Re: [pct-l] dogs

[mark dixon <mdixon@bigsky.net>]

At 05:32 PM 2/2/99 -0600, Yip wrote:
>I think someone posted information about some sort of hiking booties for
>dogs. These might help prevent some of the paw damage of hiking 2600 miles.
>Anyone still have info on these things? 

I bought booties for my dog in Ashland, Oregon last year. I think they're
called Ruff-wear, made in Bend, Oregon. I think they have a web site too.
My dogs feet were very tender when we arrived in Ashland, but not bleeding.
The dog had joined us at Castle Crags and immediately started out doing 20+
mile days. After a couple days with the booties her feet hardened up and
she made it to Stevens Pass in Washington without any problems. I had her
wear the booties through some of the nasty sharp volcanic rock near Fish
Lake and in the Three Sisters. The heat and sun in northern California were
really tough on her, but that only lasted the first couple weeks.

The booties are a pain in the ass. You have to keep an eye on the dogs feet
because they will fall off. I lost one within 2 days.

>but another issue might
>be hip problems. Some dogs are genetically very prone to weak hips 

I think the vet can test for the hip problem.

At 05:32 PM 2/2/99 -0600, Helen wrote:
>Has anyone on the list done any portion of Sections A or B with their dog.

A fellow named Tyler had his dog "Sierra" from Campo to Independence last
year. She is a small yellow lab. There was lots of water last year, so I
don't think they had much trouble in that regard. The dog was really hot on
sunny days, even with the light colored coat.

Mark Dixon

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