[pct-l] Service Dogs

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

I met a guy at Mt. Laguna with a service dog. The dog apparently had  
the ability to sense when the man's illness would have a flare-up  
thus giving him time to take some medication to prevent it. I don't  
remember what he said the illness was. I don't think this gentleman  
made it as far as Washington.

On Feb 27, 2012, at 12:21 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Been watching this thread about Service Animals.  I only have a  
> question.
> If you have the ability to hike 2,650 miles with lots of major  
> obstacles
> why would you need a Service Animal to accompany you ?  I know I  
> don't have
> the knowledge of all the areas Service Animals are used  
> for..........but it
> seems to be an oxymoron.  The hikers who make it all the way up  
> here are in
> extremely good physical shape. Aren't Service Animals used by folks  
> who may
> be in need of medical assistance ??
>
> I am NOT downing anyone's needs for their partner. Just curious  
> what the
> need is. You can email me off line if you like. I'm not looking for  
> a fired
> up discussion.....just an education.
>
> andrea (at) dinsmoreshikerhaven (dot) com
>
> PCT MOM