I collect my second lucky charm – a porcupine quill. We bump into a majestic leopard lazing under a small acacia tree and watch a large herd of elephants coaxing a tiny baby to cross a lagoon. We scour the same road and we push the boundaries of the adjacent concession, but no fresh tracks. Dejection.

We stop for a sun-downer – “we don’t have time”, says Steve, we’re on a mission. We grab our drinks and climb back on board. We drive up a small hill, under a few fallen branches and around a corner…“DOGS” I scream. ! For there, no further than 3 meters away, bellies full, panting with success are the wild dogs!

I wink at Steve, his smile broader than the width of the land-cruiser. I turn around, high five the new guest and say, “never ever argue with a wild dog fanatic!”

Finding wild dogs is un-predictable and can be very hard work. The Linyanti region has been my dog area for over 10 years and Selinda Reserve is one of the best places to see them.

For those with a sense of adventure, join me and Steve in November 2010 for a week of Wild Dogs.

WILD DOG FACT FILE:
•	Dogs have no fear and will swim across a lagoon or shallow channel in order to get from one area to another.
•	Tails are held up when at a kill as a sign of excitement or when they are feeding in the long grass.
•	Dogs will bounce when hunting enabling them to see over the long grass.
•	There is total order at a kill - dogs never push or shove with pups eating first.
•	June to October, the dry months, is considered the best for game viewing however wildlife is abundant all year round at Selinda.
•	Dogs follow a strict code of conduct i.e. after the Alpha female has given birth, only the Alpha male will be allowed at the entrance to her den. Any subordinate will be chased away.