[pct-l] Personal experience with dogs

[dae151 at psu.edu (DANIEL ALAN ERDMAN)]

I guess I'll add my own personal experience.  I had the fortune of meeting two
thru-hikers this year while on the pct.  Both dogs were very well behaved and
were not physically hurt.  Granted they both liked to sleep, but once walking
time came they had plenty of energy.  The one routinely did 25-35 mile days
with his owner.  Do I think most dog owners should take their dogs on a
thru-hike?  No.  But it can be done, and it can be done enjoyable by both dog
and owner, with the right dog and owner.  Sure, shit happens and you may have
to carry a dog out, but when I thru hiked the A.T. a hiker had to be airlifted
to a hospital because she fell and broke her hip. 

On Wed, 13 Oct 2004 11:36:18, Tidal Wave wrote:

> Just wanted to add a little to the dog question from a personal perspective. 
I had a terrible experience with the dogs on the PCT trail.  One dog injured
herself and we were stuck.  We were miles from nowhere and we couldn't move. 
Nobody passed us and there was nothing I could do but leave the dog alone while
I went to get help.  It was terrible knowing that the dog could not defend
herself should she be approached by coyotes or bears. I was able to get help
and via a stretcher we rescued the dog.  Carrying a 100 lb dog was a
exhausting. It ruined the hike and still gives me nightmares.  
> Except for short day hikes, I will never take my dogs again on such a long and
arduous hike.  Although I have more fun and enjoy hiking more when I am with my
dogs, I have concluded that the danger is just too much.  
> Kizobear
> 
> 
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