Hiking with a Dog

It is hard leaving our dog Shadow behind on our upcoming backpacking trip along some of the southern sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.  She is a dandy little hiker and loves it.  We initially planned to take her with us.  She attended a rattlesnake avoidance class as the rattlesnake vaccine is ineffective against Mojave Greens.  We got her little bitty Mutluks that she is wearing in the previous video.  We bought her a snazzy silver 'cool' swamp coat that reflects the sun and is wettable to keep them cooler.  We packaged her dog food in ziplocs, just like ours.  And then reality set in and we realized it was a bad idea.

We've never backpacked in the desert before.  Day hikes, yes.  Overnight no.   We don't really know what we are getting into.  We've researched, but it is not the same as experience.  Mojave Green rattlesnakes are a real danger for a small dog on the trail.  Yes,  she passed her avoidance class with flying colors, but it is no guarantee she wouldn't get bit as she jumped away upon scenting the snake.  Mountain lions too would love to pick her off, I'm sure.

It is one thing to challenge ourselves, but it seems cruel to inflict it upon our dog just because we enjoy her company.  So, she is staying home and our son and his wife will take care of her.  Shadow loves her house and her favorite friend, Miss Kitty.  They can keep an eye on the place while we are away.

Sometimes it is hard being the grown-ups. 
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