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Adventures of Little Dog

NOTE: It is with great sadness in my heart that I must report that Little Dog was involved in a terrible accident in November, 2003. He put up a good fight, and almost fully recovered. But as fate can sometimes be so cruel, just when it seemed the little guy had turned the corner he had a fatal organ system failure and sadly, he passed away at dawn, December 3rd, 2003. Little Dog and I enjoyed each other's company for only two years and one month, but it was a period of time that changed me forever. We had many, many adventures together. He accompanied me to some of the most wonderful places and we experienced the most wonderful times together. His life was truly a dream life for a dog. We completed each other and were perfect companions. The joy and love that the little guy brought into my heart and life is indescribable. He changed me forever and taught me lessons about unconditional love, compassion, friendship, and loyalty, that will have an impact on my life forever. His life essence will always be a part of me and those who knew him. He was a perfect dog in every way and he was too good to be true. Like all things that are too good to be true, he was only with us for a short time. I will cherish the two years that I spent with Little Dog as some of the happiest memories of my life.

This webpage will be left online as an homage to Little Dog, the best friend that I have ever known. I will always cherish, love and miss my best little friend.

Little Dog, I thank you for your love and I will always, always remember and love you with all of my heart and soul.

Jay Greene, December 4th, 2003

Little Dog is a Rat Terrier/Feist. These dogs are a derivation of a Rat Terrier, but they tend to be more tri-colored and a bit more mountain hardy than the regular Rat Terrier. Little Dog was rescued from my local county animal shelter. I adopted him in November, 2001. He appeared to be just under or right at one year old at that time. He showed obvious signs of abuse. He was hand shy, malnourished, and generally scared.

Within a couple of weeks (yes, weeks) Little Dog was very adjusted to his new life and was riding my ATV with me through the mountains of east Tennessee. I immediately put together a harness and light system for him so he could go caving with me. He showed no signs of fear whatsoever and took to caving like he was born for it. He is able to run up and down mountains all day and he is usually waiting around the next bend for everyone else to catch up, whether we are riding ATV's, hiking, or caving. Little Dog is completely housebroken and has no bad habits, like tearing up furniture, chewing shoes, peeing on things, etc. In short, he the perfect dog. Smart, rugged, and able.

Little Dog in front of a waterfall at Window Cliffs in Tennessee.

Little Dog sitting on a rock in a cave, waiting patiently for the humans to finish with their photo taking. He wears a Petzyl LED light on his caving harness.

Showing off his cool Petzyl light. The other cave dogs are envious...

Little Dog and I ab out to descend into a new gate in the TAG community.

Stopping to get a drink near the exit to Fern Camp Cave.

Rimstone dams make nice little doggie trails through the places that we humans have to slosh through.

Walking the rimstone highway to visit Scott Massa over at the tripod.

Saying hello to Lechya in Kings Jewels Cave.

Hummm, looks like the top of this raging waterfall would be a nice place to get a drink. Especially if it gets me another photograph...

Little Dog negotiating some breakdown. Notice how he avoids the formations. He has been trained well.

Kristen was pointing out some bracing from mining operations dating from the US Civil War when Little Dog spotted his chance to get in the photo again.

Roy Powers was photographing this rather odd epitaph located in a saltpeter cave in TAG when Little Dog suddenly popped his up from behind a rock..."Suprise!" He is certainly not camera shy.

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