Gaëlle’s Camino: Walking Her Own Path with Her Dog Kat
Many times we heard about the right way to do the Camino de Santiago. But there is only one right way to do it, YOURS!
Gaëlle planned to walk the Camino with her father, but after his passing, she set out alone with her dog Kat. Starting in 2020 during the pandemic, she adapted to injuries, restrictions, and detours – creating a Camino that was entirely her own.
A Promise and a Loss
For Gaëlle, the Camino de Santiago was a shared dream with her father. After he passed away from cancer, she decided to walk in his honor, bringing along her loyal Jack Russell, Kat. Starting in September 2020, she faced not only the emotional weight of her journey but also the unique challenges of walking during a pandemic.
Adapting on the Road
Carrying a heavy pack with camping gear and supplies for Kat, Gaëlle planned to be self-sufficient. But an Achilles tendon injury meant her Camino wasn’t entirely on foot. Instead, she combined walking with buses and trains, camped under the stars, stayed in dog-friendly hostels, and accepted the hospitality of strangers. At first, she felt guilty for not walking every kilometer – until she realized the Camino is about walking your way, not someone else’s.
Finding Her Own Way
From leaving her father’s photo by the sea in Hendaye to rediscovering her stride on the Camino Inglés, Gaëlle’s journey was filled with moments of reflection and release. By the time she reached Santiago, she had learned to embrace imperfection, adapt to life’s turns, and treasure the freedom of making the Camino her own.
Gaëlle is a French pilgrim who walked the Camino de Santiago in 2020 with her dog, Kat. Her story reflects resilience, personal meaning, and the truth that there is no “right” way to walk the Camino – only your way.