This Wild Idea: The Story of Theron and Maddie’s Adventure Through America

Theron Humphrey is a critically acclaimed photographer with accolades under his belt like National Geographic Traveler of the Year and one of PDN’s 30 New and Emerging Photographers to Watch for 2014. His work has been published in the Huffington Post, National Geographic, Wired and on CNN – to name just a few – which we find pretty darn impressive.

Maddie is an adorable and obviously patient coonhound who Humphrey adopted from a rescue shelter in Georgia. She seems up for any of the hijinks her guardian wants to get into … and then some. She also has a knack for balancing on things, which we also find pretty darn impressive.

Together, they’ve traveled all 50 states in pursuit of Humphrey’s photography, which ended up morphing accidentally into a project centered around Maddie balancing on various things along the way. “While out on the road, I wanted to remember my companion I was traveling with so I literally put her on the roof of my truck and took a photo.” He says of the moment that started it all. “She just stood there and looked at me and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s so amazing Maddie.'”

He began snapping pictures of his friend standing atop all manner of things, which eventually became the book “Maddie on Things: A Super Serious Book About Dogs and Physics.” Says Humphrey of her unique abilities, “She’s never fallen, she’s never been hurt and she lets me know her limitations.”

Humphreys has been so inspired by his special bond with Maddie that he’s currently working on a documentary called “Why We Rescue” which will feature stories about how rescued pets have transformed their guardians lives across the U.S. With millions of homeless animals entering the shelter system every year, adopting a new addition for the family, instead of purchasing one from a breeder or a pet store, is vital to keeping pet populations down and minimizing the amount of pets that face euthanasia every single day. Not to mention the fact that adopted pets enrich our lives in the process.

With so many projects in the works, fans of the daring duo can keep up with them on Instagram, where Humphrey keeps a steady supply of adorable pics coming for our viewing pleasure. Whether she’s balancing on rocks or lounging on a sofa, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love with Maddie’s calm demeanor and intrepid spirit. But don’t just take our smitten word for it!

“Nothin’ but net.”

“Let it go! Let it go! Let the storm rage ooooooon!”

“Are you sure you know where we’re going? Do I have to whip out the GPS again?”

“I wonder if I could bite the air if I just stuck my head out a little further…”

“Come on in, the water’s just fine.”

“You know, the mounting bracket would mount to the existing ears on the stock A/C unit if you wanted to mod the compressor. Just a suggestion.” 

“If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear a flower in your hair.”

“What? How do you veg out on the couch?”

“And then the bartender asks the horse, ‘Why the long face?’ Bahahah!”

“Doh! I forgot to set up my fantasy football roster!”

“Here, lemme help you get comfortable. There, that should do it.”

“No worries Lieutenant, this probie’s got your back. Literally.”

“Sunny skies, pretty day. Just a push and we’re on the way.”

“Is this better? No? Geez, you guys have some pretty narrow views on proper couch protocol, you know that?”

“Naaaaaants ingonyamaaaaa! Man, Lion King was so awesome.”

“Okay, I give up.”

“As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.” -Winnie the Pooh.

Image Credits: Theron Humphrey/Instagram 

Lead Image Credit: Theron Humphrey/thiswildidea.com