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[pct-l] PCT with a dog?



At 09:29 PM 11/10/2003 -0500, DjgPct@aol.com wrote:
>I am planning to begin the PCT next year and wish to bring my dog with me for
>the first couple of months.

While hiking, I thought about how nice it would be to have my dog with me. 
I'd be walking down the trail with my dog, both of us at one with nature. 
We'd come to a scenic (you might say viewful) vista after a long 25 miles 
and I'd ask my dog, "Gee isn't this view worth the effort?"

My dog would look up at me in disgust and say, "I can see anything! I'm 
only 12" tall!"

It would be cruel of my to bring my impure-bread shih-tsu/terrier/beagel. 
She wouldn't enjoy it a bit. Dogs are intelligent animals and individuals 
vary. Just make sure your dog actually enjoys trekking through hot deserts 
for long miles.

I don't believe California state parks allow dogs. 
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21305 National Parks actively 
fine hikers with dogs.

It's a hard section to take your dog through. Keep in mind dogs don't cool 
off as well as humans -- panting is the main way they stay cool and they 
only sweat through the pads of their feet. I wouldn't advise it.

Dogs also tend to poop where they will and they don't always choose the 
best places.

Many complain dogs chase wildlife which can cause problems (e.g. 
miscarriage, falling off cliffs)

After man and deer, dogs may be the most dangerous animal you'd meet in 
terms of per capital deaths and attacks. This makes them very unwelcome by 
many. Having been attacked myself, I'd be happier if the dog was at home.

It may not be realistic to hike long days with a leashed dog. You'd 
eventually get tired and let Spot run where he will.

If you have not, consider reading 
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dogs-faq/activities/backpacking/

Most dogs look extremely put out on the trail, especially in the desert.

As I don't sleep well, I like to hike odd hours. As many hikers tend to 
camp near the trail, I'll inadvertently wake everyone up as the dog begins 
to bark. And if it's not me at 5am, it'll be a deer or bear at even less 
friendly hours.

Tangent