The bitches had both weaned their pups and got in on a few good training sessions toward the end of July. By early August we decided it was time that Gringa and Ande join Zulu in the hunts. During this time of the year, because of the hot Texas weather, we normally hunt after the sun goes down. However, we are occasionally blessed with the cooling effects of a rainy day. That was the case the day some of these photos were taken. It had been overcast and raining off and on most of the day. Out of the blue, my Cousin Cheri's husband, Troy called me and said that a couple of good size hogs crossed the road coming onto his ranch. That was our cue. I called my Uncle Ken and hurried home to get the dogs. We loaded up the ladies and Zulu of course and headed out. All the way there we contemplated about which Dogo would be the first one to the hogs. We all knew that it didn't really matter, but It was like a mini-trial amongst the dogs.
We arrived at my Cousin's hill country ranch northwest of San Antonio about an hour before dark. The rain had stopped and the sun was starting to emerge from the passing storm. The temperature was unusually cool for August and the dogs were getting frisky. We talked momentarily with Troy about the area the hogs came in and where they might be. After a brief discussion we turned the dogs out and headed in the direction of the crossing.
The ground was still damp and there was a light breeze blowing. Zulu led the way down a trail towards the bottom of the hill. About two hundred yards down the trail the dogs winded the hogs and cut into the brush. Instantly there came a loud bark, then another, soon all three Dogos were in on the race. Evidently they surprised the hogs, because it was a short lived race, and the bay was even shorter. Just as I moved into the brush the trio caught the hog. I reached for my camera and snapped a quick shot through the trees. Suddenly the action moved out into a little clearing. Ken and I maneuvered around the cedars into the opening where the fight was taking place while Troy and Lee came in from the opposite side. All three Dogos had the hog under control so I snapped off a few more photos. With Ande and Gringa on one side and Zulu on top with his patented "head-lock" the fight lasted only a few moments. Ken and Lee threw the hog while Troy and I leashed the dogs. The Dogos escaped without injury, with the exception of Ande receiving a tiny cut under her chin. I'd have to say they passed their first test with flying colors.
