It all started with Sakura.

From a roadside to a loving home

Sakura was born on October 17, 2018. Before she became part of my life, she and her siblings were found abandoned on the side of the road, with no mother around. She was the last of her litter to be adopted.

In February 2019, Sakura came home. She has been surrounded by love ever since. Her beginning is heartbreaking, but it is only the beginning of her story.

A name among the cherry blossoms

As a puppy, she loved sitting beneath the cherry blossom tree, playing with the petals as the wind carried them down. That is how she became Sakura.

Her nickname, “Socks,” has a less poetic explanation: she would always steal socks! That little habit is part of the story behind Socks Sanctuary.

A life full of little adventures

Since then, Sakura has visited many states and stayed in several hotels. I started this journal to share the moments in her life, the places we have explored, and all her favorites.

I’ll be adding our own travel stories, hotel experiences, favorite foods and treats, and activities. While I gather those memories, you can browse the introductory planning guides on the blog.

The sanctuary I hope to create

Sakura’s story has shaped who I am. One day, I hope to open a rescue home for dogs at greater risk of being euthanized, giving them the chance at a loving home that Sakura found.

That rescue home is a dream for the future. For now, this is where I’m sharing the dog who inspired it.

A note on this journal

I’ll distinguish our firsthand experiences from general planning guides and make commercial relationships clear. You can read more in the affiliate disclosure. Photos of Sakura belong to the homepage, this About page, and her personal stories. General guides use credited stock photography. General planning guides are distinct from our personal travel stories; a photo does not imply a review of a particular destination.