A sad reason to filter

[skatchkins]

I was naked off-trail hiking inside a waterfall in Colorado (because that's how every adventure story should start), when I finally found a dead body. A full sized (but youngish) German Shepard was lying dead in the water (the same creek I had drank from unfiltered the day before). It appears it had fallen from high above on a rough section of trail. If that is the case, it's possible the owner(s) saw it happen and had to resign themselves to the very possibility the dog had died on impact(s) or that retrieval or access would have been extremely difficult.

I did the only thing I could think of and sadly pulled it down out of the slot canyon and out of the water supply to keep out further contamination. It was too rocky and steep to attempt burial so I had to leave it in on the flowery hill side. I contacted the forest service and then the county's humane society to try to mail the tags back to the owner.

That had to be an extremely sad day for that owner(s). The still sad part of me cringed every time I saw other dog hikers running on steep cliffside sections. I imagine like human fatalities though, pet deaths happen plenty too but just maybe aren't reported as often.

[outdoor_lover]

[skatchkins]

Damn the owner called me. That was tough call. He hadn't been able to get to her. Asked how long I thought she suffered. We talked about how beautiful the place was.
What is this salty discharge?

Mailing him the tags.

[The_Eagle]

You did a real good thing there Michael....
The Owner has some closure.

[wallyfrack]

You did a real good thing there Michael....

Yes, and he slipped in a line from Seinfeld.

[JoelHazelton]

My god that is heart-wrenching. I'm sure the owner is eternally thankful for what you did. I know I would be.