I want to live in a fido-friendly town, where my dog can sit happily next to me at the dinner table of any restaurant, receive a shave and a hair cut for under six bits, and make itself comfortably numb on a hypnotherapists couch, while larger humanity ponders double-reverse dog-psychology plots.

Meow, meow, meow-meow, meow meow meow-meow-meow-meow

wow...can we talk about nuclear power in Elmore Co now

I have a cat, and if dogs are allowed on buses, why can't we bring cats on too---we love our cats in this valley as much as our dogs......not to mention sheep--sheep are part of our culture more than dogs or cats and we all love sheep(they provide smart wool for our base layers..).

Hi all, I have been following this issue for some time (in N. America and Europe), and hope you don't mind me chiming in with some comments on issues raised so far, starting with the oldest message:

* CIS: Maybe if this program gets going you can get some work writing brochures, etc. for it.

* Randy, I see the point of creating a worst-cast scenario but a - Dogs will be on the floor, b - Most dog owners would realise that any new service is a privilege - probably starting as a pilot - and will be really nice.

* KW: This idea comes up often but nearly all services which allow it do not have special places, the exception being some sleeper trains in Europe. Most people who use transit are used to negotiating perhaps imperfect public space, but of course more people should be neutral or positive than negative about riding a bus if there are dogs.

* Duffy echoes a popular sentiment that dogs are family members much more than animals (like the ones we eat). So shouldn't reasonably-behaved family members be allowed on transit which tax paying-families subsidize? (With restrictions....)

* Hailey Resident: First of all, nearly all operators (in N. America and Europe) require dogs to wear muzzles while on board vehicles. Since it is not common to see muzzles in Canada and the US, it is important to teach other people that it does not mean that the dog is dangerous. Also, from the current operations which allow dogs I know that any incidents are very rare. But also in Germany at least most dogs have insurance policies for that sort of thing. (So we make some work for insurance agents, but not lawyers).

CSBG and others: Federal law says nothing about pets on transit, only about assistance animals. You got most of the examples right but missed a couple:

"Small domestic pets are permitted on New York City Transit buses and subways and Long Island Bus only when they are carried in kennels or similar containers that can by accommodated by you on your lap without annoyance to other passengers.", so while "small" is not defined and theoretically one could carry a good sized canine, practically it is quite difficult.

You're right about Metro North, CATA and Boston (MBTA) but NJ Transit only allows "small pets in carry-on travel cages".

Other examples of dogs on transit are MUNI in SF, Metro in Seattle, Calgary Transit and TTA in Toronto (plus some connecting buses, and the carshare operator Autoshare).

(Responsible Dog Owner: Many states have or are working on anti-tethering laws. Idaho is not one of them, but state law says "No person shall willfully provoke,
mistreat, or abuse any dog or other animal while confined to its keeper's premises." So you need some expert to come by and check out the situation. A violation, is, unfortunately, only a misdemeanor.)

The bottom line with all dogs on transit policies is that the driver or staff always has the final say if a dog can come on board.

If Mountain Rides decides to do a pilot project I can help. Look for "Dogs on Board!" on my linked website.

To preclude problematic doggie-doo-doos in transit, Install fire-hydrants in the back of the buses, complete with modern drainage systems.

After doing so, futuristic dog-lovers maybe be inspired to further improve these systems to transform dog-waste into fido-friendly fuel for Ketchum Central's transit centers.

I am a responsible dog owner.
Even though I really would love to have a dog, I don't.
It wouldn't be fair to the dog.
Like my neighbor, has a "pit bull" on a 3 foot rope outside for
23 3/4 hours a day. Sometimes he takes it up the canyon hunting. ?? It would be better for the dog if he came back without it.
He'll be pulling a corpse out from under the stairs where it lives as soon as the weather gets colder.

As far as canines on a bus, no thank you.
Unless it's in a pet carrier.

To the rest of you "responsible" owners, keep it on a leash in the park or take it to the woods. And PLEASE pick up the poop, because we know you don't. (at least bury it so I don't step in it) (read irresponsible)
I spent a lot of time and BB's training the local "responsible owners" pets on my property.

Luv you too :C) (not everybody loves your dog)

Rrrr, the neighbors dog is starting to howl because it's alone all day.

I am more annoyed by screaming rotten children than a well behaved pet! Yes, let em ride!

Dogs have and do bite people around the valley on walks-seldom, but not uncommon...dogs have fights with each other on many of the local walking trails, especially in the winter when the walking trails are narrow. I just see a major problem with having territorial animals enclosed together in a confined space.
Many people are afraid of dogs. Other people are not interested in hair or slobber on the bus-or pee or poop. Reasonable, I think.
And I believe that the Federal Government already has public transportation rules in place that the Mountain rides system ought to abide by.

I think that getting dog hair all over your clothes on the way to work would suck. Plus there are people that are allergic to dog hair and dander.

And trying to get down the aisle around big dogs would be a hassle. Then the idea of trying to evacuate a bus in an emergency loaded with dogs is scary.

I love my dogs but they don't need the taxpayers funding their public transit. Are the people at Mt. Rides that lacking in common sense?

It would be great if our dogs could ride the bus. If so, more of us would utilize the bus.

For those concerned about dog bites just consider how many locals have gotten bitten by dogs walking on a leash anywhere in the area. It just doesn't happen.

If dogs are to be eligible to ride the bus then a "dog fare" like a child fare would be reasonable and it also seems reasonable to require that dogs be leashed.

I vote YES to dogs being allowed on the local bus routes.

I understand that the Fed"s set they rule that no dog"s are to be on the bus. But only service dog"s can. Are you trying to go against the fed"s rules. If so, you may not get any Fed money, you are trying to get. I think you are making a mistake. YOU better watch it. ( X K.A.R.T. Bus Driver )

I say yes, let them ride. IF, the dog is properly muzzled and leashed for protection and control, pays the ride fee as others do or an additional pet fee, and as long as the owner is responsible for the dogs inherit unhuman character flaws. Not to say that an all day ride with it's head out the window for the days outing would be tolerated. Also if the dog is dirty/smelly/unpleasent to be around or uncontrollable, then it's not allowed and/or out the door on the spot. Again, the owner needs to be a thoughtful and responsible to meet the condition(s) of the animal. A limit on the ratio of pets to owners, regular passengers, assessable hours would need consideration. I would also add that cat's, bird's, and other household pets with the same conditions applying.

If society wants to encourage mass transit then there needs some give and take by all. So why not give a trial run to see if there is a need.

Common sense may just run amuck.

This is a joke, right?

My pet goat - Dubya - wants to hop on the bus, Gus:

www.cnn.com

Dogs are apart of most of our lives, getting around with them is a must. This has been a dog friendly area before the time of Hemingway and Cooper, so I you don't like it there is a town for you..... Aspen, enjoy the walk.

yes-free the dogs.Maybe a no-dog section for dog challenged people.

Clearly, this valley is for the dogs. Not only should we encourage dogs to ride buses, we should also crack the bus windows open a squinch, to enliven their rides, and so that other dogs traveling up and down the valley may see how well we accept them here.

On top of that, it would be most refreshing to see some dogs competing in a fiery card game at Whiskey's the moment it opens.