Thanks for the kind words.....don't think I'll be getting another dog though, looking for a pistol instead. I hike very quietly, and have been walking up on critters that my pups would normally clear out for me, the other day a cougar's den with cub, momma kitty was close to jumping me for sure, NOT a good situation!
Finally getting a little rain, the woods are green, and the Sotol tender, some discards along the trail, notice the dark spots where something grabbed & bruised the tender leaves.