My lab puppy will be 2 in about 3 months. Last night I let him out to do his business and he finally came back home about 3:30 AM. This is the first time he's done this. He generally stays out for an hour or so exploring but he must have found an animal to follow and took some time to find his way back home. I'm glad he found his way home and probably can now do so anytime. Anyway, I've become extremely attached to him and was up with worry until he came back. I was reminded how I felt the first time my children didn't show up on time and came home hours later than normal. It is spring here and the black bear are just about ready to leave the winter dens. Several years ago I lost a black lab that wanted to play with a black bear sow and she killed him. This is one of the detriments living in Alaska's bush. It is nice to see real widelife in natural habitat, but must remember these animals are wild and not afraid of man. One never knows for sure exactly what situation he is going to get into and the dog must learn some of the same. I sure hope he learns fast and seems to, but he is older now and expanding his territory.
