Hike with your dog? Sure you can
Hawaii Humane Society
There's a friendly group that gathers once each month, putting paws on the path and sharing a couple of hours of exercise and fresh air.
• Place ID on dogs' collars, and keep the dogs on leashes. • Bring plastic bags to pick up after your dog. • Stay with the group on marked trails. • Keep trails free of litter. • Bring a cell phone, water and snacks for both people and pets. • Come prepared for rain, sun and insects.
Named "Paws on the Path" and led by a Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer, the informal group is a varied collection of people and their dogs. There's no sign-up needed and no fee to join the fun. The last Saturday of each month brings these hikers together at a different part of the island, usually in the mornings, for two or three hours. The group's planners keep comfort in mind, for both dogs and humans, avoiding the heat and sun of the middle of the day.
A few things to keep in mind
Singles, families and couples gather with their dogs at the trail head, where the hike leader describes the trail, answers questions and makes a quick list of hikers. Then, feet and paws hit the trail which is usually rated as novice. All sociable dogs are welcome and should be kept on their leashes.
"We check out all trails before each hike so we know what to expect," said volunteer Sherry Hunt, one of the group's organizers. "Sometimes we have a few dozen and sometimes as many as 60 or more people and kids, all with varying experience. They like the fact that we are familiar with the trails and that we keep an eye on the group. After walking the trail with our group, hikers often like to return on their own and enjoy the trail again whenever they choose."
Hooking up with the Paws on the Path group is an enjoyable way to spend time with your dog, meet other dog owners, and get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of Hawai'i.
The next hike is the Old Pali Road trail on June 28, a Saturday. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Pali Lookout. For more hike information, phone Kelli at 946-2187, ext. 217, or check the calendar of events at www.hawaiianhumane.org.
