Dead Man's Walk With a Collie

I rode a longhorn steer clear across Texas this summer and no one noticed until I rode into New Mexico."That is strange, senor" A vaquero said standing beside the road. "Don't people here ride cows?" I asked innocently but amused. "Oh, yes, we ride cows, but not on Sunday, senor."Taken aback somewhat by his insolence I continued my search for water - having been dry for a good portion of this journey. I found an old man at a water hole with a collie dog and a Mustang stallion. He approached with a serious look saying "I will trade you this fine Mustang for that longhorn. Then you can ride what should be ridden And I can eat what should be eaten." Surprised by his logic I agreed if he would throw in the collie as part of the trade.I took the horse and collie And the town barbecued my longhorn that night. I was glad I had never given that steer a name. As I was leaving town, a strange man spoke. "You are entering Jornado Del Muerte..Dead Man's Walk. Along this trail are those who will eat your dog. They will also eat you and take your horse. It is too late to return to Texas. You are a dead man and this is your last walk."I travel that path without fear for some strange reason.Will the dog be first to go or do I taste better than he? 10/16/2016 For contest Give Me Your Best James Tate