Moondog Race for the Son

By Thomas Trock

In this second book of the Moondog series, Joseph and his companion Moondog travel to visit his uncle’s ranch in the Rockies, They use their tracking skills to discover local horse thieves and impress his uncle, who is working with a team of state and federal agents to stop a high-powered poaching operation. Soon Joseph and Moon need all their outdoor expertise as they attempt to rescue a disabled hiker lost in the mountains. Racing against a deadly storm and wildfire, and confronted by poachers and wolves, Joseph’s faith is challenged as he and Moon battle to survive in a heroic struggle of triumph over tragedy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Trock
• Release date: Jan 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9780997827132

Thomas Trock

Thomas Trock is a career biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service who brings a unique perspective to the outdoors. He enjoys hiking “where no man has gone before,” armed with a backpack, fly rod, and one of the goofiest dogs on the planet. When not captivated in the solitude of the mountains, he likes to visit nursing homes with Star the Wonderdog and serenade the residents with his acoustic guitar.Thomas has lived in Africa, and he and his beloved wife have worked with some remarkable people in several third-world countries. He describes himself as a simple man who has found a remarkable Truth.Some of his favorite movies are The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, The Chronicles of Narnia series, and Babe.Theodor Geisel is a favorite author, as Thomas claims Dr. Seuss is one of the few writers he can understand. Usually. Well – sometimes anyway.

Book preview

Chapter 2

On the fourth day of their journey, Joseph and family neared his uncle’s ranch. At last they saw the soft orange glow of lights from the house at the end of the dirt road. Joseph grinned as his uncle Gary emerged, the porch light casting a long shadow in front of him. Joseph’s mother had called him a string-bean of a man, with a keen sense of the wilderness and untiring work ethic.

Everyone exchanged greetings as Moon lifted his snoot and took in great quantities of the chilly air. Meanwhile Joseph stole a glance at the silhouette of the mountains against the star-filled sky.

After they unloaded the car and recapped the uneventful trip, Gary’s wife Becky ladled up some hot stew for her tired guests. This is the third year of low snowpack, Gary explained. Last year we got about sixty percent, this winter was less. If we get a dry summer, we’re gonna be in real trouble.

Are you running out of water? asked Joseph’s father.

We’re getting low, that’s for sure. I’ve been running the tanker out to some of the back pastures. Never had to do that this early. Our creek’s running strong, but it’s still as low as I can remember for this time of year. We typically get some rain this month, then the next couple are dry. A lot will depend on what happens the next few weeks.

Joseph looked at Moon lying at his feet. The golden dog studied his surroundings and scented the air. Although early summer, the chilly night warranted a small fire in the fireplace. Moon watched the flicker of yellow flames dance on the ceiling and walls, his eyelids growing heavy. He rested his head on Joseph’s feet and began to doze off.

We think we’ve got enough water for a while, anyway, continued Becky. Water may not be the biggest problem right now, at least not for us. But even if we don’t get some rain this month, we’ll probably still get the storms next month anyway.

I don’t understand, Joseph’s mother looked at Becky. What’s wrong if you get storms, won’t they bring the rain you need?

They can, and if we’re lucky, they do, stated Gary. But more times than not, they just bring lots of dry lightning. Last year there weren’t enough fire crews to go around. We almost... Gary paused and looked into the dark night. We almost lost this place last year. It was spooky, and I’m not ashamed to say we were both scared. But the wind changed, and the thing pretty much blew itself out. A couple of ridges over got cooked, but it never made it this far. By the looks of things, this year is shaping up to be even worse.

Gary looked at his guests. But that shouldn’t be a problem while you’re here. We’ve had enough snow to keep things green, at least around here. Tomorrow we’ll show you some fine country.

Joseph drank in the words, but four days in the car began taking its toll. A few moments after he made it to his bed upstairs, he fell fast asleep. Moondog curled up on the floor nearby and followed suit.

Chapter 3

The three-quarter moon shone into the valley where Gary sat on his porch. He made sure his breath in the cold air was concealed by the shade of the roof. At 1:00 a.m. the cougar appeared. Silent like a shadow, the big cat crept up the path separating Gary’s home from an open barn which held a mare and colt.

Most ranchers around him would have shot the cat long ago. But Gary was not like most ranchers. Although he would not tolerate a big cat, bear, wolves, or anything preying on his livestock, Gary tried to live with them as best he could. He’d been called crazy, and a few other things, for not joining the local predator roundups. But what seemed to escape folks was that Gary suffered far less loss of livestock than they.

Gary put the cross-hairs of his night scope on the big male cougar as it slunk along the path. If the cat entered the barn, it could have the colt down in seconds. The last thing Gary wanted was the sound of a rifle shot scaring the wits out of his guests their very first night. It had taken Gary a lot of talking to get his brother to leave his farm for a visit. Plus he’d heard his remarkable stories of young Joseph’s tracking skills. He wanted to see firsthand how Joseph would do around the ranch. Gary was sure his brother had exaggerated the abilities of Joseph and his Moondog, but it would be amusing to test them.

The mare shifted in the shadows. The cougar crouched and froze, staring into the barn. Gary rested his finger on the trigger. If the cat broke for the barn, he could not hesitate. Gary gave a short whistle. The big cat whipped his head around and stared into the shadow of the porch. I could have had you tonight, Gary whispered, but I’m letting you go. Don’t forget.

The cougar curled his lips, but no sound came. In an instant he darted into the black timber.

Chapter 4

Joseph dressed as the last stars began to fade, the sky growing pale outside his window. Moondog rose and stretched, his head low over his front feet, the plume of his golden tail swirling as he looked up at Joseph.

Picking up his jacket, Joseph tiptoed down the stairs and onto the porch as Moon padded next to him. From there they watched their first sunrise over the Rocky Mountains. Frost sparkled on the hand railing, and clouds turned from crimson to pale yellow over the valley. As birdsong began to fill the air, Joseph couldn’t stand it anymore. He stuck his head inside and spotted his uncle getting coffee.

Morning, Uncle Gary. Would it be alright if Moon and I walked around a bit? We’ll be back before everyone wakes up, and it looks like a perfect morning.

Gary jumped at the sound of Joseph’s voice. How long have you two been out there? I never heard you go out.

Came out here just before daylight. We had to see our first sunrise from outside. Moon’s already picked up a lot of scents, and I’m hoping we can do a little exploring before everyone gets up.

Ah, tell you what; just stick around where I can keep an eye on you, okay? Don’t go into the timber until I come out. You’ll have plenty of time to hike later on today.

Joseph hid his disappointment. Okay, Uncle Gary. We’ll stay close by. Joseph spun out the door before his uncle could respond. They jumped off the porch as Moon picked up a scent and stuck his nose to the ground. He pulled in a big breath of air. Then he puffed out his yellow cheeks so that he could refill his lungs with more scent.

Hafoof.

Jeepers, Moon. Not ten seconds out and you’ve already found something! Joseph knelt and examined the ground. The soil under the grass was compacted, so it took a little time to figure things out. He glanced up and down the lane, determining the most likely place where the cougar might have first entered the valley. Then he and Moon walked next to the path so as not to disturb any other tracks.

Joseph found where the cougar’s right front paw turned as it changed direction on the path. They backtracked further and found where the cougar hesitated and kneaded the ground with its front paws. Studying the open area before stepping out of the timber, thought Joseph.

Moon scented the ground where the cat had turned up the soil. Then he looked up at Joseph.

Good dog, Moon. Joseph sang out. This is great. You found us a big prize already, and we haven’t been out of the house five minutes!

Moon beamed at the praise, reared up, and ran a circle around his master.

Let’s see if we can find where the cat went out of the valley, Joseph ruffled Moon’s mane. They strode back to where Moon first picked up the scent, Joseph grinning as Moon pranced next to him. Joseph knelt and studied the trail the cat had taken to this point, trying to determine where the cougar went from there.

Chapter 5

Gary watched through the kitchen window with growing curiosity. He didn’t want to cause undue alarm about the cougar last night. But by the way Joseph acted, he might already know about the big cat. Surely Joseph couldn’t be interpreting the cougar’s tracks that well–in the dim morning light, and on a grass covered path? Gary watched them follow the cougar’s trail. Where the cat stopped and crouched, Joseph and Moon stopped as well.

What are you looking at? asked Becky as she entered the kitchen. The coffee smells good. Thanks for getting it started.

I don’t believe it. Come look at this.

Becky joined her husband at the window. What’s Joseph doing out there? Did he drop a contact lens or something?

I’m not sure, but... no, it couldn’t be. I don’t know. I’ll have to see what he says. Now when he comes in, don’t say anything about what I’ve just said, okay?

Becky squinted as she studied her husband. Then she yawned and headed to the coffee pot. Whatever you say, dear.

Gary watched Joseph give a hand signal to Moon. The golden dog trotted to where the cougar ran out of the valley and back into the timber. Gary was intrigued that Joseph said nothing during breakfast about his walk. He didn’t want to put any suggestions in Joseph’s mind. Gary himself would have had trouble picking up the cougar’s tracks on that path. Even if they did see something of the cougar, they probably just got lucky and stumbled upon things the first time out. But still...

Chapter 6

We’ll ride to some overlooks of our place, then down to the river, stated Gary after breakfast. We’ll be gone most of the day, over some rough country. Don’t you think Moon might start dragging and slow us down? And if he takes off somewhere, we might never find him.

Joseph’s stomach tightened. Not bring Moon! It would break his heart to see us ride away without him. He’s in great shape–we’ve been doing a lot of hiking at home. And he won’t leave my side, I’m sure of that. Joseph looked to his father.

I think Joseph is right, Gary. Moon and one of our horses chase each other around our pasture for what seems likes hours when Moon’s waiting for Joseph to come home from school. And I can’t remember when I’ve seen Joseph outside without him. I think if we leave Moon, he might dig a hole through your door to find us. Then we’d have real trouble.

Gary looked at Moon as he trotted close circles around Joseph, certain he’d go anywhere Joseph went. Well, you’re right about one thing, brother. His chances of surviving by himself are not good. You sure he won’t run after the first snowshoe rabbit we kick up?

No way, grinned Joseph. We’ve been through too much together. He won’t leave me. I’d bet my life on it.

Well, alright. But this isn’t a farm in the flatlands. We all need to stay together. If you think you can keep track of him, I guess he can go.

The five started out on horseback as the sun burned off the chill of the morning. Joseph rode second as Becky led the way. Moondog stayed in line behind Joseph. Gary kept track of everyone from behind.

The bubbling sound of the creek and smell of damp earth churned up by the horses permeated the air as Becky led them into the dark timber. Joseph observed several signs he wanted to get a closer look at, but no one else noticed except Moon. When Becky began to lead the group away from the creek and up the mountainside, Joseph asked her to stop for a moment.

Joseph saw Gary gesture impatiently to his wife, who nodded toward Joseph and shrugged her shoulders.

Moon, Joseph instructed. Water. Get some water, Moon.

Moon trotted to the creek. He lapped up a long drink, all the while keeping his eyes on his master. When finished, he loped back to Joseph.

Sometimes he gets so focused being with me, he’ll cross over a stream and not stop to drink unless I tell him, Joseph explained. If I don’t stop, he won’t either. He’s fine now. We can keep going.

Becky wore a slight smile as she turned her horse up the trail. Joseph thought the first ridgeline would be the top of the mountain. But as they reached it, he saw at least three more valleys and ridges between them and the highest peaks. And now he couldn’t be sure if what he saw in the distance was indeed the top, or if it hid another, higher mountain beyond.

Below and toward the west is some good pastureland where we graze most of our stock, Gary pointed out. South is White River, where there are lots of canyons and dry mountainsides. People kayak there during spring runoff. Some world-class rapids on that river.

What about those mountains? They look huge, asked Joseph.

They turned their attention to towering mountaintops cutting jagged edges into the blue sky. Those are near the North Fork of Granite River, replied Gary. It has one of the biggest waterfalls in the country I’m told. Some of the steepest and wildest country in the lower forty-eight. Grizzlies and black bear, cougar, wolves, wolverine–the whole nine yards. No houses, no industry, just millions of acres of wilderness. Only a few primitive roads, and those aren’t passable but for a few months a year. Some great trout fishing, if you can get to it. Not many go up there to try.

What are those strange mushroom clouds off in the distance? asked Joseph’s mother.

With the low snowpack, they’re already in high fire danger not far from here. That’s actually smoke you’re seeing. In fact, all our local fire crews are out. That’s unusual for this time of year. We’re hoping nothing around here torches off while our crews and equipment are out of the region.

They traveled until they came to a locked gate. Gary rode the fence line while everyone else watered their horses. The water supply for the trough came from a pipe emerging from the ground. Joseph noticed it ran to where the fence cut off the horses from the creek. He asked Becky about the setup as Moon squirmed under the fence to fill up on the icy water.

Oh, that’s one of Gary’s inventions, replied Becky. Some people let their stock run free on the streams, but they can destroy the banks and cause erosion. That hurts the fish and water quality. The spawning gravel silts over, and the water temperature goes up since the shade is gone. It’s a mess. So Gary figured out how to bring water to the stock but keep them out of the stream. All gravity flow. A couple other ranchers have tried it too. Gary’s always coming up with things like that.

As everyone stretched their legs, Joseph stepped on the bottom strand of fence and lifted the next for his companion to squirm back through. He ruffled Moon’s ears as the big dog wagged his tail and grinned up at Joseph, cold water dripping off his snoot.

I never even heard you get up this morning, stated Becky. What were you looking at in the yard before the rest of us got up?

Oh, just some tracks, responded Joseph, well aware that his folks were listening. Moon’s real good at finding treasures, and he came across some interesting tracks I’d never seen. Plus we got to do some hiking around your valley. How long have you lived here?

A lot longer than you’ve been alive, kidded Becky. Seems like a couple of lifetimes, with all we’ve dealt with over the years. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Just then Gary rode up with a dour look. Black mare’s gone, and so is the colt. Been around the enclosure, and they’re not here, Gary watered his horse, the rest of the group looking on in silence. Same as last time. No trace of them.

Did you look in the downfall? asked Becky quietly. Maybe a bear or cat got to them in the downed timber.

Gary shook his head. I’ll look closer when I have a walk around.

Is your fence down somewhere? asked Joseph’s father. Maybe a downed tree where they could have gotten out?

I rode most of it. All five strands are up, came Gary’s clipped response. The mare might have jumped it, if she had to. But not the colt. And the mare had no reason to, and leave her colt behind. Last year we lost a good horse up here. It’s far too expensive to airlift a horse with a helicopter. They’d have to drug the horse to get near it. Too much trouble for what my horses are worth. I traced the fence line and didn’t find a clue last time. I’m pretty sure I’ll find the same cursed thing now. Gary took a deep breath. We won’t get to see everything today. I need to get back and call the sheriff. You folks eat your lunch, I want to walk the fence.

We’d like to look too, if it’s okay, said Joseph. Moon’s real good at pointing signs out to me that I’d never see on my own.

Suit yourself, shrugged Gary.

Joseph’s parents and Becky sat on a log in the warm sunshine as they opened their lunches. Gary began a long trek around toward the right.

Joseph and Moon crossed the fence and walked in the opposite direction. The stream soon flowed within a few feet before it curled away into a vast stretch of timber. Joseph studied the wire and ground.

Hafoof. Moon pressed his snoot to the soil. Joseph knelt and put his face inches from the earth as Moon sat back and stared at his master.

Good dog, Moon. Moon’s thick tail swept the grass behind him.

Good dog, beamed Joseph. He found seven grains of oats and popped one into his mouth. He tossed a couple more to Moon. The big dog crunched them up as he grinned at Joseph.

Joseph studied the ground and fence line again. He then called for Moon to jump with him across the stream. Just as Joseph suspected, they found no other tracks there. They walked upstream, surveying the banks until reaching where the water tumbled down the steep mountainside.

~

All the while Joseph and Moon searched a few yards from where they started, Gary took great strides in the opposite direction. He was long out of sight by the time Joseph and Moon jumped the stream. Becky watched without amusement. She knew they could ill afford to lose their stock. She also knew this could set her husband off. What had started out as a good day was deteriorating in a hurry.

Looks like Joseph isn’t getting very far. I was hoping your son could help us out in a situation like this, considering all the stories you’ve told us about him and that dog. But it looks like Gary is going to have to walk the entire fence line himself.

Joseph’s father looked at his wife with raised eyebrows. I don’t know who will find what, but let’s hope they find something to help. I think I’ll give Joseph a hand.

Joseph’s mother smiled at Becky but said nothing.

~

As Joseph’s father crossed the fence, he turned his hands palms up.

Joseph grinned as he leapt back over the stream. This time Moon opted to wade as he appeared to enjoy the ice-cold stream on his warm pads and belly. I think we’ve figured out where someone let the horses out. As to where they took them, I don’t know yet. But I’m pretty sure they didn’t go that way. Joseph waved his hand upstream.

Joseph’s father nodded. I have complete confidence in you, son. I’ll find Gary. Don’t say anything about what you’ve found until I get back.

Joseph and Moon walked back to the women as his father rode off, Gary’s horse in tow. Before either said anything, Joseph asked Becky a question. Which way is the nearest road?

Becky looked at Joseph. I’m hoping you’re not wanting to go back to the house already. Then she waved her arm. "It’s down that way, toward the river. But it’s a long ways."

And how long does this stream stay on this flat ground before it drops off to another steep place like up above us here? inquired Joseph.

Becky narrowed her eyes and studied Joseph. What?

Joseph repeated his question.

Becky looked toward the steep mountain behind them, then downstream into the timber. I don’t know, maybe a couple hundred yards. Then it drops off again, I think. It’s been a long time since I’ve been down that way. Why do you want to know that?

Joseph remembered his father’s request. Well, I’ll show you soon. That way I think you’ll understand better than if I told you. But just two more questions. This looks like a fairly new fence. Have you ever had reason to take it down and put it back up?

Becky looked at Joseph. No.

Have the colt and mare ever been trailered before?

A trailer? What! Do you think someone drove up here in a trailer? Becky laughed out loud. This is too much. You can’t get a vehicle anywhere near here, let alone a trailer.

Joseph smiled at Moon, who wagged his tail and grinned back. I understand that. But have either been in a trailer before?

Oh, let me think. The mare has but the colt hasn’t. And the mare didn’t like it the few times she was.

That’s great, replied Joseph. That may help us out.

Becky looked at Joseph’s mother, then stared straight ahead and smiled. Ohhhhh-kay. Whatever you say. She took a long drink from her water bottle.

Joseph’s father and Gary rode up. Gary just shook his head. Nothing. And I covered all the likely areas where the horses might have gotten out.

Joseph’s father nodded to his son.

I’ll show you what we’ve found. We all need to cross the fence, and I’ll show you where to watch your step so as not to mess up any signs.

This I’ve got to see, muttered Becky.

Joseph led the way as everyone but Moon went over the fence. Joseph held the wire as Moon wormed his way through.

Would it mess anything up if I jumped across the stream to the other side? asked Joseph’s father.

Ah, well, all the evidence is on this side of the stream. There’s nothing over there to help us.

That’s okay. I just want to watch, he said as he leapt across. Moon waded and climbed out of the creek. He shook, spraying cold water all around. Joseph’s father smiled as he patted Moon’s golden head.

Joseph pointed to the clips holding the strands of barbed wire on the metal posts. See these? They’ve been opened and closed more than once. You can tell not only by their feel, but by the fresh metal marks from fencing pliers. Someone opened them for several posts in a row, beginning with this one. But only the clips holding the top three strands of wire, not the bottom two. Keep that in mind.

Gary looked at a fencepost. Hmm. Maybe.

Joseph took a step, the stream crowding him toward the fence. Gary followed, leaving room for Becky to study the wire clips. She squinted her eyes and felt each of the five clips.

Joseph’s father moved further ahead on the other side of the stream. Joseph’s mother followed at the end of the group. She found things just as her son explained.

Now be careful where you step, instructed Joseph. See this right here? What does that look like to you?

Gary squatted and studied the pattern in the damp soil next to the stream. Well, it looks like a line, a straight line. A few inches long.

Do you know of anything out here that can leave a single, straight line print like that? asked Joseph.

Um. No. Not right off hand.

Now look over here, Joseph pointed at the ground a few feet away. What do you see?"

Gary squinted. Not much.

See this mark? If you look close, you’ll be able to make out a second straight line. Do you see it?

Gary got down on all fours. I guess I could imagine one. What is it?

Well, look how far apart they are. They run parallel to each other. And see how compressed the soil is? Joseph pointed to the first line. There’s been a lot of weight right here. It’s so compacted I can’t make a mark even if I press all my weight on it. And see how soft the rest of the soil is in the depressions around it?

Becky leaned so far over the back of her husband that she almost tipped over.

And look here, said Joseph, as he pointed to two partial tracks. See this cut edge. It’s not long, but I believe it’s the inside heel and partial tread of a boot print. And see this mark here? Another boot mark.

Gary studied but shook his head.

They really are hard to see, stated Joseph. This may help. Joseph pulled out a small, flat, metal vial of talcum powder he often carried. He dusted a little on both tracks. The contrast of the outline jumped out at them.

Well I’ll be...stated Gary. "I never would have seen that. But look at that tread. That’s not a cowboy boot. And it’s