Listen, I need to file an official complaint with the Department of Trails. While we were exploring Marianna, I heard the humans whispering about something called "Cave Bacon." Patches and I were on high alert. We were checking every limestone crevice and sniffing every stalactite (those are the pointy rocks that hang down, for you non-scientists). I was expecting a crispy, salty reward for my hard work. Turns out, "Cave Bacon" is just a rock formation that looks like a strip of breakfast meat. It’s beautiful, I guess, with its wavy layers and mineral colors, but it’s a total tease. You can’t eat it, you can't bury it, and it doesn't even smell like hickory smoke. We decided to ignore the rocks and focus on the real mission: finding a stick that wasn't made of stone.

While Shadow and Patches were busy hunting for "Cave Bacon," we were making sure we didn't get lost! If you're planning a visit to see the formations for yourself, here is the "human" intel:

• Location: <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/florida-caverns-state-park"> Florida Caverns State Park</a> is located in Marianna, FL, just a few miles north of I-10. It’s one of the few places in Florida where you can see dry caves!
• The Bluff Trail: This is the trail Shadow mentioned. It’s a moderate walk and features the "tunnel" cave that is pet-friendly.
• Cave Tours: While dogs are allowed on the trails and in the designated "walk-through" bluff cave, they are not allowed inside the formal guided cave tours (where the biggest "Cave Bacon" is). We took turns staying topside with the girls while the other went below.
• Flashlights are Key: Even in the small bluff caves, it gets dark quickly. Bring a headlamp or a good flashlight so you can see your footing (and your dogs).
• Pet Policy: Always keep your pups on a 6-foot leash. The terrain can be slippery and there are plenty of interesting "critters" in the Florida Panhandle that your dogs might want to chase!