I have three simple rules I live by:

No mortgage

No kids.

No dogs

Limiting responsibilities is key to be a successful dirtbagger.  Less money you have to pour into something, the less you have to work.

Dogs.  I LOVE them.  They make great companions, cuddlers and entertainment.  But it comes at a cost.

Dogs at the crag.  Disclaimer: I have seen many well behaved dogs at the crag.  Ones that just hang out, near their owners, not bothering anyone else.  But when you first get a dog, its not like that.  One of the worst things a dog does when you climb is FREAK OUT!  They bark and bark and bark!  I like to put words in my dog’s barks and I believe they are trying to tell us: “What are you doing??!  You’re Crazy! Get Back Down Here!” I once had a mean lady tell me that my dog was “Never going to be a crag dog.”  Well,  Zephyr really wasn’t my dog and he is actually a good crag dog these days… somewhat.

The worst crag dog ever?? No Way, not Zephyr!!!

Zephyr, Zephyr, Zephyr.  This is my friend, Tori’s, dog.  I watched Zephyr for a winter season in Bishop and we fell in love.  But, Zephyr caused ruckus everywhere we went and soon had a reputation… lucky for him, he was also the cutest dog ever, so everyone forgave him and I hope they forgave me too.

Even though dogs get to hang outside when you take them to the crag, this sometimes isn’t what they want to be doing.   Hanging out for hours in one location really gives a dog some time to cause some trouble.  These troubles could include: rolling in poop or dead animals, chasing squirrels and eating lizards, playing with other dogs. But, its really not that bad for a dog at the crag.  They just have to get used to it, which only takes a little bit of time.  Many haters out there might complain about dogs destroying the underbrush.  This happens. It becomes a problem when they destroy sage brush or endangered species that take awhile to grow back.

Dogs aren’t allowed in National Parks. This rule sucks.  But Yosemite, Zion, all those awesome places I love to climb are strict about the dog rule.  You can have them on a leash in developed areas and in campgrounds, but nowhere else.  It is also illegal to leave your dog unattended in a car. When I worked as a Park Aide at D.L. Bliss State Park in Tahoe, one of the Ranger’s main responsibility was “rescuing” dogs left in the car.  This involved them breaking a window of vehicles and trips to the pound.  They are serious out there about their dog safety.  Finding a place to keep the dog is hard to do.  You either have to spend some scrilla for the doggie day care or you simply just cant go to these places.  Dog owners adjust and plan their destinations and their lives around their dogs.  Or, if you are a domesticated “dirtbagger”, I guess you can just leave your doggie at home.

Dogs are dirty.  They like to roll in stinky things, they shed and they never take off their coats at the door (its a joke).  They track dirt with them whereever they go.  Which isnt too bad, but just adds to the challenge of staying clean when your in small places.  One good thing about cleanliness and dogs are that they clean up any food scraps and help lick dishes clean.  No more food getting hard and crusty on your dishes!

The way I cope with not having a dog, is by watching everyone else’s.  I love dog sitting and people love it when I watch their dogs.  I have enough dogs in my life to keep me happy.  I get to do all the fun things with them and not have to worry about the responsibilities.

One of the coolest dogs I’ve watched, Gizmo.

So in conclusion, dogs are awesome.  I love them and think everyone should have one.  But if you are living out of your vehicle, traveling and climbing, then a dog might not be the best option.  Take a look at your lifestyle and figure out the amount of responsibility you’d like to take on.  If you are traveling the world and need a dog sitter for more than a few weeks at a  time, you  might want to consider not having a dog.  If you’d do anything for love and change your lifestyle for your doggie, then maybe you are ready for one. After all, I love those little furry devils, but I am just not ready for one in my life yet.