According to their owners, Luke, a Labrador mix, and Maggie, a German shepherd, have been scratching at their doors to get outside all week long. The Saturday hike gave them a chance to mingle with the other friendly dogs of the California Canine Hikers, a group of dog-lovers that is devoted solely to providing hiking adventures for owners and beasts. On the recent Gabrielino hike, there were about 15 hikers and a fine mix of dogs that included a miniature pinscher, English mastiff and standard poodle, not to mention several Heinz 57 mixed breeds. It's a club witho ut regular meetings, fund-raising activities or elected officials. The Canine Hikers offer group hikes, and that's about it.
Volunteers arrange hikes, plot out courses and make sure any permits are obtained.
Most members search out the Canine Hikers after they learn that many wilderness areas won't accept dogs. But the club knows where to go, and it has often introduced members to new territories. Day said a big reason she keeps attending the hikes is the information she learns from the other hikers. It was through a fellow Canine Hiker that Day discovered how pets are used therapeutically to help children at Orangewood, Orange County's home for abandoned or neglected children. Now, she and Maggie volunteer at Orangewood monthly.