Photo credit: Sherrie Stille

All Paws Off the Ground: Addie’s Boulder Trail Adventure

Some dogs run. Some dogs sprint. But Addie? Addie takes flight. In today’s unforgettable “Dog of the Day” shot, this Boulder beauty is completely airborne—ears flapping in aerodynamic perfection, tongue out in pure joy, and not a single paw touching the ground. It’s the kind of picture that makes you smile instantly, the kind of moment every dog owner dreams of catching on camera.

Addie’s joy isn’t just about the chase—it’s about the place. Boulder is a dog paradise, home to one of the most extensive and accessible trail systems in the country. From wide-open meadows to tree-lined singletrack, these trails are designed for movement, exploration, and, in Addie’s case, some serious air time.

Why Boulder’s Trails Are a Dog’s Dream

Boulder’s open space network stretches for hundreds of miles, giving dogs like Addie endless opportunities to run, jump, and explore. Many of these trails offer off-leash privileges for dogs with a voice-and-sight control tag, meaning well-trained pups get the freedom to roam while still staying safe. From the rolling hills of Wonderland Lake to the rugged charm of Chautauqua, each trail offers its own sensory buffet—fresh scents, shifting terrain, and wildlife to watch from a respectful distance.

Summer days in Boulder are tailor-made for adventures like this. The sun hangs high, the foothills glow gold, and the breeze carries a mix of pine and wildflower. For a dog, it’s an open invitation: run faster, jump higher, and take it all in. Addie clearly got the memo.

The Thrill of the Leap

So why do dogs love to “catch air” like Addie? Part of it is pure instinct. Running and leaping taps into their natural prey drive, a leftover from their ancestors’ hunting days. But a lot of it is simple, unfiltered joy. Dogs feed off our energy, and when they sense our excitement—whether we’re calling them from down the trail or cheering them on mid-run—it fuels their play even more. That’s why photos like this resonate: they capture the spirit of freedom, connection, and shared adventure between dog and human.

A Boulder Classic

Today’s photo is more than just a cute snapshot—it’s a love letter to what makes Boulder so special. It’s the happy chaos of summer trails. It’s the sound of paws hitting the dirt after a perfect jump. It’s the bond between a dog and the great outdoors, played out against the backdrop of the Flatirons.

Addie may have landed seconds after this shot, but the feeling she’s giving us? That’s going to stick around for a while.

So here’s to you, Addie—Boulder’s airborne ambassador of summer. May your paws stay light, your ears stay floppy, and your trail days be filled with more leaps than you can count.

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