More: i have posted this photo before, but just wanted to share it again--it's one of my favorite photos of him. he had a difficult start to his life--and almost didn't make it. animal control in rural alabama picked him up off the streets, and a woman from a retriever rescue pulled him out. he was in rough shape: fear-aggressive with people, hip and mouth injuries, quite wild...but with love, a strict routine, healthy diet, and patience (and a ton of exercise and adventures) he has positively bloomed and become such an incredible partner in life. we've driven across the country now 3 times, and hiked all over. his favorite places are bozeman, montana and the eastern sierra of california. people stop me on the streets to ask about his "breed," and tell me how special he is. i tell them that he is an original--- a once-in-a-lifetime dog...and i am so lucky to call him mine.