[pct-l] More about dogs . . . and support for trail animals

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

Friends,

Although I am not a thru-hiker, I have had the unique privilege of seeing 99% of hikers, along with their animals since we began hosting in 1997.  Of course, I only see those that make it as far as Agua Dulce.  I hope that what I've seen and learned can benefit others, and that is the spirit in which I make the following statements:

You can't see one dog that does well, or one dog that does poorly, and make a blanket judgment about how well dogs do out there.  There just isn't a right or wrong about bringing dogs -- it's dependent upon the dog.   Now whether it's legal or ethical to have one in certain areas is another story, but something to consider.

I can't stress strongly enough that much depends on the dog itself and how well its breed/mix handles consecutive days of long distance activity, as well as the prudent actions of the owner.  Some breeds are coursing breeds, designed to cover 30-40 miles a day with ease.  Others have been bred to be house pets and companions, and high mileage isn't in their design.  

Some dogs just do miserably out there, despite the kind and responsible actions of their owners.  Some dogs, like Hurricane Helen's (Lights Out Larry's spouse), do absolutely fantastically and have great enthusiasm and athleticism for the hike.  That dog was in fabulous condition and I still remember how excited the dog was to get back on the trail again -- its whole body was wagging!  It was so happy to be on trail, it could have pulled someone to Canada!  Others could barely lift their heads.  

You just don't really know how the dog will do until you get them out there, so a good contingency plan for getting your dog off trail should be a must for anyone planning to bring their beloved pet.  

To that point, Hiker Heaven hosts animals too, and we are willing to offer a place to rest and heal to any four-legged friend that isn't doing well.  Please pass it on.  

Happy Holidays to one and all -- bipeds and quadrapeds alike . . . 

-=Donna Saufley=-

-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Borski <kborski@yahoo.com>
Sent: Dec 21, 2004 2:55 PM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] dogs

A dog did hike most of the PCT from Campo this year. 
The owner, however, revolved her ENTIRE hike around
the dog's needs.  They hiked most of southern
California entirely at night and in the early morning
hours.  They slept all day long.  Not many other
hikers ever saw them.

The owner skipped large chunks of the trail where dogs
are not allowed and when the dog needed a break.

It's possible to hike most of the PCT with a dog --
but the only responsible thing to do would be to
follow the above example.


		
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