[pct-l] Dog Help

Fri Nov 16 21:58:56 CST 2007

L-Rod-

  I appreciate the time you've taken to read my posts and respond.  I always picture you as buried in emails from all the hikers that love you and Jeff!  So thank you.

  As you can tell, I've tried to leave no stone unturned in my planned hike with my dog.  I've been in touch with several hikers that have taken their dogs and the basic consensus is:  "As long as you're willing to hike your DOG'S hike, you'll be fine".  In other words, one must be willing to reassess, reconsider, re-plan, and abort if necessary, depending on the conditions for the dog.    Also, again, I would never expect him to carry a pack.  In my mind, a dog is not a pack animal and the hike would be difficult enough for him without a pack!  IMHO a owner must be willing to carry ALL necessities for their animal.

  You bring up some very good points.  I have thought of the possibility of wild animal attacks on my little guy.  But since he'll always be attached to me, or carried by me, I hope that will be moderated.
  I have managed to cut my pack weight considerably, due to the evolution of lite weight gear.  However that amount will be added back on, with the weight of doggie and his gear.  I am willing to pay that price.
  The way I see it, its' a flip of the coin!  I have lots of time to plan and evaluate.  But I WILL tell you that I've been hiking with him using the carrier that I "invented" that attaches to my pack straps in front and he LOVES it!!  When riding in it, he is high enough to lick my face!!!  So he feels like he's being carried in my arms, and he always lets me know when he's tired.  The carrier is large enough and flat enough for him to actually sleep in while I hike.  And, amazingly enough, I hardly know it's there- even with him in it!

  I'll be looking to you for info re: the weather t/o the winter and spring.  What a great contact you are!  I''m grateful for all you do for the hiking community and I haven't even met you yet!

  Wheeew

Donna Saufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com> wrote:
        v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}  o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}  w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}  .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}        st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }                I’m in an awkward position when it comes to making “recommendations,” especially when it comes to something as precious as the life and well being of your best canine friend, and the dream that you have been dreaming to bring him along.  I try instead to present the realities of what I’ve seen, having the unique opportunity over the past 11 years to meet the majority of hikers on the trail and their furry friends.  

  Like Andrea Dinsmore (aka PCT Mom), I’ve seen dogs who do extremely well and seem to be having the time of their lives, and dogs that are doing so poorly I wanted to kill their owners or at least report them for animal cruelty.  How will you and your dog do?  Geez, that is impossible to call.  With the dogs at least, breed purpose does seem to play a strong factor.  I would not venture that a Maltese is exactly a coursing breed, but the fact that you plan to carry the dog compensates somewhat for that.  Can you carry a dog (and its food and water) through all of the sections where they’re allowed is a question only you will be able to answer.  

  With the following I’m not trying to be negative, but I sense that you are well versed in the positives of bringing your dog along with you.  I’m trying only to give some balance to your decision process with the things that I know about:

  -          I think you’re right to be concerned about fords in those places that are blessed with creeks and rivers (not down here!!).  Many adults have difficulties just getting themselves over some of them, and they require both your hands to get you across safely.  Are the life vest and safety line you plan to use going to be effective in raging torrents?
  -          We have a lot of predatory animals out here.  With such a tiny dog, I’d also be concerned about the coyotes, mountain lions, and even birds of prey.  The extreme drought conditions we’re in down here has driven wild animals to turn increasingly upon domestic animals in brazen attacks.  We do not bring our only trail capable dog (a smooth coat fox terrier) out on the trail for this reason alone.  
  -          Others have rightly mentioned rattlesnakes, which are a real concern for human and dog alike.  
  -          Where will you be and how will you get out if you need help for your dog?  The PCT does not have the frequent road crossings the AT does with relative close proximity to towns.
  -          As many have mentioned, the water situation out here has been outright dire, and the forecast for rain this coming winter is not good, though we pray the forecasters are wrong this time.  Can you carry gallons and your gear and your dog?  And still enjoy your experience?  

  If things go wrong, you will have to live with that outcome and I suspect would not forgive yourself. The bottom line is if you are willing to take the chance and the challenges, it might be a wonderful experience for you and your beloved friend, and we’ll welcome you both here at Hiker Heaven.  I wish you wisdom in making such a difficult choice.  

  L-Rod

---------------------------------

  From: g l [mailto:gailpl2003 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 5:18 PM
To: Donna Saufley; PCT
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Dog Help

    Donna-

    I value your opinion for sure.  I wonder if you've had a chance to read all my posts on this topic.  If not, please take a minute to do so and see if you think my plans for bringing my dog is "do-able".  I think my previous responses may at least convince you that I've put a lot of planning and thought into this and into making it as safe as possible for my dog.  Most importantly, as I've said before, I plan on CARRYING him most of the way.  When I wrote you before about coming to Hiker Heaven in '08, I said you'll know me because I'll be the one carrying the dog!!!  I have read of a guy that carried his cat all the way, on top of his backpack.  I doubt that my dog weighs more than his cat, so I don't think it will be too horrible to carry the extra weight.

    Wheeew

Donna Saufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com> wrote:

      I apologize because I haven’t read the references Mags provided, but wanted to comment on your response because it sounds like your dog’s trail experience has been on the AT.  Please keep in mind that the PCT and AT are similar only in that they are both long trails.  The weather and terrain you’ll find on the southern PCT are for the most part quite dissimilar to anything you’ll find on the AT.  In some sections, you’ll experience 110 degree plus days, single digit humidity, long waterless stretches without shade, and soil like sandpaper.  The dry, harsh, extreme desert conditions found in Southern California can be very hard on people and on animals who aren’t adapted to them.  

    Lover of dogs (current count:  seven)

    L-Rod

---------------------------------

    From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of g l
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 3:38 PM
To: Paul Magnanti; PCT
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Dog Help

    Thanks Mags.....both are excellent references.  And you are right of course.  I couldn't bear to part with my best pal.  However, it is also true that every time I get my backpack out he gets soooooo excited.  He's smaill, but he loves to hike and camp!  He has hiked as much as 12 miles a day for 2 days in a row, in the mountains thru pouring rain both days.  And still he loves it.  The only time I saw him freak was when lightening struck very near......but I freaked too, having been struck by lightening in the Shenandoahs, when I did a thru on the AT!  Yikes!!

Wheeew
Paul Magnanti <pmags at yahoo.com> wrote:

    Though meant for the Appalachian Trail, the general concepts should apply for the PCT:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.795337/k.9784/Hiking_with_Dogs.htm

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/%7BD25B4747-42A3-4302-8D48-EF35C0B0D9F1%7D/fido.pdf

(Written by a veterinarian!)

Obviously the desert hiking is another ball of wax from the AT. Most of the snow fields a hiker typically crossed are in NPS lands where Fido is not allowed, so that is one less
physical hurdle for Fido. But a possible logistic issue for you.

Good luck!

ps. "He would be far happier on the trail than without his master for several months."

Or maybe it is the reverse ;-)

************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.pmags.com

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