3.5 miles of hiking • 500' elevation gain •
Gordy, my 6.5 year old dog (lab / bassett mix), loves to hike.
The only problem with that is that he was born with a genetic deformity in this front left leg that causes him to hyper-extend his wrist, which in turn is causing his wrist joint to break down as he gets older.
He used to join me on my hikes when he was younger, but now, he can't manage more than a few miles so I have to leave him at home. At first he'd get upset and try to bolt out the door when he saw me heading towards the front door with my backpack. Now he accepts it, but he always looks a little sad when I walk out the door.
Monday's hike was for Gordy. We started at Pittock Mansion, decending into Forest Park. The trails are soft and easy on Gordy's paws, and with lots of dogs on the trail, he had no problem making lots of "friends". We hiked down to Stone House, our turn around point, on the Wildwood Trail and returned by the same route.
Gordy sped down the trail (on leash, of course) all the way to Stone House, where I forced him to take a break. On the way back, he started slowing down on the final switchbacks up to Pittock, and he really started getting slow the last 100 yards or so before the parking lot. Once we made it to the parking lot, he made a beeline for his car. Once the door was open, he jumped right in, ready to go home. Let's just say he slept really well last night. It was a good day. I definitely need to make more time for "Gordy" hikes this summer. There's nothing like having a happy pup. :)
Kyle Meyer
May 31, 2012
He's the cutest!