Thanks again!

You’re willingness to share such details is really thoughtful. Thank you!

I’m not familiar with the groups you mentioned, nor have I considered raising bees or hogs, but honestly, those sound like wonderful hobbies and right up my alley.

Also, I took your off-reading as intentioned. Lol. I’m looking at 4x4 SUVs to be rigged, lifted, and trimmed out for overlanding, and dirt roads is what I’m in search of. 👍

I also agree with you about the recall-proofing and training. My boy is a standard poodle from a working line, so he’s a rugged, hearty hiking buddy. That said, while I understand the reasoning for e-collars, it’s something I won’t use, but I never allow him off-leash in non-designated areas and absolutely won’t unless his recall is completely solid. Given his size, I know he can look intimidating when at a full run, so long-lines work really well as a hybrid while he’s growing and learning, not to mention that an unleashed dog approaching another (leashed or otherwise), is just unsafe for all parties. Luckily, he loves training, but he also has a moderate chase drive since he’s a retriever (not kill/eat) so we’ve got quite a bit of work to do to mitigate that (plus, he’s a teenager still, so…lol). He knows hand signals and I’ve just started him on whistle training.

Good to know. Thanks!

I appreciate this detailed response. Regarding some of the items you mentioned…

I’m not worried about the points in your first paragraph. I’m very accustomed to self-sustained living/solitude and crave it. I’ve been waiting to move out of suburbia since they were born over 20 years ago, and to me, intense solitude=peace, not loneliness. (Plus, I don’t drink and never have aside from a very rare glass of celebratory wine, etc. Never had the inclination to.)

I may need a slightly larger community than the village/hamlet/etc to find community with as PTA is out along with anything church or hunting related. I respect people for enjoying those things, but I do not. I’m also not a veteran or into fishing, but I’m an avid backpacker, hiker, camper, cross-country skier, etc, so perhaps I can find folks who enjoy those things?

I love the points about off-roading as I am currently in the process of selecting and outfitting a vehicle for overlanding, so that’s perfect!

Regarding dogs, I also agree about dog parks (not a fan) but I prefer to have my boy off-leash as trained recall/long-line as back ups instead of an e-collar, but again, I appreciate the suggestion!

Should I decide to make VT my home, I’m looking forward to it all (including the suck!) 👍🤗

Your points makes sense. Unfortunately, my boys aren’t in healthcare or I’d encourage them to tag along for the reasons you mentioned.

Thanks, will do!

Lol. I missed the /s part. And your response here totally made my whole day. 😊

I understand the need which is why I added the part about contributing to the economy locally. I’m genuinely interesting settling down, not just vacationing and despite having a FT job, I have plenty of time to apply to another one, if needed.