Adventurous Cat Hikes in America's Wilderness With His Owner and Loves Every Bit of It

United States Photo + Video + Film Hiking Couples
by Morgane Croissant Oct 23, 2015

STEPHEN SIMMONS IS A WAR VETERAN who is fighting PTSD by practising “adventure therapy” — healing by hiking one’s way out of stress and anxiety.

But Stephen is not alone on his outdoor explorations. In 2004, on a mountaintop, he found Puppi, the dog who always accompanies him on his hikes. Later on he adopted Burma, the cat who now joins them on their adventures in the wilderness.

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Hiking with your dog is not uncommon, but going on hikes with your cat through rugged, challenging mountains, rivers, and alpine lakes is not conventional. Nevertheless, Burma seems to enjoy every aspect of it, even when it gets his paws wet.

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

In an inteview with Purina, Simmons explains that his pets help with the healing process because of their capacity for empathy. He adds: “They just fill my day with laughter and funny things, happy things.”

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Simmons and his friend Lydia Davey started a Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $14,000. With the money collected, they published a picture book called, “The Adventures of Puppi & Burma“.

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

Simmons hopes that his story and his pictures will inspire others suffering with PTSD.

Une photo publiée par s (@burmaadventurecat) le

For more about Stephen, Puppi, and Burma’s adventures, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

H/t: The Dodo.

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