The native Michigan Chocolate

Lab had Thanksgiving dinner

And went for an Arizona

Hike to walk off

His chicken and vegetables

Not turkey and stuffing

Like his snow-bird parents.

His nose worked overtime

On the trail and while

He had never seen

A coyote, he smelled them

All over the hills while

They remained hidden.

One day he would look up,

See the pack with the

Female beckoning

and brace for the chase.

Then his parents will be

Grateful for the

Six foot leash and a

Firm grip.