So we're walking on the fire road this morning and Maisie's all about the ball and Jake's all about being dignified and the sun is rising and you can hear the ruffle of surf and a sweet breeze drifts down the canyon when suddenly, there he is, the young coyote.

I see him and the dogs don't. Small miracle. I make them sit, grab my camera and get two quick shots. The coyote just watches.

Then he ambles away and the breeze brings news of his passage to Maisie, who moans like a crazed teenager about to throw her panties at one of the Jonas Brothers, then races after him in futile, fan girl pursuit.