“Whether I’m in my wheelchair, road bike, mountain bike, or car . . . my dog Bernie is always by my side. He’s my sidecar.” – Anna Soens
Anna and Bernie in switchbak harness and pack combo bike along trail.
Before Bernie came into her life, Anna Soens lived a life of unapologetic freedom. Early in her career as a wildlife biologist, she moved between seasonal jobs, embracing the unrivaled freedom of a life with little structure or responsibility. This was a time of exploration and independence, deeply connected to the natural world.
Anna rock climbing on top of a very narrow rock formation peak.
Growing up, Anna had always been a dog lover, convincing her family to get Tyson, a lab mix. After Tyson passed away, Anna felt her life was too unsettled for another dog. She was working full-time off the grid in remote Nevada as a wildlife biology field tech, camping, hiking, and investigating mountain lion kills. Her home was wherever her work took her – a tent, pickup truck, or work trailer. In her free time, she pursued trad climbing in California, Utah, and Nevada, relishing her rootless existence and the constant opportunity for exploration.
Then, in 2015, Anna’s world of perpetual motion came to a sudden halt. A 35-foot fall while climbing resulted in severe spinal injuries, pulverizing her lowest thoracic vertebrae. As the initial shock subsided, the terrifying reality set in: her legs were unresponsive.
Anna in the hospital with her aunt looking down at her.
Paraplegia became a stark reality. Anna desperately tried to move her legs, consumed by the fear of losing her connection to the places she loved: the Sierra Nevada mountains, Moab’s sandstone walls, and Nevada’s vast landscapes. The stillness in her feet symbolized the loss of freedom and identity she was mourning. Her ability to find peace in nature was suddenly gone. Devastated and terrified, Anna longed for the simplicity of her tent and the escape from the sterile hospital environment. She found solace in online climbing communities, devouring photos and trip reports with a newfound hunger.
After a year of physical therapy, relearning basic life skills, Anna took a job with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Boise, Idaho. For the first time in years, her life became stable enough to consider adopting a dog.
Anna with a walker standing on the Oregon coast.
In 2017, she found Bernie, a quiet, fuzzy black dog at a Boise shelter. About a year old, he was a stray with no training and likely no prior indoor living experience. His shelter notes simply described him as “perfect”.
selfie of Anna and Bernie together.
Bernie proved to be undeniably loyal and devoted. He wanted to be wherever Anna was, becoming her constant companion. This unwavering loyalty became especially meaningful as Anna navigated her new life. Like a dependable Dog Bike Sidecar, Bernie was always there, ready for the journey, offering unwavering support and companionship.
Bernie in Switchbak harness with Jet stream cooling vest underneath sits on Anna
Anna discovered adaptive sports through Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). Inspired by athletes climbing, skiing, and mountain biking in adaptive ways, she found hope. OAS helped Anna regain her outdoor independence and connected her to the Bend, Oregon community. She became drawn to adaptive mountain bikes, realizing they could be her legs in the wilderness. With grants, she acquired a Reactive Adaptations handcycle in 2017, reclaiming her freedom. She and Bernie explored mountain bike festivals, technical riding camps, and climbing areas. The handcycle allowed her to race, hike with friends, and exercise Bernie for miles. For many adaptive athletes and dog lovers, exploring options like dog bike sidecars or trailers can further enhance their outdoor experiences, allowing their canine companions to join the adventure safely and comfortably. While Anna’s story doesn’t explicitly feature a physical dog bike sidecar, Bernie embodies that spirit, always ready to ride alongside her in every aspect of life.
aerial view of Anna mountain biking with dog Bernie along a trail.
During a time of immense personal upheaval, Bernie became Anna’s steadfast source of love and joy. He helped her piece her life back together, creating something even richer than before.
Bernie in float coat gives Anna a hug/kiss while they sit on the raft.
Whether road-tripping, cycling across slickrock, hiking through snow, or rafting down rapids, Bernie is Anna’s eager and reliable companion. Just as a dog bike sidecar is designed for a dog to accompany a cyclist, Bernie is always by Anna’s side, ready for any adventure life throws their way.
Bernie in float coat dog life jacket stands majestically in center of raft.
Bernie remains glued to Anna’s right side, ears perked, eyes fixed on the next adventure, truly her “dog bike sidecar” through life’s journey.
