In the past, at this time of year in the forest we have on occasion come across the sad sight of a dead little dynamo. We can only imagine that these tiny creatures whose energy output is so stupendous -- that they must consume so much more than their actual weight of nutrients daily to remain alive -- simply by the time autumn arrives, risk outrunning their destiny.

This year we've come across no fewer than three of these minuscule corpses, each of them lying directly on the trail we tread on throughout the forest. How many, then, expire from exhaustion and life-ending lack of nutrients in the forest as a whole, we wonder?

I love my husband for so many traits inherent to his personality too numerous to readily spring to mind, but one in particular moves me when I witness his tender regard for these and all creatures.
He carefully places a leaf around the dead animal, lifting it gently to move it away from the trail and give to it the dignity of a place on the forest floor among the trees, cushioned by the generosity of leaf mould there, where it has spent its busy life.

He does this kind of thing routinely whenever we come across a live animal, be it a caterpillar or a toad in danger of being stepped upon. It is a ritual of respect for the other animals placed on this earth beside us, a solemn and heart-rending recognition that I so value in him. Including his 'rescue' of insects that make their way on occasion into our house, placing them back in the out-of-doors.

Earlier today during our ravine walk with our two little dogs we came across a juvenile garter snake, half in and half out of the sun, lying on the trail. I'd have stepped on its fragile yet muscular body hadn't my husband held me back, for I had not seen it, while he had. The little snake had no intention of moving. Despite our close presence it took no alarm, signalling its inexperience. Most such reptiles make haste to move swiftly away at the presence of others.

Our two little dogs hadn't even noticed its presence. They never seem to notice snakes, though they are extremely reactive to squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and the presence of other dogs. We left it in peace, to enjoy its brief exposure to the sun after cool overnight temperatures.