Lucky Dog

One of the key points of our hike is that we are taking Lucky, my six year old mixed breed dog. Many people have their opinions about taking a dog on the trail. When I have searched about long distance hiking with dogs, there is not a lot of information out there.



There are a lot of opinions. Many people feel that dogs aren't prepared for the trail. I can understand that. They don't get to have the psychological training that we do, even if they go on all of our training hikes. Additionally, many feel that since they can't communicate directly with us, it is difficult to know when they are not at their best or if there is something wrong. Also, while we as humans can decide to take zero days for ourselves, dogs don't have that choice.

All of these are aspects I have seriously considered. I don't want to do any damage to my dog and I want him to have a good, long life. At the same time, Lucky and I have the type of connection that would probably lead to some psychological issues any way if I were to go on the trail and leave him at home.

Lucky is an emotional service animal. He has supported me for most of his life. He alerts to when I am spiraling and am experiencing strong emotions. He tries to either comfort me and provide a distraction or alert someone else in the vicinity to the problem. This ability to sense my moods and attempt to change them is going to be a key facet of being on the trail. Additionally, he has developed a very strong bond with me and has difficulties if I have to leave him for extended periods of time. Going to work is fine, but trips are that much more difficult for both of us if we can't be together.

More over, he loves being outdoors. It is his element. He enjoys going out in all weather, as long as he gets to be outside with us. This is a large change from the dog I knew when I first adopted him in Texas. He now swims avidly, though I did know before we moved that he loved to chase squirrels. He has yet to catch one. I don't think he would know what to do if he did. Because of this love of nature, I feel like he will enjoy a large portion of his time on the trail.

All that said, I do have plans that if he is not able to continue on the trail, I will send him back "home" to Damon's parents' home, where they have a yard, another dog, and two cats. They have cared for him before when I have done short trips. They understand how to work with him and are willing to care for him in the event that he cannot continue with us. This would require taking a few days from the trail to transport Lucky to the closest airport, and then have him shipped via cargo to Seattle, where they would pick him up. This has been thought out as a contingency plan.

Overall, this is a life experience for all of us. I want him to be a part of this, for both of our sakes.