When I began this journey, I promised that we would continue as long as Forest was happy and healthy. This morning when we got up he still didn't want to eat (third meal in a row). I was more than 4,000-feet up...in blizzard conditions...with no cell service. The service dog partner in me didn't have to fight long with the thru-hiker in me. I made the decision to, for now, leave the trail and make sure Forest is ok before I resume our hike. I had two choices: forge ahead knowing that Franklin, NC, was 30 miles out, or backtrack down to Dick's Creek Gap and get a ride. I decided backtracking was the safest option and began the 4-mile trek to the road. As soon as I had a cell signal, I contacted my wife to let her know what had happened and where and when I would get to the road, and she went to work making transportation arrangements.
Here's a huge shout-out to Ron Haven Hiker Services. Ron arranged a shuttle to pick up Forest and me at the bottom of the trail at Dick's Creek Gap and take us to the Budget Inn (which he owns) in Hiawassee. When I got there, Ron himself was waiting for me; he had driven down from his Baltimore Jack's Place hostel in Franklin just to pick us up and take us back with him. His one goal was to get Forest to a safe, warm place where we could assess whether he needed to see a vet. Great guy...can't thank him enough. http://www.baltimorejacksplace.com; http://ronhavenhikerservices.com; https://www.facebook.com/groups/654947537906052/
Forest is drinking water, peeing, pooping and behaving normally, other than not wanting to eat the dehydrated food I switched him to for the hike; it seems like it just isn't sitting right with him. I am getting a bag of his regular food. If he eats that (either mixed with the dehydrated food or by itself) and continues to pee and poop normally, case solved and I will just figure out how to handle the extra weight. If he won't eat it, we may be facing a trip to a local vet to get him checked out. Think good thoughts, everyone!
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