Beware:

when trampling through Autumnal Forests of the Con Dog.

He comes traipsing up - all brown eyes, wagging tail, and full of doggy good will ... and you think he's being friendly and adorable.

But, really, it's all a ploy- he's just after your specially selected stick, (the one you were delighted to find and were using to assist walking up the slippery slopes, uncover conkers and chestnuts from below fallen leaves, and ward off attacks from small & large 'highway' men that lurk behind trees and randomly pounce as you walk past...)

With your stick now in his jaws - all pretense of friendliness will cease - and he will dart off into the distance - and his human companion's mumbled apologies will be meaningless when you fail to find another stick of appropriate length and weight to aide you in your continued journey...