The 4th DOG ARRIVES AT MONTE AZUL

For years we have been able to hold the line at 3 dogs at Monte Azul. A month ago Carlos and I have stepped over this line and have adopted a 4^th dog. Up to this point we had been able to limit our canine family to 3: 1 inside and 2 outside. Tyler was always the “top dog” in the group and received all of the pampering and comforts of indoor living. When she died in August of 2007, she was quickly followed by Scooter a few weeks later. Scooter appeared in the road one day near the cafetal. He was a cute chubby 6 week old puppy in need of a home. How could we not take him in? He became the new 3^rd dog.

In March 2010, Shadow died unexpectedly. A few weeks later Paco appeared in the road frail, emaciated and in need of a home. Paco became the new 3^rd dog and took over the inside dog space with Cookie and Scooter being outside. All was right in the Monte Azul dog universe, 3 dogs, just the way it was supposed to be.

Jump to March 2011. Things changed. We received a call from our neighbor that there were hunters on our property. In addition to Monte Azul’s anti-hunting position, hunting is illegal in Costa Rica, anywhere, anytime, any animal. Our workers quickly went into action to confront these hunters. We found them, took their information, contacted he local authorities and told them to leave our property which they did.

However, they left their dog behind. The dog was out in the forest during the "arrest" of the 2 hunters. We captured the dog and were surprised at his condition. He was very thin, old, covered in fleas, visible cataracts in both eyes and battle scars all over his body. We did our usual routine and took him right to the veterinarian for an examination. We named him Hunter, based upon his previous occupation.

It has been several weeks now and Hunter has gained weight, no longer has worms, fleas or mite nests in his ears. Because of his age, he is now the 2^nd inside dog and 4th dog in total. He is a very gentle dog and has made himself quite at home in the studio. He is now retired and enjoys sleeping in the chair during the day and in a soft bed at night. Hunter and Paco love to play between naps. Here are a few photos of Hunter in the studio.

My only concern is that we have crossed the “3 dogs only” line. Who knows where this dog family end?