All in the Family

Kuma takes on Dixie Mountain Told by Kuma & Written by Lorraine Bossé-Smith

I’ve always been on the tall side for a Shiba Inu. Mom says I take after her and have long legs. Oh, OK. Last vet checkup, though, I weighed in at 38 pounds. That made my mom concerned and sad. She knows being sick all last year affected me, too. We both gained weight as a result, and she’s determined to change that.

Do you know my mom? If you do, you know

when she sets her mind on something, she gets serious and committed! I’m on low-calorie food, which, to be honest, tastes the same as the old stuff, so I’m good, but we are going farther on our hikes. The good news is mom feels up to it; the downside is I’m paying for it. This weekend, we got on the Bobcat trail. This is a short connector trail that starts off Dove Valley Road on the north end of Phoenix. You have to park in the dirt because the road is closed with “no parking signs.” The curb is pretty high, so you may need a high-clearance vehicle just to park. Parking is free and dogs are allowed.

From there, you followed the path to the gate and proceed on Bobcat. It’s marked, and at the first intersection you go on the Dixie Mountain Trail. It starts off very flat, and we were amazed at how green the desert got after the rains. In fact, we saw some grasses and wildflowers growing already.

The trail winds around as you start to climb up Dixie Mountain. At the top, you will actually be over by the Desert Vista trail head or by Norterra Fireside. I knew where we were there and wanted to head back to where we normally park the car, but we have miles to go because we parked on the other side. Instead of three miles, this loop was six. Mom and I needed a quick break to rest our paws, but we weren’t hot. The temps were very comfortable!

The trail gets rocky but doesn’t become super steep…just a steady climb up. It takes you up the mountain and around the other side and then back down to the Bobcat connector trail. When we got back to the car, I was ready for a nap! Thankfully, we didn’t see any bobcats, but we did meet lots of folks and canines along the way. Because this loop is longer, you don’t encounter as many mountain bikes. It’s another great local option before the hot season arrives.

By the way, I had to get my rabies vaccine, and I weighed in at 35.9! Woo hoo. Mom’s plan is working. Stay healthy my friends.

Kumaito (Kuma for short) is a multi-tan Shiba Inu, the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating and napping.

Lorraine Bossé-Smith is the founder of the FIT Leader Formula. She shares Kuma’s adventures. She is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert and author of eight published books.