"I repeat, sometimes life just bites the big one. Whatever the h*ll that means."

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I'm going to give Mae an extra hug and treat, thanks for reminding us that our pets give us so much and are here for a short time. They are really part of the family.

And I don't think it's off topic, hiking with your dog is the best crosstraining there is.

She's a very pretty dog, a lab?