[pct-l] hiker safety ((( DOGS)))

[Donna Saufley]

Hikers have been shot at on trail. . . I've heard multiple accounts of this.
I just happened to a southbound hiker this season (hunters fired the shot).
Several accounts of shootings happened in the Cottonwood Creek area of the
Mojave in the late 90s. There was another further north that happened to two
sobos. Isolated incidents of a sort that happen all over, in the city and in
the country. 

Most of the scary encounters hikers have experienced and told us about have
happened when in campgrounds where people car camp, or while hitching,
trailheads, or in towns. Even the current stalking issue has been confined
to trail junctions with roads.  I can't recall one story where anyone had
trouble of a sinister human kind actually on the PCT tread involving hikers.


The stories of amazing human kindness, and unbelievable trail magic,
encountered with strangers on or off the trail far outweigh the cautionary
tales.

L-Rod


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Andrea Dinsmore
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2008 10:37 AM
To: Bob Bankhead
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] hiker safety ((( DOGS)))

I would like to hear about the bad stuff that REALLY happens to the hikers
after they start their adventures. We hear a lot of "what ifs". That
includes dogs too. I have seen a few dogs come through here (2400 miles from
the Mexican border) that have been OK.  But on the flip side I have seen
dogs come through here that lost the use of their hind legs, exhausted,
bloody feet or too tired to eat or drink. I have been anti dog for the
hikers......but every dog is different. Every owner is different. If you
take your dog on your hike with you....pay close attention to the dog's
physical and mental condition. Remember how many steps the pooch that you
love is taking. (compared to you). He loves you and will follow you to his
death and not complain. Would you do that for anyone ??

PCT MOM
_______________________________________________
Pct-l mailing list
Pct-l at backcountry.net
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-