial location in Portland did not properly honor his story and his connection to his hometown, a grassroots movement was started by a group of Silvertonians with the goal of repatriating Bobbie's remains to Silverton, for reburial and memorialization. [9] See also [ edit ]

So, what’s left for our intrepid dog? Following his family’s scent, Bobbie likely found a bridge, ferry, or shallow crossing point.These options were not only more accessible but also safer for both Bobbie and his family, no matter the weather conditions. The grave is behind the Oregon Humane Society building, and can only be reached by walking through the building during business hours.

Cross-country travel was still a novel and risky undertaking in 1923. The Ford Model T had made car travel accessible to middle-class Americans just 15 years prior. The Interstate Highway system was still decades away. Even historic Route 66 would not start construction for another three years. Motorists largely depended on local roads at a time when reliable maps were hard to come by. It would take the Brazier’s weeks to complete their trip. Bobbie’s story was featured in Riply’s Believe It or Not, and he eventually starred in his own autobiographical silent film “The Call of the West” (just as canine actors were coming into vogue). Bobbie would go on to sire a litter of 15 puppies – all boys. Bobbie the Wonder Dog(1921–1927) was a dog who covered 2,551 miles (4,105km) on his own to return home to Silverton, Oregon, United States, after he was lost while his owners were visiting family in Wolcott, Indiana. Ripley’sestimated the journey may have been as long as 3,000 miles (4,800km). On February 15, 1924 – exactly six months to the day he disappeared – Nova was working at the Reo Café in town when she spotted something that defied belief. It was Bobbie, walking down main street of Silverton. Though emaciated and filthy, it was undeniably him. In the summer of 1923, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier departed Silverton, Oregon on a 2,500 mile road trip to visit relatives in Frank’s home state of Indiana. Accompanying them were their daughters Leona and Nova, as well as their two-year-old Scotch collie named Bobbie.

As we embrace the gospel in faith and deed, each day and every hour, we will draw a little closer to our God. Our lives will be better, and the Lord will use us in remarkable ways to bless those around us and bring about His eternal purposes. Of this I testify and leave you my blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

People who had fed and sheltered Bobbie on his journey wrote the family to tell about their time with Bobbie. The Humane Society of Portland was able to use these stories to assemble a relatively precise description of the route Bobbie took. [4] The upset of Bobbie's loss is soon relieved by the inside story of Bobbie's adventures as he attempts to find his way home to Oregon. Despite dangers and some hospitality along his route, "there was no stopping Bobbie." Of course, he eventually finds his way home to the Brazier family, and the joy is boundless. Bobbie, driven and resourceful, likely used other scents and cues to help him navigate, such as water sources, animals, trails, or even humans.In 1923, something extraordinary happened.The Brazier family set off on a trip to Wolcott, Indiana, accompanied by their faithful collie mix, Bobbie. Bobbie's demonstration of loyalty is celebrated during Silverton's annual children's pet parade that serves as a reminder of the special place animals and pets have in people's lives. The event was started several years after Bobbie's death and the first parade was led by his son, Pal. [7] A 70-foot-long (21m) outdoor painting featuring Bobbie's story is part of a series of murals that decorate the walls of businesses in Silverton. [8] He could also rely on his instincts and acute senses to detect environmental changes, providing him with valuable information for navigation. Bobbie’s journey stands as a testament to his incredible resilience, determination, and instincts. Bobbie faced three options to cross this formidable river: swimming, using a bridge, or taking a ferry.But first, he had to navigate the treacherous canyon itself, descending its steep walls just to reach the river’s edge.

As Bobbie’s photo circulated across the globe, many began to recognize the peculiar pooch and his distinct features. Strangers wrote to the Braziers claiming to have either sighted or sheltered Bobbie on his cross-country odyssey. What she saw on the street was nothing short of a miracle. It was Bobbie, exhausted, hungry, with matted fur, full of debris, and roughed up paws. No, following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you. God will be with you. He will direct your steps. He will walk beside you and even carry you when your need is greatest. This requires effort. You cannot get there without striving to learn of Him, understanding His instructions, earnestly applying them, and putting one foot in front of the other.We are, each one of us, “strangers and pilgrims” 14 in this world. In many ways, we are far from home. But that doesn’t mean we need to feel lost or alone.