The Mountaineers
Trail Tails is a special feature showcasing the mutts of The Mountaineers! This month we recognize El'Bug, owned by Mountaineer Kate Tegeler.
Name: El'Bug
Breed: Husky/German Shepard mix
Age: 5
WHEN DID El'Bug FIRST HIT THE TRAIL?
El'Bug first hit the trail at 1.5 (3 months after I rescued her) We started off running on leash, then we went car camping and day hiking. Ultimately she is a mountain biking dog at heart.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOORS MEMORY WITH El'Bug?
When she first started off-leash freedom. She pounced so high through the grass multiple times. She looked like a deer jumping.
WHAT’S A FEAR YOUR PUP HAS OVERCOME, OR A TRAIL SKILL THEY’VE DEVELOPED?
El was first scared of going into a tent. I think she thought it was a kennel.
WHAT’S El'Bug's FAVORITE THING TO BRING ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES?
El'Bug's favorite thing to bring outdoors is her sleeping bag. She got a dog sleeping bag recently and loves to curl up in it and be zipped up. If she doesn't have it she will dig into mine or dig a large hole outside the tent and refuse to come into the tent. Huskies! Uggg!
WHAT’S El'Bug's GO-TO TRAIL SNACK?
That would be cheese!
FUN FACTS
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She does not like to be woken up in the morning. Most dogs paw at you to get up and out of the tent... not her! She will get out of the tent once her food is ready.
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Her favorite outdoor activity is mountain biking and she can clear a gap jump way better than me.
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While at home she puts me to bed with great cuddles; as soon as I'm asleep she goes outside and stays outside until it is time to get me up (she thinks this is around 6 a.m.). I don't cave in but it is very opposite of her being in a tent.
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El has a stuffed polar bear that she takes outside each night and puts in one of her dug holes. She does not play with it like a regular toy. She brings it inside in the morning and doesn't do anything throughout the day.
HIKING WITH DOGS
Remember, it's key to keep trail etiquette and leash laws in mind when you hit the trail with your dog. Always check to be sure that the area you are entering is dog-friendly, and pack more dog bags than you think you need.
Check out our guide on hiking with dogs, and remember to use the WTA's handy "dogs allowed'" filter on their Hiking Guide.
