Mydogs

Best Friends of the Desert
LUCKY	LARKIN	LUNA	LASER	GROUP


Over the many years of roaming the desert I have come to appreciate my dogs as best friends. They are always ready to climb in the 4x4 and be on the trail with short notice, defy gravity in the bucking and bouncing vehicle; eat whatever food is available and drink water when and where it can be found. They will fight rattlesnakes, alert you to coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions, warn you of unseen mine shafts, and ward off all those little critters in the evening hours around the campfire. They will sound the alarm during sleep of unknown intrusions, stay next to you for warmth in winter and close by to keep cool in summer. They don't mind if we get lost for they know we will always find our way out, and in the process, enjoy the adventure. They will wait patiently while I pop a few beers or repair the cruiser in the heat of the summer with minimum shade. After stupid miscues I have regained consciousness to find them standing guard. We have gone into deep mine tunnels where their sense of danger trumped my own aggressiveness. They have carried water canteens, mineral samples, mining supplies and their own food, while in the process experiencing bloody paws, rattlesnake bites, broken legs, and heat exhaustion with no complaints. They have walked the ledges, climbed the hills, searched the washes and explored the canyons, and last of all, they are there to talk to, to share your exciting finds and disappointing lows. They are there to listen to your wild stories around the camp fire and sing off key. Over the years, I know that my dogs have known exactly what was said to them and agreed with every word!! By yourself, the desert is a lonely and forbidden place, but with your dogs, for company and companionship, it is a beautiful and exciting environment to experience. Man can ask for nothing more. At the end of the day, the look in their eyes, the paw in your hand, the lick on your cheek, and the wag of their tail makes it all worth while. For these and other reasons that cannot be put into words, I dedicate this page to all my dogs, past and present, for they have always provided the ultimate loyalty with no excuses or complaints.

Lucky was born under a trailer in the desert and from the beginning was a salvage project. He was destine for the Pound to be put to sleep so we took him in. If ever there was a happy dog, he was it. He ended up being a great dog who provided years of pleasure. He had the largest ears I have ever seen and as should be expected, he could hear great. I don't have a clue what type of breed he was and really don't care, for his demeanor and character was more than one could ask for in a best friend. As he died first, he was significantly missed by Larkin, Luna, and me on the trail, for he was Mr. Dependable in every aspect of his existence.

Larkin was also born under a trailer in the same part of the desert, but that is where her and Lucky parted company. She was a one-person animal, fiercely loyal, who had little time for anyone else. She had ever positive quality one could think of but only for that single individual. She made it clear there was no time for anyone else. You could never ask for a more loyal trail companion as she was always there at your side. She is thoroughly missed as a member of the dynamic group.

Luna was found wandering the desert at about six months of age. She was starving, covered with ticks, psycho, and in bad shape. I took her home and with food, tick removal, water and a large amount of love she turned into a good dog. Throughout her life she was always somewhat weird and distant. She loved the trails but stayed apart from the other dogs appearing to appreciate her own being. She was a one-person dog and a loner who died before her time.

This is the newest member of the family and my only dog not born in the desert. Being dumped on the beach as a pup he is just lucky to be alive which makes him a salvage project from the coast. I have no idea what type of dog he is. As there are no other dogs at present he doesn't understand competition and is totally independent, but has a great personality. He has been difficult to control but with age is beginning to settle down and accept reality. On the trail he has difficulty realizing how he fits in, that will come with time, understanding, and love.

And finally, here are my past trail-mates, all Mutts, who have all gone to the big reward after spending many hours, and traveling many miles, together. This was a trio that has been over the far blue mountains and understand the total enjoyment and environment that can be found there. It is time to move on, and now Laser has taken their place in the front seat of the 4x4 cruiser, I can only hope that he will meet my expectations that was established by these three great friends.