Max, a pit bull/husky mix, prepares himself for the steps cut into a trail in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. (Photo by Christina Myer)

West Virginia’s State Parks have introduced a program I just couldn’t resist sharing. They’ve launched the West “FURginia” State Park Ranger program, which will give people incentive to bring their dogs with them to explore the state parks.

Acting Chief of West Virginia State Parks Dillard Price said after completing five tasks, park visitors and their dogs can get a certificate and commemorative dog tag. But you have to go to the parks’ nature centers and get an official “West FURginia Ranger” checklist.

My dog is 11 now, and a pit bull mix, which makes him naturally potato-shaped and these days a little slower on the trail. But he really loves trails.

If there are stone or wooden steps — especially if they are wet — he pouts. If it is the wooden walkway under the overhang on the Alum Cave Trail at Audra State Park, all bets are off.

On the other hand, for some reason he absolutely loved scrambling over rocks in the snow at Babcock State Park one winter, even if he did require the canine version of the tush push to get over a couple. Actually, that dog has been to more state parks than a lot of people have. A couple of national parks, too, now that I think about it.

“Pets hold a special place in our lives and in the hearts of our park visitors,” Price said. “This program celebrates that bond while giving guests another reason to get outdoors, explore West Virginia’s natural beauty, and make new memories with their loyal companions.”

In addition to touting pet-friendly accommodations at state parks, officials reminded potential hikers about the benefits of bringing a dog along for the walk.

“The experience offers numerous benefits for both. For dogs, woodland environments offer rich scent-scapes and varied terrain that stimulate their minds and bodies. Exploring nature gives them a chance to engage in their natural behavior,” the news release said. “Sniffing helps dogs lower their heart rates, and the varied ground of forests helps strengthen muscles and joints.”

Humans who know how good they feel after a walk in the woods with their dogs know there are plenty of benefits for us, too.

But if we do it right, there are some rules to follow. State parks officials aren’t suggesting we bring our dogs to the parks without minding our manners. Both dogs and cats are permitted in pet-friendly cabins, but they must be leashed and/or restrained at ALL times.

I’ve been to some parks where the rule is a six-foot or shorter leash on trails. Anything longer would create problems, and could be dangerous. I’m not suggesting your dog might attack someone on the trail. I’m thinking more about the time years ago that I rounded a switchback with my dog a few feet ahead of me. There was a boulder blocking my view of the trail a bit, so that when I caught up even those few feet to my dog, she was frozen still with a black snake rearing up in front of her. Fortunately, we backed up quickly and the snake went on its way.

Anyway, make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations (and carry the proof with you); clean up after your pets (this may require lining the pocket of your backpack with a garbage bag, and then putting the waste-clean-up bag inside it, if you are on a long hike and you don’t prefer using the method of using a stick to flick the mess farther away from the trail); if there is a sign indicating a trail is NOT for pets, respect it; and bear in mind guests are responsible for any damage or cleaning fees.

The eight participating state park nature centers are at Blackwater Falls, Cacapon, Kanawha State Forest, North Bend, Pipestem, Twin Falls, Tygart Lake and Watoga. That means Mid-Ohio Valley residents don’t have to travel far to take part … but where’s the fun in that?

Get out there and explore. Take your furry friends with you. It’s a great time of year to do it, and you’ll both be happier for it.

Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com.