Fido and Friend in Five: Jennifer Jordan and Harry!

Jen at base of K2

Several months ago, I had the great good fortune to share the spotlight with two amazing women at the Utah chapter of the American Association of University Women's annual fundraiser. One of the women, Donna McAleer, you already met in a previous Fido and Friend post.

Today I'm going to introduce you to Jennifer Jordan and her dog, Harry. Let me tell you, Jennifer is one amazing person. Seriously, this woman has done everything! She's an award-winning author, filmmaker, screenwriter, with many years of experience as a journalist, broadcast producer, TV news anchor, NPR anchor and, not surprisingly, motivational speaker. She's also had more world-wide adventures than you can shake a stick and, and she's a great dresser. And she's tall. And gorgeous. If you don't believe all this, check out her website. I'm just giving you the tip of the iceberg here! Oh, and she's lived my fondest fantasy: being interviewed by NPR star, Diane Rehm.

Savage Summit

In 2005, Jennifer wrote the highly acclaimed Savage Summit: The Life and Death of the First Women on K2, which won all kinds of awards. She also created, wrote, and co-produced a documentary based on her book for National Geographic.

Her second book, Last Man on the Mountain, was released in 2010. Her book tells the story of Dudley Wolfe, the first man to die on K2 during an ill-fated 1939 expedition. Now I have to tell you just a bit about how she literally stumbled across Wolfe's story. In 1999, Jennifer was hiking on a glacier below K2 when she came across Wolfe's remains--sixty-three years after he disappeared on the mountain. Can you believe that? This is just the way her life is. Jennifer is currently at work on a screenplay based on this book.

So as you can imagine, I was thoroughly intimidated by this larger-than-life person the evening I met her. Until the subject turned to dogs. I asked Jennifer if she had a dog. Her face turned all soft and tender and she said, "Oh yes, I have the most wonderful, beautiful dog named Harry." I knew we'd be okay. Not surprisingly, Harry is a Border Collie--probably the only breed who could keep up with this woman. Jennifer has written a delightful children's story about Harry. She and Harry share their life and home in the foothills of Salt Lake City with Jeff Rhoades, cinematographer, adventurer, and husband.

Harry's Eyes

1. How did you and Harry find each other?  Harry and his brother were left in a box on the steps of the Pocatello pound when they were just weeks old. My husband, Jeff, saw him first and called me saying, "You are not going to believe the eyes on this puppy. He's going to be a great dog." He was right.

2. What makes Harry's tail wag?  Greeting his friends, both two and four-legged, doggie walks, car rides, and the mailman.

Hiking with Mom

3. What's your all-time favorite dog story?  Good Dog, Carl, a children's book with less than ten words. As a writer, I love filling in the story for whichever child I'm reading to. And the illustrations are priceless.

4. If Harry could change just one thing about you, what would it be?  He would love if I became a recluse, leaving the house only to take him on doggie walks in the hills above us.

5. In five words, tell us what Harry means to you:  Love, kindness, acceptance, sweetness, heart.

Boating with Mom

Thanks so much to Jennifer and Harry for taking time out to visit with us. We're all looking forward to your next adventure!