Sport is "thru-hiking" the Appalachian Trail, a trail that runs over 2100 miles from Mt. Katadhin in Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia. Thru-hikers are people that hike the entire thing in one go, typically taking up to 6 months to complete their journey. Each year approximately 1,500 people attempt this same challenge, though only a fraction makes it all the way. However, Sport is not a person; Sport is a dog, in the company of his people Tyler and Sonya.
The trio began their hike on May 20th at Katahdin and have steadily been working their way south ever since. Hiking on average 15 to 20 miles a day, Sport is a good sport. He carries his own pack and undergoes all of the same adversities as Sonya and Tyler; climbing mountains, fording streams and sleeping under the stars.
An undertaking of this type is not taken lightly, much planning and training is necessary to complete the sojourn. Sport too had to be ready. Before beginning their hike Sonya and Tyler took Sport out on a number of practice hikes. They also sought out the advice of dog experts, such as Lynn Whittaker, Owner of Bowwow University; a dog training studio in Litchfield, CT.
Sonya and Tyler wanted to make sure that Sport was up to the challenge in regard to his training, both physically and mentally. This meant obedience training, basically doggy-boot camp, for Sport. Since Sport would be meeting other people along the trail, it was important that Sport had the basics, such as come, sit and stay, mastered, especially since he might be sharing sleeping quarters with strangers and would often be off leash.
As Sport was going to be working hard and his weight-load at a premium, it was also important that Sonya and Tyler consider the proper nutrition for Sport. As he would be doing a lot more work than the today's average couch potato pup, finding the proper diet was a must. Furthermore, there were other considerations, including ticks and such which can plague both human and canine alike. Lynn Whittaker was able to help in these areas too, offering guidance and advice for Sport.
Sport, through Sonya who is equipped with an I-Phone, has been keeping his friends and family in Connecticut up to speed on his adventures. Back home in Litchfield, Lynn and the folks at Bowwow U follow Sonya, Tyler and Sport's progress; tracking their movement on a wall map. Lynn continues to provide advice and moral support too as the group checks in via email, photos and the occasional call.
In a few weeks, the three will be making their way through the 51 miles of the trail that weaves through Connecticut. Lynn plans on meeting up with them to help resupply Sport as he continues to make his way south. More updates on their progress to come.
