By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Dogs and their humans take to the Aiea Loop Trail,
above, on a "Love a Dog" hike.
HIKERS on Aiea Loop Trail Saturday socialized, grinned, got their feet wet and kept their tails wagging, even when things got ruff. Tails a-wag
on the trailIn case you're wondering about that last bit, hiking has gone to the dogs.
"Paws on the Path" is a series of Hawaiian Humane Society-sponsored hikes geared toward improving bonds between canines and their humans. The hikes -- averaging about 20 humans and their dogs -- have been offered since April 1996, and during October, "Love a Dog Month," two hikes are scheduled.
The first is Sunday at Likeke Trail in Kaneohe. Another hike is scheduled for Oct. 25 at Waimano Valley Loop in Pearl City. Meet at the start of trails at 8:45 a.m. The 2- to 3-mile hikes start promptly at 9 a.m. so that they end just before noon, when it may get too hot for the dog.
Despite the possibility of too much sun, the dogs "do better than we do," says volunteer Sherry Hunt, who leads the hikes with her poi dog Koa.
Saturday, when it started to rain, the humans took cover. But the dogs were ready and willing to finish the hike.
By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Maxx-a-Million, a Chinese Crested dog, is eager
to lead owner Gail Kameya on the trail.
"Rain, mud, it doesn't bother them at all," Hunt said. "The Aiea trail can get muddy and humans do have to worry about slipping and falling, but the dogs do fine. They have four legs so they're very stable."Dogs ranging from miniatures to a 135-pound mastiff have completed the hikes. The range in age has been 6 months to 13 years. The gamut of human hikers has been even broader.
For those who want to go on one of the hikes, state statutes require that dogs be kept on leashes at all times and that owners pick up any poop their pets leave.
"That's no problem," Hunt said. "Dog lovers don't like to see another dog's mess either. We get just as irritated as nondog people."
By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Puppy, a bull terrier, pauses with owner Jon Bailon.
Hike participants should bring
water for their dogs.
For information, call Hunt at 625-6285.Dogs are also welcome at Sunday's Pooch Party, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dixie Grill, a benefit for the Humane Society. Admission is $20.
There will be an owner-pet look-alike contest and admission includes lunch for you and a Dixie Dog Dessert for your best friend. Call 946-2187, Éxt. 225.
Nadine Kam, Star-Bulletin
