[pct-l] Dog Help

Fri Nov 16 21:10:45 CST 2007

I’m in an awkward position when it comes to making “recommendations,”
especially when it comes to something as precious as the life and well being
of your best canine friend, and the dream that you have been dreaming to
bring him along.  I try instead to present the realities of what I’ve seen,
having the unique opportunity over the past 11 years to meet the majority of
hikers on the trail and their furry friends.  

Like Andrea Dinsmore (aka PCT Mom), I’ve seen dogs who do extremely well and
seem to be having the time of their lives, and dogs that are doing so poorly
I wanted to kill their owners or at least report them for animal cruelty.
How will you and your dog do?  Geez, that is impossible to call.  With the
dogs at least, breed purpose does seem to play a strong factor.  I would not
venture that a Maltese is exactly a coursing breed, but the fact that you
plan to carry the dog compensates somewhat for that.  Can you carry a dog
(and its food and water) through all of the sections where they’re allowed
is a question only you will be able to answer.  

With the following I’m not trying to be negative, but I sense that you are
well versed in the positives of bringing your dog along with you.  I’m
trying only to give some balance to your decision process with the things
that I know about:

-          I think you’re right to be concerned about fords in those places
that are blessed with creeks and rivers (not down here!!).  Many adults have
difficulties just getting themselves over some of them, and they require
both your hands to get you across safely.  Are the life vest and safety line
you plan to use going to be effective in raging torrents?

-          We have a lot of predatory animals out here.  With such a tiny
dog, I’d also be concerned about the coyotes, mountain lions, and even birds
of prey.  The extreme drought conditions we’re in down here has driven wild
animals to turn increasingly upon domestic animals in brazen attacks.  We do
not bring our only trail capable dog (a smooth coat fox terrier) out on the
trail for this reason alone.  

-          Others have rightly mentioned rattlesnakes, which are a real
concern for human and dog alike.  

-          Where will you be and how will you get out if you need help for
your dog?  The PCT does not have the frequent road crossings the AT does
with relative close proximity to towns.

-          As many have mentioned, the water situation out here has been
outright dire, and the forecast for rain this coming winter is not good,
though we pray the forecasters are wrong this time.  Can you carry gallons
and your gear and your dog?  And still enjoy your experience?  

If things go wrong, you will have to live with that outcome and I suspect
would not forgive yourself. The bottom line is if you are willing to take
the chance and the challenges, it might be a wonderful experience for you
and your beloved friend, and we’ll welcome you both here at Hiker Heaven.  I
wish you wisdom in making such a difficult choice.  

L-Rod

   _____  

From: g l [mailto:gailpl2003 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 5:18 PM
To: Donna Saufley; PCT
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Dog Help

Donna-

I value your opinion for sure.  I wonder if you've had a chance to read all
my posts on this topic.  If not, please take a minute to do so and see if
you think my plans for bringing my dog is "do-able".  I think my previous
responses may at least convince you that I've put a lot of planning and
thought into this and into making it as safe as possible for my dog.  Most
importantly, as I've said before, I plan on CARRYING him most of the way.
When I wrote you before about coming to Hiker Heaven in '08, I said you'll
know me because I'll be the one carrying the dog!!!  I have read of a guy
that carried his cat all the way, on top of his backpack.  I doubt that my
dog weighs more than his cat, so I don't think it will be too horrible to
carry the extra weight.

Wheeew

Donna Saufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com> wrote:

I apologize because I haven’t read the references Mags provided, but wanted
to comment on your response because it sounds like your dog’s trail
experience has been on the AT.  Please keep in mind that the PCT and AT are
similar only in that they are both long trails.  The weather and terrain
you’ll find on the southern PCT are for the most part quite dissimilar to
anything you’ll find on the AT.  In some sections, you’ll experience 110
degree plus days, single digit humidity, long waterless stretches without
shade, and soil like sandpaper.  The dry, harsh, extreme desert conditions
found in Southern California can be very hard on people and on animals who
aren’t adapted to them.  

Lover of dogs (current count:  seven)

L-Rod

   _____  

From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of g l
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 3:38 PM
To: Paul Magnanti; PCT
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Dog Help

Thanks Mags.....both are excellent references.  And you are right of course.
I couldn't bear to part with my best pal.  However, it is also true that
every time I get my backpack out he gets soooooo excited.  He's smaill, but
he loves to hike and camp!  He has hiked as much as 12 miles a day for 2
days in a row, in the mountains thru pouring rain both days.  And still he
loves it.  The only time I saw him freak was when lightening struck very
near......but I freaked too, having been struck by lightening in the
Shenandoahs, when I did a thru on the AT!  Yikes!!

Wheeew
Paul Magnanti <pmags at yahoo.com> wrote:

Though meant for the Appalachian Trail, the general concepts should apply
for the PCT:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.795337/k.9784/Hiking_wi
th_Dogs.htm

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/%7BD25B4747-42A3-4302-8D48-EF35C0B0D9
F1%7D/fido.pdf

(Written by a veterinarian!)

Obviously the desert hiking is another ball of wax from the AT. Most of the
snow fields a hiker typically crossed are in NPS lands where Fido is not
allowed, so that is one less
physical hurdle for Fido. But a possible logistic issue for you.

Good luck!

ps. "He would be far happier on the trail than without his master for
several months."

Or maybe it is the reverse ;-)

************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.pmags.com

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