Hillside walk with the K Gang

As always, we Khalaps are working hard to keep the canine bosses entertained and busy.

Last weekend we all went to one of Kiran's regular bouldering sites, on the outskirts of Navi Mumbai. Aren't we lucky to have the beautiful Sahyadri range right next to the city?!

We've been to this spot a couple of times before. It's a very pleasant sun-dappled walk up a wooded hill to the boulders, and there are very few free-ranging dogs on the route: an important consideration for us, given Kiba's hostility to dogs in general.

The lovely forested hillside is gradually being encroached on by local builders. Large patches of woodland have been cleared, and at least ten temples have mushroomed up in the last few years. Building a temple is a well-established first step in land-grabbing. 

The bouldering site has been left undisturbed, at least for now.

Scroll down to see our photos of the K Gang among the rocks and trees! And if you're new here and would like to see more K Gang outing photos, check these posts:

The K Gang trek to Subedar Falls
Kiba and Kimaya go rock-climbing
The K Gang trek to Sunset Point
Running from Diwali
The K Gang at sea
The K Gang with friends and acquaintances
Rowdy had to be taught a lesson
Montagues and Capulets
Kimaya has a mood swing, or two

NOTE: Want to take your dog/s trekking? Here are some things to remember - because the top priority must be to keep your dogs safe.

• If you are not a regular trekker, it's best to get an experienced trekker to accompany you
• Make sure to carry at least 2 litres of cool water (thermal bottles are nice), and a bowl; or a dog water bottle
• Some basic medication in case of cuts and scratches, and a vet-recommended anti-histamine just in case of bad insect bites or stings
• Avoid forested areas with possible leopard presence
• Get a local guide if necessary; getting lost will not be fun
• Let your dog rest if s/he wants to - never force her/him to walk if he needs a break
• Avoid trekking in hot weather
• DO NOT LET YOUR DOGS OFF LEASH
• Stick to the path and don't let your dog/s go deep into long grass; there may be snakes
• Don't let your dog climb on to heaps of leaves; again those are often hiding places for snakes
• Feed your dogs one or two hours before leaving your home. Avoid feeding them during the trek or during any other strenuous exercise. If it's a long trek, let your dog rest for at least an hour before and after the meal.

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Navi Mumbai
Western Ghats
Maharashtra

Sophie at four

Every year I get an update about beautiful Indy princess Sophie. 

I'm late posting this one - her human sent it nearly two months ago (so sorry for the delay, Sophie and Sophie's human!) 

For those who haven't met her before, here are her earlier stories:

Sophie
Sophie's choice
Sophie at three

As you can see, she's as pretty as ever!




















































'Yes, Sophie the little Goa Indy is four years old now,' writes her human.

'And not so little any more...

She celebrated her fourth birthday in September with some delicious red velvet cupcakes, her absolute favourite.

And I thought to send across some pictures of her doing her usual things with her  human and animal friends. For those who are following her story.

So here are some more pics of her, at her South Goa residence, with her friend and elder sister Annie, our nine-year old white rescue cat, and two of the neighbourhood indies, Brownie and the grey-buff girl Piquen, which means "small one" in Portuguese.

Enjoy the photos!'

Waiting for family

Morning sunbath with Annie

Chilling on a Sunday afternoon with Annie

With Brownie and Piquen

Text and photos: David
Goa

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