At last dawn came, slowly transforming the darkness around me into the familiar landscape of my backyard. Soon, the sun was peeking over the eastern hills, glowing bright yellow through the morning fog hanging low in the valley. As the tin roofs of the nearby barns reflected brightly in the early light, I knew it was going to be a great day. “Come on, Shorty,” I said, as I punched the large lump lying beside me. “The sun’...