I've always had furry friends and family members, all rescues. Not just dogs, but cats, rodents, birds and fish. My current dog Fred, a yellow lab mix turned my life around, when, after surgery, I started walking him regularly. First we'd only go about a half a mile before I was out of breath. Then a mile, next 2 and 3 miles until we were doing 5 miles/day. Then we started hiking. Just trails in the woods at first, Next, climbing mountains, working on completing all 52 with a view. In doing so I lost 65 pounds! He's too old to hike now, (14 years) but I still go hiking regularly and will always remember those special times Fred and I spent together, hiking and enjoying nature.