I just read a promotional copy of a book "Following Atticus" by Tom Ryan (it was sitting in a box of free books out in front of a local bookstore). A great read for anyone, not just dog lovers. I'm not a dog owner (allergic) but really was touched by his writing. I looked it up and it's coming out in Sept. 2011, but the author's blog is here: The Adventures of Tom & Atticus

It involves the author's relationship to his dog, and how he was inspired to have the two of them hike the 48 peaks above 4,000 ft. in the White Mtns, then in winter, then twice in the same winter. I vaguely remember reading something about them a few years back, probably on this site.
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dk