[ambrose]

woof.

[FITZ]

Nice dog story bump!

[MOX]

MAN'S BEST FRIEND...... any questions?

[Oorang]

If a dog were your teacher, you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout.... run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

[jslade]

I remember last winter. I live in Central Florida next to the St. Johns River. One afternoon my wife and I saw five black bears in our back yard (five acres). Our Doberman was fearless and charged off the deck after them. These bears were in the 300-400 lb. range. They took off and ran up the oak trees like squirrels. Amazing. Don't tell me about the courage of dogs. Dobermans rule.

[Mr.Atos]

To break the tangent and get back on subject, a bear bell is a great idea to have on your person. I don't know if it works on a Cougar, as they are actually looking for food when they attack. But, up here, Bears are a bigger problem and you definitely do not want to startle them. Give them fair warning by making noise and they'll likely just move on and you'll never see them at all... and that is definitely a good thing. TJ wears a bear bell on his pack, that way I know where he is on the rare times he's off-leash, and he won't startle anything; bear, cats, and especially a skunk. We have been lucky not to run into anything, although I've seen him go 'alert' a couple of times. The Olympics are especially eerie, as many of the rainforest trails can be too dark to see anything that might be lurking. What's worse, dogs are restricted from the O.N.P. They are allowed in the O.N.F., but that is a very small part of the Peninsula.