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Don’t Bring Dogs To The Mountain Says Expert

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By: Kraig Becker
Updated:
5

Mountaineering Expert Julie Kittams has told the Associated Press that it’s not a great idea to bring a dog on a challenging climb. She says that they can slow down your efforts, and keeping track of them can be like watching over an injured teammate, and can prevent a climber from being able to get down safely themselves.

This follows the story of Velvet the Black Lab who helped to keep the climbers on Mount Hood warm, and alive, last week until rescue teams could reach them. Of course, we probably shouldn’t show Ms. Kittams, who is a Veterinarian who specializes in Iditarod sled dogs, this video.

Kraig Becker
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5 thoughts on “Don’t Bring Dogs To The Mountain Says Expert”

  1. They can be such good company. I have met a number of climbers over the years in the Rockies who always take their dogs. Everyone of them was a very responsible pet owner.
    DSD
    “Summit Stones & Adventure Musings”

  2. I was thinking the same thing when I read this article. It also depends on the dog. Some of them are more up to then others obviously. Many are more up to it then their owners! 🙂

  3. Dog that climbed (speed climbed) Mt. Hood several times with a talented speed climber.

    Official “human-dog” record, Timberline Lodge 5850′ parking lot to Summit in 1hrs 56mins 38sec timed by Climb Max Mountaineering managers in 2004 Jacob Kammermeyer and Charlee Gribbon, paid as timing officials third-party.

    Photos from the record climb and other photos

    http://www.network54.com/Forum/216122/message/1158812118/Re-+Mountain+Speed+Labrador

    http://www.network54.com/Forum/216122/message/1158811948/Mountain+Speed+Labrador

    Thread is here with other photos:
    http://www.network54.com/Forum/216122/

  4. Very cool story and pictures. I really like the image of the man and the dog above the cloud line. Both of them must be in pretty good shape! 🙂

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