Love On The Rocks(Herm Sherwood-Sitts) Love On The Rocks
By Herm Sherwood-Sitts

She followed close behind him in the dark, as they walked the trail through the brush and scattered trees. It led to a beautiful spot overlooking the city and the canyon. He climbed up on to a huge rock that was part of the canyon wall and sat down. As she followed, she could feel the warmth that the rock kept from the afternoons scorching sun. She brushes up against him and lays down taking in the sparkle of the city lights below. He bends down and gently snuggles her ear.

She knows he is dependable, strong and fierce. Many don’t know he is also a loving, monogamous, provider. There are times when he hunts alone, returns with bounty and her and the young ones eat first. A true alpha he is.

Her thoughts are interrupted with the sound of trotting feet as four six month old pups climb up on the rock and sit with their parents.

The Alpha looks around and sees who is there. He tips back his head and lets out a soft howl. The little ones follow suit. A few minutes later two more pups show up. The pack is now together.

Mom licks and washes the runt of the litter, and then settles down and takes a little nap. She has a belly full of new pups and the weight tires her out easily.

The Alpha takes his turn on watch. He wonders why the city seems to be growing. Humans are making hiking trails into his territory, causing less space and critters to hunt. As a rule he teaches his offspring to stay away from them and that is getting harder to do.

Due to traffic casualties, hunters and haters, their numbers are diminishing. Being pushed from the forest to the ranches makes this situation even worse. We can only hope there becomes a way to coexist.

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