greggun,<P>I am in a similar situation due to a recent back injury that is leaving me in less than perfect shape with the posibility of heavy packs compounding my problem. I am currently deciding between 3 different breeds of dogs that will carry packs up to around 50 pounds; Newfie, Great Pyranees and Mastiff.


Walk softly and carry a big stick. Prefferably one that shoots big bullets.