On Friday, Jan. 31 Tracey Hall, Environmental Educator of the Boothbay Region Land Trust, held the first ever “Tails on the Trails” dog hike at Penny Lake preserve. With her was her Labradoodle Cedar. Joining her was Lauren Stockwell and her yellow lab Ella.

The sky was clear and the weather was around 15 degrees above what it had been, making it the perfect day for a hike. The dogs seemed to agree; after they introduced themselves to each other it was off to the trails.

Hall knew that there had been dog gathering hikes on Land Trust trails before, but they had ended. She decided the time was right for another round.

“We have numerous dog-friendly trails where dogs can go off leash, such as the Linekin Preserve or the Gregory Hiking Trail,” Hall said. “There are a couple preserves where dogs need to be kept on a lead during certain months, to avoid disturbing the wildlife.”

Hall stressed the importance of being courteous to other hikers.

“We allow the dogs off-leash but we expect the owners to be respectful of others on the trails,” Hall said. “Sometimes people aren’t fond of dogs or don’t want to be leapt upon. When you realize another person is on the trail, it’s polite to leash your dog again until you’ve passed each other.

“That’s why it’s important to only let trained dogs off their leads.”

Stockwell and Hall took the trail leading across the bridge and then circled towards St. Andrews Village before heading back with their well-exercised and happy pups.

“I hope more people join us on our next hike,” Hall said. The next hike will be on Friday, February 21, at 10 a.m. at Gregory Preserve.